Business Intelligence: Learn how to use the tool and add value to data in logistics

Business Intelligence can be decisive for the success of your logistics strategy. In this sector and in the supply chain, a significant volume of data is generated, derived from the multiple operations carried out every day. They involve: customers, freight forwarders, logistics operators, warehouses, transport, customs, ports, administrations.

All of these vast array of elements, at times, lead to the loss of valuable information, which can be decisive when it comes to understanding the profitability or optimization of a particular operation.

In this sense, learning how to use a Business Intelligence tool will certainly be a differentiator for your business. But do you know what this important feature is and how it works? Keep reading and keep up with the best logistics investment tips!

What is Business Intelligence (BI)?

The logistics area is extremely relevant for the proper functioning of a company. That is why it is so necessary to understand how to use the right tools. Business Intelligence is a resource that offers, in addition to facilities in the work routine, a great return for customers and managers of a company.

Its focus is on data organization, which ensures a much better-grounded action for companies that deal with cargo handling and transfers. The company’s performance increases enormously.

This field combines business analysis with data mining and visualization through the use of specialized tools, aiming to contribute to data-driven decision-making across various sectors of the company.

Platforms that have a Business Intelligence system give more openness to diverse insights, procedures and market trends. Undoubtedly, it is an excellent investment option in several significant aspects for the optimal functioning of the logistics company.

What is the role of Business Intelligence?

BI allows managers to have an orderly and up-to-date view of — many — operational, financial and market data and information in general. Some data may have real-time monitoring, but others, depending on the type and purpose of the analysis, may have monthly or quarterly update frequency.

In this way, the logistics professional can prepare reports very quickly and deliver more satisfactory answers to certain market questions. Check out, below, some features that BI can make available!

Model the data

Intelligent techniques will collect data in large quantities in relation to any step of the logistical procedure. Business Intelligence comprehensively monitors each operation, and such thorough analysis prevents failures from occurring in production processes.

Despite this, it is necessary for the data to be processed and modeled. Ideally, this monitoring is effective and the information is useful to the team. Data such as fleet routing or product delivery is highly relevant, meaning it needs to be appropriately modeled to generate pertinent information.

Providing accurate information

From the moment the data is modeled, they are able to offer information. Thus, it is possible to know:

• When the delivery was made in the ports;
• Respect for the stipulated deadlines;
• How many products were handled;
• Reverse logistics reasons;
• Among other aspects:

This information provides important clarity on the progress of the work and prevents negative impacts from occurring in the logistics activity. It is also possible to identify occasional failures more quickly and safely and even the return of customers regarding the services provided.

If it cannot prevent the negative impacts beforehand, at least the system can make the manager aware of the problem to the point of devising strategies that mitigate the challenges. And, from that, the professional will be able to act and bring more agile solutions.

An interesting example of obtaining information is about parameterization channels. Any product arriving from abroad needs to undergo customs clearance. It is the means by which the Internal Revenue Service analyzes customs risks.
 

 SISCOMEX provides information regarding foreign cargoes. Once a technology enables you to know everything about commercial transactions, many disruptions are avoided. After all, no one wants to have problems with the tax area, right?

How to use BI in port logistics?

Port logistics is considerably complex due to the information networks that integrate ports and customers. Business Intelligence can be leveraged in this scenario and fits seamlessly into port logistics. Such a process provides adequate border control, dispatchers and many other elements.

With the support of data modeling, thanks to technological solutions, transactions are fulfilled with more stability. Here are some examples of how to use BI in ports:

• Automation of data collection and availability processes;
• In the development of official outputs;
• In the provision of operational data and information;
• In the verification of production through maps.

Docking window management

Having a good management of the work routine is ideal. The so-called mooring window is a method that ensures better optimization of operations. As a result, production tends to grow.

Those in charge can schedule the best days and times for the services to be performed. There is a possibility of occurring weekly, or not. This will depend on the way of working and port activities.

To do so, a formal request must be sent and the number of loads and frequency must be agreed beforehand. The express and solemn interest must also be presented. If the company fails to comply with the required formality, the ship must move away and wait for a new communication from the port it intends to operate.

Have you ever imagined having strict control of this procedure? Business Intelligence provides real-time management, which is a very positive experience for the administration of mooring windows.

Monitoring of ships and predictability of port omission

Examining transactions from an economic point of view is perhaps one of the biggest concerns of managers when dealing with supply chains. This fear arises, among other reasons, from fraudulent actions that may harm the goods, customers, and the company.

The omission of ports happens when a shipowner (or carrier) does not call the port with scheduled ships. That is, the loads are in the yard and are not delivered. With the automation of the elements that permeate the loading and unloading process, you have the possibility to avoid such adversities and future annoyances.

Omissions that are founded by strikes or weather events may also occur. The big difference is that, in these cases, users are respected and damages are reimbursed. The company that implements Business Intelligence has much to gain because it can inform customers in advance of any eventualities and what will be done in each situation.

Storage control

The storage and transportation of various products are very responsible tasks. In addition to being attentive to the optimization of the movements, it is necessary to guarantee the protection of the stock, which is related to the quality of the goods.

Once again, Business Intelligence proves to be substantial for logistics. The system can help the professional to understand the correct type of storage to be applied and if there were damages or not in the stocked items.

The application of Business Intelligence in logistics operations, supply chain and transport is enormous. Such a resource brings the possibility of improving your business through the proper use of data and provides impressive advantages, so BI can be considered an essential tool nowadays for the logistics sector. Thus, taking advantage of a Business Intelligence tool will be very advantageous for your business, especially if you have the support of an intelligent company.

Did you know that Wilson Sons is the first company in Latin America to join TIC 4.0, the global committee for innovation in port terminals? Learn more!