Managing global logistics can be complicated and time-consuming. The process requires the coordination of international logistical services. Fortunately, there are methods to streamline global logistics so that you can optimize functionality and reduce costs. Let’s examine these methods. You’ll find that they make logistics more efficient.
Using truck scales
Using truck scales is a simple, yet effective, way to increase industrial efficiency while shipping goods worldwide. By ensuring that trucks do not exceed the legal weight limit before leaving a loading dock, truck scales can help prevent accidents. Not only do they help ensure compliance, but they can also keep drivers and other motorists safe.
When used in conjunction with intelligent software, truck scales can elevate the logistics process and reduce costs. The software helps gather and manage data without the need for an operator. The software can work around the clock, and can even import the weight readings from the weighing device. This simplifies data collection and transfer, which helps improve accounting and invoicing.
Truck scales can also help organizations track and measure the weight of their loads. Weights and dimensions are critical when shipping and can impact fuel costs and speed. The data from truck scales can be combined with dimensional and weight data to create a full audit trail, allowing companies to avoid surcharges and increase revenue by as much as 15%.
Using digital twins
Digital twins can provide real-time visibility and orchestration across a supply chain. For example, companies can use Blue Yonder’s Control Tower to visualize inventory at rest and in motion. They can also view sales orders, purchase orders, and inventory levels. Digital twins allow companies to optimize the flow of materials and reduce the idle time of truckers.
By using these digital twins, companies can find the best balance between efficiency and resiliency. For example, companies can learn what to do when a drought occurs in Taiwan and trace the impact on their supply chain. Digital twins can also help with what-if questions. For example, if an industrial facility in Taiwan suffers a water shortage, a digital twin can identify the cause of the shortage and suggest actions to reduce the damage.
Digital twins allow businesses to anticipate potential scenarios, develop alternate strategies, and meet customer expectations. By creating digital twins, businesses can optimize processes and develop new products, services, and business models. Early adopters can gain a first-mover advantage over their competitors.
By gathering data about supply chain performance, analytics tools help 3PLs make daily operations more efficient and effective. Using data dashboards and similar tools, 3PLs can track key KPIs and identify operational bottlenecks. In addition, analytics tools allow 3PLs to determine correlations between business practices and KPIs.
In addition to improving customer experience, analytics tools can help streamline complex global logistics operations. For example, a supply chain dashboard can be used to track and manage customer orders and shipments. By analyzing customer behaviors, logistics software can predict delivery delays and optimize inventory management. It also helps businesses increase revenue.
Predictive analytics helps logistics companies make better predictions about operations and save millions of dollars. A recent study conducted by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals found that 93% of shippers and 98% of third-party logistics firms felt that data-driven decision-making is critical to the success of supply chains. Additionally, 71% of survey respondents said that using big data improves quality.