The added value of data in transport planning
In the transport and logistics sector, deliveries must be organised and planned increasingly quickly, economically and efficiently. In addition, it is important to know whether the journeys are being carried out according to plan in order to keep all stakeholders in the chain properly informed in real time, including the end customer. How can you, with the help of data, use the number of transport kilometres more efficiently and effectively, but still optimise your delivery to the customer? And ensure that it is on time? In the Simacan webinar 'Using data to reduce the costs of transportation' we discussed how data and artificial intelligence can play a role in a more efficient 5-star delivery experience.
By using Simacan you are fully informed of unexpected situations during your transport operation. The information from our platform can be used in advance (pre-trip) to create and optimise your planning. But also to be able to respond 'en route' (on-trip) to delays or other unplanned imperfections. And so you meet the high expectations of a high-quality delivery, of all stakeholders in the chain, not least of the end customer.
From data to valuable information
Data in itself has little added value and is even virtually unusable. Valuable information is only created when we process the data, relate it to each other and analyse it. New insights arise from understanding trends, patterns and interrelationships in data. And valuable insights often arise post-trip by analysing trips already made, which can lead to better decisions in new planning and, ultimately, to better results. The end goal is not only to understand what happened, but also to be able to give the best estimate of what might happen in the future.
Transport planners still often rely on their own insight and experience when making plans and do not always trust algorithms and machine learning. With the help of data, it is possible to make suggestions for an optimal planning, while the planner retains full control over the process.
By using historical data from the Simacan Platform, but also analytical trends and external scientific, economic and location-related data, it is possible to better predict future transport. This predictive planning allows for a significant competitive advantage and cost reduction through better delivery and time management. A valuable distinguishing capacity is achieved through the ability to accurately predict.
Smart planning with data
A smart, open and vendor-independent cloud platform not only takes a lot of work off your hands. It also ensures that the planning supplied is optimised, compliant and more reliable by using data on roadblocks and traffic levels. By combining internal data with external data, such as traffic information, the arrival time of loads can be predicted with great certainty. By offering this flexibility and certainty, we can add more value to transport than before.
Did you know...?
Did you know that it is normal to have to take into account a minimum of 30 factors when planning transport to a larger retailer? These include:
- Different types of vehicles to be used for deliveries, depending on the type of load, the quantity of roll containers, the route, the frequency of delivery and the delivery location;
- Road congestion at certain times and days (peak hours, holiday periods, seasonal effects);
- But also things like roadblocks, time slots and vehicle restrictions, which are often set by local authorities;
- And many other factors.
The Simacan Control Tower responds to the need for advance information during planning. Thanks to the most advanced real-time information and communication, you can look ahead and adjust the execution of your transport immediately. By making your supply chain smarter, you can inform your customers directly and automatically at every step in the delivery process.
Predicting ETA
The most important role of an end-to-end transport visibility platform is to predict an ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival). Linking an ETA to a shipment has many advantages. One advantage in particular is that a delay in delivery can be detected in advance and reactively acted upon and communicated to the recipient. This limits the negative consequences of an unclear delivery for the customer and ensures higher customer satisfaction.
In addition to good planning, more transparency is extremely important. Where are the trucks currently on the road and what is their expected time of arrival? Is it still according to plan? Changed times are automatically communicated to everyone in the chain, so manual contact about changes is no longer necessary.
Visibility of ETAs can increase the value of a supply chain, a shift from 'reactive' to 'predictive'. Sharing an ETA gives customers insight into their shipment. And it helps shippers to manage expectations and ensure that deliveries are (still) on time.
Webinar & white paper 'Using data to reduce the costs of transportation’
The importance of data for efficient and future-proof transport is growing. To be able to make the right decisions, to make the flow of goods as efficient and effective as possible and to strive for a 5-star delivery experience, the availability of relevant information is crucial. Would you also like to know how to take the step from potential to concrete benefits of using data?
Watch the replay of our webinar below and request the free white paper 'Using data to reduce costs of transportation'.