There are numerous opportunities presenting themselves as big data makes a sizeable impact on the logistics industry. In this day and age, it is essential that enterprises take into account the way big data is both reshaping and revolutionizing supply chain operations.
According to Google, big data is defined as extremely large data sets that may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, especially relating to human behavior and interactions. Now that we can grasp the meaning of big data, how is it relevant to logistics and what challenges does it pose for the industry at large?
Word around town is that if companies want to survive in a highly competitive market, analyzing big data is the key to their preservation. Embracing big data allows companies to gain deep insights into past, current, and future supply chain trends and predictions. From detailed warehouse storage capacity to customer behavior, tracking goods and asset management, big data is a worthwhile pursuit for any logistics enterprise keen to stay afloat in the age of information.
Undoubtedly, big data is making a positive impact on the way logistics companies perform, however, it isn’t all smooth sailing for supply chain businesses as it forces operators to train staff to use new technology in a typically ‘digitally-adverse’ industry. Many operators still use ‘paper’ processes, viewing technological advancements as uncertain and threatening to both security and privacy, a hurdle tech companies are determined to overcome.
Youredi clearly outlines how the logistics industry faces difficulties when looking to integrate big data into its daily operations:
“While big data is an opportunity, it states challenges for the logistics industry. First of all, the industry needs to overcome its legacy mentalities, like manual paper-based processes, lack of collaboration and lack of visibility into operations, as well as they need to find ways to overcome the roadblocks of legacy technologies (without changing them entirely).”
A study, Research on the Impact of Big Data on Logistics supplied by Zhengzhou University indicates that as we advance into the future with the development of ‘cloud’ and ‘mobile terminal logistics’ effective data technology will play an important role in the running and functioning of supply chain enterprises.
“Proper, efficient application of big data technology will play a positive role for logistics enterprises in terms of management and decision-making, customer relationship maintenance and resource allocation”
The question remains, as more and more logistics companies embrace new logistics technology will those who stick to out-dated, risk-averse traditions get left behind?
CartonCloud is one tech company eager to support logistics enterprises ready to embrace the future. Cartoncloud is a cloud-based application designed to assist small to medium-sized companies with the effects of big data. CartonCloud gives operators valuable feedback and a paperless system that configures key supply chain data and streamlines processes reducing unwanted overheads.
In conclusion, it’s evident that tradition has its place, in some industries, but perhaps not in the new world of logistics where technology is driving innovation and advancement. It’s clear that operations need to be modernized in order for operators to save money, stay ahead and support their staff and customers in an ever-evolving world.
