Transportation management systems (TMSs) can fuel supply chain optimization with actionable insights that enable businesses to make data-driven decisions.
That may read like a no-brainer to Millennials or Gen Z kids now in the workforce. Most have never worked without technological assistance. But in the supply chain, the level of technological guidance provided by TMSs varies widely. The most powerful TMSs give a command center-type overview that facilitates decision-making and enables users to achieve the highest level of supply chain optimization possible today.
“Data-driven decision-making has revolutionized how companies do business — allowing them to make decisions faster, cheaper, and with greater accuracy,” ThoughtSpot said.
The results can include improved customer service, increased profits, fewer business missteps, and reduced customer churn.
“By leveraging data to inform decisions, businesses can better understand their customers’ needs and preferences, anticipate changes in the market and develop strategies that will lead to long-term success,” ThoughtSpot said.
ThoughtSpot is referring to all types of businesses, but data-driven decision-making is particularly important for supply chain stakeholders who need to take action fast.
“As data volumes continue to skyrocket and customers demand personalization at every turn, data-driven decision-making has gone from optional to essential,” ThoughtSpot said. “In today’s digital world, companies have access to more information than ever before, which they can use to make better decisions and gain competitive advantages.”
In the supply chain, companies can make better decisions and gain competitive advantages by employing a modern TMS that puts essential data front and center and easily enables actionable insights.
A valuable TMS provides real-time visibility into individual shipments as well as overall logistics operations. Among the benefits of real-time visibility and tracking are improved coordination, fewer misunderstandings, and rapid response to unexpected occurrences.
Other benefits of supply chain visibility, according to TechTarget, include measurable key performance indicators (KPIs), a competitive advantage, and improved forecasting.
The most efficient TMS provides insights into transportation costs, carrier performance, and operational efficiency. It also automates routine processes and facilitates the sharing of data between shippers and carriers.
Gartner said that in order “to make better supply chain analytics management and organizational decisions, supply chain leaders responsible for data analytics strategy and adoption should … invest in the supply chain technologies and digital transformation that support real-time data analytics.”
Predictive analytics, powered by TMS data, can anticipate potential disruptions, optimize routes, and improve overall performance. The benefits of employing predictive analytics include aligned strategies, optimized operations, and improved performance.
“The use of predictive analytics in supply chain management can greatly improve decision-making and operational efficiency within organizations,” ResearchGate said.
According to a ResearchGate paper, predictive analytics in supply chain management leads to improved decision-making, increased efficiency, better forecasting, and effective risk management, “used to identify and assess potential supply chain risks, such as supplier disruptions, and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.”
Owlery has created a connective tissue between disparate systems to optimize the supply chain holistically, rather than through a single element. With Owlery, users can have a command center-type overview to create a synchronized supply chain.
Our TMS software seamlessly integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft D365, Sage, Katana, Wherefour, Fishbowl, and Cin7; warehousing providers including Flexe, Radial, Lineage, and Americold; and freight brokers such as C.H. Robinson, Uber Freight, Coyote, and Priority1.
We enable supply chain professionals to utilize data for such tasks as in-depth reporting and analysis and the monitoring of market rates on freight lanes. Owlery also optimizes the auditing of freight bills, centralization of bills of lading and receipts, and the collection of real-time tracking data.
The rationale for dad decisions generations of kids have heard – “because I said so” – no longer suffices today. You’ve got to have the data to back up your decisions – and facilitate your decision-making. Owlery does just that. We provide companies with the tools to optimize their supply chains – and achieve real-time visibility, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency through data-driven decision-making.
At Owlery, we have achieved supply chain optimization with an end-to-end logistics-to-transportation platform that integrates and automates all aspects of supply chain management, offering an unprecedented level of visibility and control.
