5 digitalisation tips for shippers

Tip 1: Make an overview of your logistics process

You don’t have to digitalise just because you think you have to. First you have to make an overview of your logistics process and look where you can earn profits. Every organisation has different logistics processes and activities, but in general a couple of “hidden” efficiencies can be achieved for many shippers, for example:

• Optimalisation dockplanning
• Better communication with suppliers and customers concerning transports.
• Automated booking process

Tip 2: Find a good IT partner

Find a good IT partner who is able to think with you, who is flexible and has taken good care of the technic so you can focus on your own core business. It is important when you search for a IT partner to take a look at their method. If they work efficient, they can implement this also in your company. Together you can take a look how you can be achieve more at lower costs. A IT partner can also provide you with the newest technology which makes your company more likeable for employees.

Tip 3: Collect data for now and in the future

Research done by Evofenedex shows that only one in four companies uses real-time data and 44% of historical data. Our advice is to start early with collecting data. Data can be used afterwards to analyse logistics processes. Based on these outcomes logistics processes can be improved in the future and incidents can be prevent. Read more about the Big Data usage of Hoyer Group example of our client HOYER how they use data to get more hold on their logistics activities.

Tip 4: Communicate smart with chain partners

Logistics is more and more about cooperation. Cooperating in the supply chain has never been so important for shippers than at this moment. There are different ways to communicate and cooperate. Popular communication tools for shippers are e-mail and telephone. The administration around this communication is often kept in separate Excel files. This way of communication not only takes a lot of time but it also increases the risk of losing important information. Our advice is to streamline this communication through the use of web portals. Communication is organised via one central system, data is collected automatically and saved on a secure place.
Based on this collected information, decisions can be made quick and simple. EDI can be used to share data fast and safe. EDI makes sure that different systems can be linked. Data sharing becomes standardised and takes place on a fixed moment, without sending error-prone e-mails.

Tip 5: Don’t change everything at once

Did you make an overview of the logistics processes and do you actually want to digitalise? Our advice is: Don’t change everything at once. As a shipper you are using an ERP-system. This system covers 90% of your business activities. That is why you don’t have to replace your whole ERP-system. There are different logistics software solutions available who can support your logistics process and offer possibilities to link it with your existing ERP-system. An example of this is our Transport Management System for shippers. With this TMS for shippers, you will get more insight into the incoming and outgoing transports and customers will get information based on real-time data about the status of their orders. Read more about the Transport Management System for shippers.