New Data Sources Enable New Levels of Supply Chain Visibility

Data is the fuel that powers the modern supply chain. Today, manufacturers and shippers have access to more data, coming from a greater variety of sources, than ever before.

In our recent white paper, The Digital Logistics Provider: Delivering a New Level of Service in the Age of IoT, we focus on the challenges facing the modern logistics services provider as they work to incorporate modern, IoT-powered technologies into their operations. And a big part of that transition is the integration of new data sources that enable new levels of visibility into in-transit goods.

To lean more, read our full white paper: The Digital Logistics Provider: Delivering a New Level of Service in the Age of IoT.

Public Data Sources

Perhaps the most easily accessible sources of data regarding in-transit goods are publicly available databases, generally maintained by governments or other organizations with an interest in freely sharing access to that data. For example, the US government provides free access to traffic and weather data, which can be useful in predicting potential delays.

Publicly available traffic data shows real-time road delays in New England. (Source)

Accessible Private Data

In addition to public data, supply chain managers are also relying on accessible private data sources, such as port, cargo ship, and carrier data. For example, tools such as MarineTraffic make it possible to track most cargo ships via AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, which provides precise real-time GPS for vessels at sea. Similarly, some carriers use telematics systems to access to location data for in-transit trucks and may be willing to share that data.

AIS data from MarineTraffic makes it possible to track cargo ships in real time.

While private data sources can provide a lot more insight than public data alone, they also often come at a price. And even when access isn’t an issue, carriers are not always motivated to share data that could make them look bad, which can limit the reliability of these sources. That’s why it’s vital to supplement public and private third-party data sources with proprietary data.

Proprietary Data

In general, the way to get proprietary data is through the implementation of a sensor-based tracking solution. Cloud-connected trackers attached to every pallet, package, or shipment make it possible to access real-time location and condition data without relying on the good will of a public or private third party.

Tive's sensor+software solution enables real-time visibility from end to end.

In order to guarantee maximum visibility and enable true data-driven decision-making, it is vital to apply all three kinds of data in concert. Public and accessible private data can provide a helpful starting point, but proprietary tracker data is the key to building a reliable, efficient digital supply chain.

To learn more about how Tive can help you harness the power of supply chain data, request a demo today. And to learn more about how new data sources are enabling the IoT-powered digital supply chain, download the white paper.

Related Content: The Digital Logistics Provider: Delivering a New Level of Service in the Age of IoT