How To Leverage Big Data To Improve Freight Tracking System Decision-Making?

  • May 15, 2023
  • | 50
It is seen that logistics analytics boils down to leveraging the technology that is available such that operational efficiency is improved. In the current time, the latest technology that is being used by a number of logistics professionals is big data. They are perhaps using it such that they can stay ahead of their competition. So, in this article, we would throw light on how big data can be used to improve the decision making of the freight tracking system.

How logistics data can be used to boost the transportation efficiency?

  • Routing and Freight Movement

Companies that are into transportation industry should explore out new ways such that logistics is optimized. In this way, a lot of money would be saved and chances of late shipment would be reduced as well. Also, there should be a balance among how the resources are used in certain processes. For instance, if a lot of time or vehicles are being used on a particular route which indicates a lot of extra money is being spent that could have been used elsewhere. Besides this, if less time or less number of vehicles is being used, then it can cause late shipments. Thus, relationship can be damaged and public image of the company would be tarnished as well. Another challenge that you might have to face is that various variables can change at any given point of time. Some of these includes:-
  • Change in the fuel cost
  • Construction or closures of roads and highways on the delivery routes
  • Fleet size fluctuating based on various needs
  • Weather conditions that can be unpredictable and cause problem in the safe transportation
Thus, all of these data need to be computed manually and have a person who can find the best way to calculate deliveries and shipments based on the logistics data. For instance, through GPS data you can easily get update about traffic on a certain route. So, if the logistics system is put into the place, then driver routes can easily be optimized for road closure or accident.
  • Last Mile Optimization

Optimization can be done by the companies for the entire shipment process which includes last mile as well. You should understand that last mile can account for up to 28% of the transportation cost. Some of the reasons behind this include:-
  • Parking

Finding a parking spot which is nearby can turn out to be very difficult. Drivers need to park at a certain point and from there they need to walk to the address of the delivery. These include climbing the elevator or taking multiple stairs.
  • Fail in Delivery

There can be instance when signature would be needed for an item. Further, if the delivery is not answered by the recipient, then delivery is not made.
  • Damage due to accident

During the last mile delivery, there is a probability that delivery personnel can cause damage to the item. In the case of last mile, the process can become quite a mystery. Most of the tracking tends to stop at this following point. Hence, a gap in terms of tracking information is left between the final destination and the center for distribution. So, in order to fill this gap, transportation data is needed such that the process can be optimized. A freight tracking system makes use of data sources of low-cost such as scanners, trackers as well as sensors. In this way, complete delivery process is covered which includes last mile as well. One of the best examples for the same is freight tracking technology. Also, a delivery truck that comes alongside with GPS Tracker can provide you with relevant information about itself in the delivery process. Hence, seamless tracking can be done for the same until it reaches out to the final destination. This ensures that no blank spots are present in the process through the complete process of transportation. Hence, a lot of opportunists are given such that patterns are identified and transportation efficiency is improved.
  • Mitigating And Predicting The Problems

One of the common problems that you may have to face is the transparency that is being offered on different supply chain stages. For instance, if the supplier of the material doesn?t understand that the cargo ships are delayed, then the customers would be informed at a later stage. Thus, it can have a bad impact on the supply chain leading to a lot of confusion. Further, chaos can be created in the industries as fast turnaround time is required. Supply chain visibility & analytics makes use of various data such that the communication between various supply chain links can be easily facilitated. For instance, a machine learning system would make use of weather and GPS data to come to a conclusion that weather system in a particular area can be the reason behind the shipment delay. After this, each party that is associated can take proper action such that the impact of the delay can be minimized. Moreover, the sensors which are placed on ships, trucks and planes can also assist in diagnosing the delay. If we talk about transportation service, then vehicle is considered the heart of it. Further, it is susceptible to sudden breakdown which in all likelihood would need repair. Therefore, if a fleet tracking sensor is put into place, then various variables can be tracked which includes how fast the vehicle is moving, how long it is sitting idle, how long it is running. So, the data about the health of the equipment and engines can be quite valuable for the managers in the case of failures. It can also come in handy to schedule the maintenance and perhaps make it more precise. Hence, due to this predictive approach, safety can be enhanced and fleet cost can be cut down by preventing the failures as well as the downtime which was not planned.
  • Fuel Consumption Is Reduced And Safety Is Increased

In the logistics industry, fuel consumption is one of the major expenses that are endured. Moreover, based on the route that is selected, it can have a major impact on how the business is done. The data regarding transportation provides the insights that can be used by the manager for a number of cases. For instance, measuring the efficiency of the fuel as well as coming up with policies such that less fuel is used. Besides this, fleet tracking software and sensors provide important information regarding:-
  • Certain Routes

With the help of GPS tracking, you can get to know the routes which are short. Besides this, you can also track the drivers in the event that they take the route which is not efficient.
  • Habit of Driving

If hard acceleration, brakes applied rapidly or speeding is done, then fuel efficiency can be reduced a lot in bumper to bumper traffic and highway.
  • Idling

Idling can cause a big strain on the fuel and at the same time cause a lot of engine wear and tear. Therefore, if the vehicle is equipped with sensors, then drivers can be held accountable for the same. Further, in this manner better driving habits can be promoted. Thus, at the last we can say that if the data is used in the right manner, then you can cut down on the fuel cost.
  • Customer Service Is Improved

The data that is needed for transportation plays a very crucial role in optimization as well as customer service. Companies can reduce the cost significantly and in the process boost the efficiencies. So, it is important that data is used in the right way such that best in class experience can be provided to the customer. Customers in the current time expect that there is complete transparency when it comes to the shipping process. Moreover, customers can switch instantly if other company can provide a lot more rich information and seamless experience. Further, customers are likely to choose an organization that can provide the updates from time to time regarding the shipment. The data regarding transportation can also be used the customers in the case of a delay. A system can be set up which can update the customers instantly in the case problems arises regarding their shipment. Likewise, they would also get update estimates on a regular basis. So, with the help of this data customer service need is reduced that was often used for answering basic complaints and enquiries.

Final Verdict

Above are some of the ways that big data can be used such that freight tracking system decision is improved. Other than this, it is important that you invest in a good real time visibility platform. Tive Inc can very well help you out in such a case and make the process a lot smooth for you. Besides this, you can get a wide range of options to choose from based on the requirement that you might be having. So, contact us to get an idea about the offerings that we present to our customers.