How 3PLs Use Big Data to Benefit Your Business

It’s not easy defining big data, especially since different industries have different definitions for it. But here at Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, big data is helping us enhance logistics for businesses of all types and sizes, and we can do the same for yours as well.

Getting a Handle on Big Data

In general terms, big data is a large and complex collection of data sets. They’ve reached such large scales thanks to the depth of information that can be accessed and analyzed from information-gathering devices, such as radio frequency identification readers, software logs, remote sensing technology, microphones, cameras and wireless sensor networks. Computer scientists define big data as the storage and analysis of massive data sets using various techniques, such as machine learning, NoSQL database, or MapReduce. Here at Brendamour, big data also encompasses the tools, processes and technology we use to handle the data so we can provide your business with more enhanced and specialized warehousing, distribution and logistics services.

In any business, data comes from different areas, whether it’s a call center, sales, website clicks, server logs, mobile data, social media and other customer touch points, geolocation, machines or instruments, or supply chain logistics that are being tracked. There are more objects to be measured, more information points linked to an item or record, more frequency opportunities to track the same object throughout its lifecycle, and more standardized and accurate data. All of these data opportunities allow Brendamour to convert the information into value for your business.

Enterprise big data gives businesses greater insight into their entire operations, allowing executives to enhance decision making, better serve their customers, identify new sources to increase profit and establish an unrivaled competitive advantage.

How Big Data Can Improve Your Business

A number of 3PLs, including Brendamour Warehousing, generate big data through increased monitoring of different aspects of supply chain activities. We capture, integrate and manage the data, provide reliability indicators to help navigate through the data, and process the data so opportunities can be optimized. We then convert this data into information of value to your business. It’s not uncommon for the data to uncover patterns, trends, or opportunities your business can capitalize on.

Big data is extremely useful in logistics because it allows third party logistics providers to provide clients with more value by better understanding the needs of their business. For example, by investing in big data capabilities, Brendamour is able to offer you:

- Increased flexibility of logistics to better target your needs;
- Direct to consumer customizations;
- Greater collaboration with our distribution partners, such as trucking, rail, air and ocean freight, that leads to savings;
- More seamless integration of supply chain processes;
- Innovative solutions that improve the movement of your product through the supply chain to your end customer.

Big data also allows us to collaborate with shippers to improve the movement of your goods. For instance, we can use data to create more flexible, proactive and, when needed, reactive supply chain and logistics strategies. What’s more, we can apply this data to get real-time shipment data, or end-to-end supply chain visibility.

Enhanced Tools of the Trade

Third party logistics providers use various tools to move merchandise, but at Brendamour, we take it a step further by investing in state-of-the-art systems, technologies and tools. This allows us to provide you with important warehousing, distribution and logistics services, among them supply chain planning and management; warehouse and distribution center management; bar coding; order fulfillment; processing, including custom packing, bundling and labeling; transportation planning and execution; network modeling and optimization; advanced analytics and data mining tools; customer order management; anywhere visibility of orders, shipments and inventory; electronic data interchange; Web-based tools for real-time order tracking, inventory levels, etc.; transportation sourcing; global trade management tools; and closer collaboration with our shipping networks.

With our use of big data, your business benefits from advanced systems, process engineering and control, transportation management and execution capabilities that optimize your customer supply chain, save you money and give you a competitive edge. Contact Brendamour to learn more on how your business benefits from our sophisticated technology.