Five articles to understanding Big Data and logistics

Big Data and Logistics

If you’re working in logistics or the ocean freight industry, you’re sure to have seen the words “Big Data” floating around quite a bit. But just what is Big Data and how does it relate or even apply to the massive logistics industry? Let us help you with understanding Big Data.

Big Data refers to the harvesting and massive analysis of data in the booming logistics and supply chain industry. Experts analyze it to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. It’s proving to be a vital part of the logistics industry in day-to-day activities. There are strong indications that Big Data will be key to revolutionizing the sector, where it has already done in the pharmaceutical, financial, entertainment and technology sectors.

For those with no background in technology, trying to comprehend this phenomenon could be an uphill task. So to ease the process, we’ve collated this list of must-read articles on Big Data.

#1 Supply chain, data analytics and Big Data

This article by Logistics Management covers Raytheon’s experience with Big Data analysis. Raytheon is the world’s largest producer of guided missiles. Its adoption of Big Data via its platform ‘Supplier Insight’ has completely transformed its previously-complex supply chain. In this Q&A, its head of Contracts and Supply Chain reveals how the system has helped with reducing costs and improving supply chain practices.

#2 Using Big Data to Build Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Today

Inbound Logistics is one of the best sites for staying updated with logistics trends. They often publish articles relating to understanding Big Data, business intelligence applied to the supply chain (Internet of Things or IOT) in logistics and many others closely-related issues to the intersection of logistics and technology.

In this post, Inbound Logistics interviews Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Travel & Transportation Client Principal on the challenges and opportunities of Big Data for transport and logistics companies. They also touch on the use of mobile technology solutions to improve business performances.

#3 Big Data Analytics in Logistics: Best Practices

Big Data in Logistics, DHL | iContainers

This guest blog post by _Blue Yonde_r, a German automation software company, is written by Katrin Zeiler. She’s the coordinator of DHL’s “Big Data in Logistics” report, where she summarizes the most important aspects of Big Data practices.

Accompanied by a comprehensive infographic, the post mentions three fields on which the analysis of Big Data has had an effect: increased operational efficiency, improved customer experience, and generation of new business models.

#4 The Rise of Big Data in Ports and Terminals

Port Technology’s pages are also often splashed with the terms ‘Big Data’, ‘automation’ and ‘IOT’. Through this post, you’ll acquire a basic introduction to the world of Big Data in general. You can also download their paper “Big Data – The Revolution”. It’s written by Rodrigo Garro, Project Manager of Orbita, a provider of automation technologies for marine terminals. In the paper, he explains how port operations can apply Big Data practices to increase efficiency and reduce errors.

#5 Big Data Handbook

Top 3 Elements of Supply Chain Pain for
Respondent, "Big Data Handbook", Lora Cerere
| iContainers

Top 3 Elements of Supply Chain Pain for
Respondent, "Big Data Handbook", Lora Cerere
| iContainers
On this page, you’ll be able to access and download the entire ‘The Big Data Handbook’ compiled by Lora Cecere, CEO and founder of Supply Chain Insights.

The report contains results of an online survey conducted in 2013. It was aimed at understanding how supply chain leaders were building capabilities to harness big data. 123 producers, distributors and 3PL (third-party logistics) providers who were at least a little familiar with Big Data took part in the survey.

Results show that Big Data is proving to be more of an opportunity than a problem. The empirical results can help us with understanding Big Data in the logistics sector and future challenges and opportunities.

Understanding Big Data

The terminology of the language of logistics and Big Data may sound extremely technical. But don’t let it deter you from embracing all that this phenomenon has to offer.(Also read: Why freight forwarders should fight convention and embrace technology)