Subscribe

Day: 22 November 2024

Data: The Driving Force Behind the Logistics Industry

Posted on by David Priestman

Data is the key driver of the logistics industry. Organisations require information about the time they need to process an order, get the shipment ready, arrange for transport, put the item on a transport vehicle and make a timely delivery. Without data, companies may not know how to address inefficiencies or protect themselves from disruptions in transportation routes. Fortunately, data tools for logistics are abundant. Businesses can integrate technology into existing systems to optimise routes, find problems in order processing and cut costs. By implementing these technologies, logistics professionals can guide effective decision-making that improves efficiency and accuracy.

Gain Insights About Transportation Patterns

Logistics professionals have to remain current on the latest transportation patterns, which they can achieve with data. Descriptive analytics uses past data to identify changes in preferences over time. Predictive analytics can take this data to highlight changes to transportation patterns and potential disruptions to movement. With this information, logistics companies can be certain they have the most accurate information for forecasting and order management.

Optimise Routes

The choice of shipping route affects costs, delivery time and overall efficiency, highlighting opportunities for technology to optimise the route. Companies select shipping routes based on a variety of factors, including traffic, cost of fuel and the potential for lengthy delays. Optimising the route helps to reduce costs and time spent making a delivery, particularly in the last few kilometres of a journey. Prescriptive analytics can provide detailed information based on historical and current trends, automatically highlighting routes that improve performance.

Improve Efficiency

Data can provide the tools to increase efficiency at all points in the process, from forecasting demand and increasing the robustness of the supply chain to improving the order process. Companies need to know how demand is changing for a particular product, so they can maintain an ideal inventory to handle it. Predictive analytics can also highlight weaknesses in the supply chain, so that businesses can identify alternatives. AI can automate various aspects of the order management process, to minimise bottlenecks and complete order processing more accurately.

Reduce Excess Costs

Cognitive analytics, as part of a comprehensive package of data analysis, can reduce excess costs at every stage. Companies spend more to have a human perform tasks that AI can do autonomously. Implementing an AI system allows a business to verify inventory and process an order quickly, highlighting any problems for prompt review. The system can also use past data

to identify existing problems with various processes, so that professionals can address them. These improvements increase the accuracy of each order, decreasing the financial impact of returns or lost clients.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Ultimately, the incorporation of data into a transport management system leads to better outcomes in customer satisfaction. Customers expect orders to be processed efficiently, calling for an accurate and sensitive inventory management system. They also want deliveries to occur quickly and accurately, with tracking that provides relevant information and does not compromise their personal security. Integrating analytics into all systems can ensure that customers get everything they need during each step of the process.

Data integration is transforming the efficiency and accuracy of many worldwide industries, transportation and logistics in particular. With technology’s ability to handle massive amounts of data in record time, the benefits are obvious. Recording and processing data provides crucial information for businesses to improve their processes to meet the needs of the future. Using data analytics to analyse past problems, evaluate the potential for solutions and create a plan to weather future changes can save companies significant time, money and effort.

Read Similar…

Research Highlights Untapped Potential of AI to Boost Fleet Safety

Common Entry Point in Warehouse Cyberattacks

Posted on by David Priestman

Ivanti, a tech company that breaks down barriers between IT and security so that ‘everywhere work’ can thrive, released its latest report on Supply Chain and Warehouse Trends in 2024 and Beyond, which reveals the state of the industry, key insights from insiders and trends to watch.

According to Ivanti research, 32% of warehouse respondents report that social engineering is one of the most-used entry points in warehouse cyberattacks – tied with software vulnerabilities (32%) and followed by devices (19%). As the backbone of the supply chain, a cyberattack on a warehouse can result in major consequences such as significant operational downtime, damage to a company’s reputation and financial losses. Given the vast amount of data warehouses possess, hackers may also obtain access to sensitive customer information, impacting trust and loyalty. Despite these risks, according to supply chain managers, cybersecurity is a top concern for only 58% of warehouses, while 13% do not view it as a concern at all.

“The supply chain industry has been slow to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With the rise of warehouse modernization, the proliferation of IoT devices and the growing rate of cybercriminals targeting this industry, the risk of damaging cyberattacks has significantly increased. Without adaptation, the supply chain industry won’t have the resilience needed to address looming threats,” said Daren Goeson, SVP Product Management, Unified Endpoint Management at Ivanti. “Warehouse and supply chain managers must adopt a multilayered approach, utilizing advanced training and unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions to help mitigate or prevent human error.”

