The Power of Data

Supply chains are beginning to find their footing and developing long-term, accessible data solutions that provide year-over-year analytics. The increase in TMS usage as a direct shipper tool has begun to drive the use of business intelligence tools to house a shipper’s data. Cloud-based TMS solutions may only support a limited data pull resulting in shippers and logistics service providers looking for options that provide a historical view of their supply chain on a year-over-year basis.

Factors Involved in Data Warehouse Development

Five key drivers for data warehouse development are:

1. Increased data quality and consistency
2. Historical intelligence
3. Accessibility to enhanced business intelligence
4. Time saver to quickly access information to rapidly make informed decisions
5. Growth with process efficiency and visibility.

The key driver of data usage is data normalization. This occurs within the TMS using synchronized data points between the shipper’s ERP and the TMS. Regardless if a shipper has multiple ERPs deployed, a TMS can normalize the data to provide a single definition of measurement for logistic teams. This view can illustrate cost and performance metrics that can be defined across a shipper’s locations, business units or divisions creating one seamless view of the supply chain.

There are a host of external enterprise data warehouse solutions, however, we find that internal IT teams can certainly build a data warehouse that fits within your existing systems and processes. Once data mapping and data extracts are integrated a Business Intelligence (BI) Tool is often used to define the data in formats useful to the logistics team. BI software enables the logistics team to collate, analyze and view the data. There are a number of BI tools for small, medium enterprises and large corporations that deliver supply chain visibility. For further information on ways to weaponize your supply chain with a BI Tool please reach out to your account manager.

Contact Rockfarm Today for Data Analytics Support

To learn the latest information in supply chain and data analytics news, or to get started with our transportation management services, contact Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions today via our online form, or give us a call at 815.573.0155.

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By Brad Stewart

Co-Founder, CCO

Brad’s journey into logistics began as a Marine Officer and transitioned from the LTL docks to the non-asset side within the logistics service provider arena.  As a co-founder of Rockfarm, Brad drives our business development efforts and delivery of our promise. An Arizona native, Brad enjoys spending time outdoors in his home state with his wife and family.

“Our approach to the market allowed us an opportunity to push forward in 2008 and enable our mission, “lower the cost to serve” to stand as a cornerstone to our company today.”

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