The Vital Role Data Warehousing Has on Today’s Supply Chain

The modern supply chain depends on the efficient flow of data more than ever. From receiving instant updates on freight deliveries, reviewing marketing and operational analytics, and cost-analysis reports accessed through your platform of choice – shippers rely on advanced technology to improve all aspects of their business. One specific platform gaining steam with multiple shippers is the integration of data warehousing.

Data warehousing has been used in several industries in recent years and is beginning to find a home in logistics. While there is a lot of good information on the interwebs about data warehousing solutions, there is also some misleading data that can cause confusion for those shippers looking for efficient ways to improve their supply chain functions. To ensure you have the best and most accurate information, here are some facts about data warehousing and how they help businesses within the supply chain review data, improve their overall service, save money, and streamline overall logistics operations.

What is Data Warehousing?

According to Amazon.com (who pretty much revolutionized data warehousing solutions), a data warehouse is a central repository of information that can be analyzed to make better informed decisions. Data flows into a data warehouse from transactional systems, relational databases, and other sources, typically on a regular cadence. Business analysts, data scientists, and decision makers access the data through business intelligence (BI) tools, SQL clients, and other analytics applications. So, what does this mean for supply chain partners?

Simply put – the data warehousing platform allows a shipper to review analytics and data streams to not only help them improve operations – but most importantly; maintain competitiveness. Shippers who have data warehousing solutions use them to store all their software solutions, incoming and outgoing data, TMS & CRM systems and more. Essentially – it’s a one-stop-shop for all data storage that is robust, reliable, and easy-to-access platform. The information can be accessed from multiple locations, with blazing speed, accuracy, and security being top of mind.

How Does a Data Warehouse Work?

Think of a data warehouse like your modern distribution hub. The distribution center collects and stores all of your products, supplies, and materials in a safe, clean, and efficiently laid-out environment. A data warehouse works is a similar manner. It collects and organizes data into several individual files. When data is uploaded to the data warehousing platform, it is stored in various tables described by the software, while multiple Query tools determine which data tables to access and analyze.

The data warehousing solutions offer supply chain partners multiple benefits including:

• Consolidation and Easy Access of Data Storage: Data warehousing solutions built by professional 3PL’s provide a reliable and safe platform to store vital files such as business reports, analytical data, financials, and more. The platform is then organized in an efficient manner that fits your specific business type, user preferences and more.
• Data Consistency, Quality, and Accuracy: The modern data warehousing solution gives shippers the comfort and peace of mind knowing that their vital data is being stored in a consistent, accurate and dependable platform.
• Improves Software Performance: When a shipper has an efficient warehouse, picking products, packaging them, shipping, and delivering to customers on time and in good condition becomes easier. The modern data warehousing solutions accomplish this on a digital front and permits businesses to use their software solutions more efficiently.
• Better Decision Making: When you have better ways or accessing and reviewing your data, the net result is more accurate information, resulting in improved decision making.  

Using advanced technology solutions not only helps businesses improve their data storage solutions, but also provides them with a competitive advantage against others in their industries. Data warehousing is not the next best thing – it’s a must. 

Chicago-based Redwood Logistics is a next generation, strategically integrated logistics provider that believes every company’s needs are unique. For more than 15 years, the company has been providing solutions for moving and managing freight and sharing its knowledge across North America. Redwood Logistics is focused on making its customers more successful in their end markets by applying talented and motivated people, proven processes and cutting-edge technologies to optimize their supply chain management efforts.

If you’re a shipper in any industry looking to improve your data storage, acquisition, and access and would like to learn more about our data warehousing solutions, give us a call today!