Key findings from the report include the following:

• Budget Priorities & Strategies:

The top budget priorities for supply chain managers are sourcing and procurement (41%), workforce productivity (40%), automation technologies (39%), and lowering operating costs (39%). However, none of these priorities will function properly in the event of a significant cyberattack. This emphasizes the urgent need for supply chain managers to prioritize cybersecurity in their overall strategies.

• Modern Warehouses: A Recruitment and Retention Tool:

Warehouse workers are drawn to modern warehouses equipped with robots and AI that can automate mundane tasks and help them achieve KPI targets efficiently. While only 39% of managers recognize the significant impact of new technology and modern devices on recruiting and retaining employees, almost all (94%) supply chain workers who use technology like automation, AMRs and AI believe that these tools enhance their productivity and efficiency. Additionally, 35% view robotic automation as a promising solution to address worker shortages in warehouses.

Ivanti conducted a survey in 2024, with 800 supply chain professionals from multiple countries, including the US, UK, France and Germany. Respondents had to work in a supply chain, manufacturing and/or warehouse setting.

similar news

Shipping Industry Remains Easy Cyber Target

 

Top Five Myths About Working in Cold Temperatures

Posted on by David Priestman

With the colder months now upon us, average temperatures in the UK are expected to drop well below 10˚c. For those working in the logistics industry and other jobs where the work is predominately based outdoors, this means measures must be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. That’s why experts at bespoke material and handling equipment manufacturers, BlueTrolley have debunked five common myths around working outdoors in cold temperatures and what preventative measures employers should be implementing.

Myth 1: There’s a Minimum Legal Temperature for Work

Despite it being widely believed, there is no legally mandated minimum temperature at which work must cease in the UK. However, employers have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees, which includes providing a comfortable working environment.

This responsibility is enshrined in health and safety regulations, which stipulate that employers must take action to reduce the risks associated with working in extreme cold. Measures such as providing insulated clothing, ensuring regular breaks, and offering hot drinks are all expected as standard from employers to protect their workforce.

Myth 2: Layering is Always the Best Way to Stay Warm

While layering clothing is an effective way to stay warm, there’s a misconception that more layers automatically provide better insulation. The key is wearing the right type of layers – moisture-wicking fabrics close to the skin, insulating layers in the middle, and waterproof or windproof outer layers.
Employers should provide or advise on appropriate work attire for cold weather, ensuring workers stay warm without sacrificing mobility or safety.

Myth 3: Cold Weather Burns More Calories

It’s a common belief that working in cold temperatures causes the body to burn more calories. While your body does use energy to maintain warmth, the difference in calorie burn is minimal unless you’re shivering or in extremely cold conditions. Instead, focus on maintaining energy levels by eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated with warm, non-caffeinated beverages to keep your body fuelled and ready to handle cold environments.

Myth 4: It’s Best to Avoid Drinking Water in Cold Weather

Because you may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, many people assume that they don’t need to drink as much water. However, staying hydrated is just as important in cold weather as it is in hot conditions, as dehydration can still occur, especially with physical labour. To stay properly hydrated, drink water regularly, and consider warm beverages that can help maintain your body’s temperature without depleting your hydration.

Myth 5: Frostbite is Rare and Easy to Spot

Frostbite may seem like an extreme condition that only happens in the most severe cold, but it can occur quicker than many people realise, especially when skin is exposed to freezing temperatures. Additionally, frostbite can be difficult to detect in the early stages, as the affected areas may become numb. To prevent frostbite, wear insulated gloves, hats, and boots, and check your skin regularly for signs of cold damage, like redness or tingling.

Commenting on the myths, a spokesperson for BlueTrolley said: “The colder months bring several challenges for employees and employers, so we thought debunking a few common misconceptions on the subject, as well as advice on what measures need to be taken, could help overcome them. It is imperative that all possible measures are taken to keep those working outdoors during winter safe. Things like providing PPE with the appropriate amount of warmth and free hot drinks are easy implementations that can make a huge difference to employees braving the cold on a daily basis.”

similar news

Staying ahead of unpredictable weather

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.