How to bring your predictive supply chain to life 

How to bring your predictive supply chain to life 

Sponsored by HERE Technologies

Let’s be honest, everyone is at a different stage in their digitization journey. While the distance between a completely manual processes and being fully predictive may seem great, there are plenty of stepping stones along the way that can increase your operation’s efficiency, accuracy and cost savings. 

Just a few years ago, predictive supply chains seemed out of reach because the data wasn’t available. Now, with loads of accessible information at our fingertips, supply chain leaders are better positioned to start building more predictive supply chains. So, what’s standing in the way of widespread tech implementation? 

In a recent survey with ABI Research and HERE Technologies, 31% of survey respondents said their biggest barrier to tech implementation was knowing where to start and 39% said their biggest challenge was identifying the right partners or suppliers. 

In other words, there’s a lot of hesitancy and confusion when it comes to digitization. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five important factors to consider before starting your journey toward a more predictive supply chain. 

1. Identify areas of improvement 

Before you can fully embrace a predictive supply chain, you’ll first have to identify any weak areas within your operations. In our survey, supply chain leaders ranked their current fleet and supply chain challenges as follows: 

1. Prompt service/delivery issues: 55%

2. Costs: 54%

3. Operational/staffing complexities: 49%

4. Workflow automation: 47%

5. Accurate analytics: 46%

6. End-to-end visibility: 40%

7. Predictive analytics: 35%

8. Stakeholder collaboration: 33% 

2. Pinpoint your data gaps and silos 

Be sure to have the full picture. When it comes to data, it’s important to understand what’s going on within your operations and what you do or don’t have access to. Is there a lack of transparency anywhere? Are there data gaps and is your data useable? 

3. Consider the larger tech stack: 

There are off-the-shelf solutions and software that can easily integrate into your larger tech stack. Whether the problem areas include visibility, ETA accuracy, driver onboarding and safety, warehouse optimization and middle- and last-mile efficiency there are ready-made solutions that can be the plug-and-play answers you’re looking for. 

4. Test implementation 

The testing process for a new solution will largely depend on the area of the business you’re trying to improve. If you or your company manage first-, middle- or last-mile deliveries, the testing stage could look something like this: 

  • Use sample data to model concepts (tours, spend, etc.) against the actual completed tours to see optimization potential 
  • Test conversion of job data from an order management system to ensure that all necessary data is being properly included 

5. Implementation 

Using the same fleet scenario, after testing is complete, this is what the implementation process would look like: 

1. Step one: Define depot and fleet locations

2. Step two: Register drivers and dispatchers for user-friendly tools (eg, app, navigation)

3. Step three: Import job data

4. Step four: Optimize and dispatch tours

5. Step five: Complete tours via the guidance and delivery confirmation in the driver app

6. Step six: Review completed tours via the analytics dashboard

To see how logistics leaders are using location technology to build better software and predictive supply chains, visit here.com/logistics. 

You May Also Like

The ever-improving truck parts availability, efficiency relationship

Right part, right place, right time moves toward 24/7 availability.

Every moment of every day there’s a truck in motion, moving goods and delivering solutions to every segment of the market. At least that’s the hope of fleet managers across the country because the alternative is a problem—and most likely a service problem. In today’s on-demand world, fleet managers don’t have time to wait for days or weeks for a truck to get fixed. Even a 12-hour delay can be devastating, as your truck sits at a closed service location waiting for the bay doors to open for the day.

Improve your aftertreatment diagnostics today

DPF Regens Performing regens, whether passive or forced, is necessary as they help to remove the soot buildup, prevent filter blockage, and increase the longevity of the DPF. By removing the accumulated soot, regens can help create a well-maintained DPF that lasts longer and avoids the hefty costs of replacing it. Passive Regens A passive

What your heavy-duty truck filters could be telling you

Understanding filtration can help you avoid larger maintenance down the road.

WIX-logo
Find Parts Fast with the Spicer ReadyShaft™ Dana EZ-ID™ Tool 

When it comes to commercial fleet vehicles, Dana knows there’s no time for downtime. For fleet managers and service techs, every second counts when a vehicle is down with a broken driveshaft. With over twelve thousand part numbers within the Spicer® product portfolio, we recognized the need to find a better way for our customers

How to measure and set truck air spring ride heights

Ensuring your truck’s air spring ride height is accurately set is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, longevity, and safety on the road.

Conti-air-spring-ride-height

Other Posts

Cummins at HELM of fuel agnostic engines in ‘Leap Ahead’ event

The fuel agnostic Cummins X15 engine was the crown jewel of the event, which also highlighted the company’s HELM initiative.

Cummins-x15-x15n-engines
EX9 shares results of automated terminal logistics pilot with DHL

The service is being released following the completion of the pilot program.

Diesel engine filtration’s critical role in efficiency, protection

From enhanced engine fluids to innovative filtration systems, technology is driving efficiency and reducing emissions in today’s diesel-powered fleets.

WIX-logo
Raising expectations: Three ways tractor lift axles boost efficiency, savings

There is value that goes beyond decreased tire wear when spec’ing lift axles Lift axles aren’t the first axle option that comes to mind for long-haul, over-the-road applications. But fleet managers would be wise to reconsider their go-to spec when looking to boost fuel efficiency and equipment operation savings. Sure, there’s the obvious benefit of