Business Intelligence: How it Enhances Logistics

With the amount of data generated everyday growing by the second quite literally, it is understandable that the world was quick to find the appropriate means to make use of this data. The evolution of data has, of course, provided the world with plenty of such tools, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, etc. Among these tools, business intelligence has proven to be an incredibly valuable tool and across all industries. It holds for the logistics sector, too; in fact, business intelligence presents an intriguing scope for application in this industry owing to its inherently complex nature.

And then there’s the evolution of technology as well ” you didn’t think that wouldn’t impact logistics, did you? The point is that the industry is faced with many challenges. These kinds can be quickly resolved with the expertise that business analytics brings to the table. How? Well, by empowering transport and logistics companies with previously undiscovered insights for every single aspect of operations. It does so by processing and analyzing the gold mine of data that logistics companies typically sit upon. For example, with business intelligence, logistics companies can obtain detailed insights into the loading and unloading times per driver, which can then help improve efficiency and accelerate delivery timelines. Now, let’s look at some of the other essential benefits business intelligence empowers logistics with.

• Optimize fuel costs: One of the biggest costs logistics companies incur is fuel costs. Optimizing fuel costs is a significant concern for any such business since it directly impacts their bottom line. Business intelligence helps to challenge this challenge, empowering companies with insights about the most efficient routes, among other things. Furthermore, it also helps tap into real-time data gleaned from sensors onboard vehicles in the fleet to help make any adjustments in real-time too, if the need so arises, of course.
• Better route planning: BI tools account for every relevant factor, such as products being transported, vehicles, maintenance status of cars, possible routes, regulations, etc. to recommend the most efficient routes for the job. Additionally, it also helps companies accommodate changes on short-term notice as well.
• Improved efficiency: With the massive fleets logistics companies run and handle, you’d think ensuring even a moderate degree of efficiency would be near impossible. But that’s quickly done with BI tools, which leverage data gathered from in-vehicle cameras, sensors, location tracking technology and more. To help monitor the fleet and drivers. It also helps identify any opportunities for improvement, aid driver retention, etc.

Dealing with mammoth fleets may have seemed like a nearly impossible task in the past. But today, logistics companies have a plethora of tools and resources to rely on, including mobile apps, business intelligence tools, and so much more. The only thing one needs, then, is the assistance of an expert BI solution provider who can help you build the tools you need to take your business to the next level.