Inbound Logistics | January 2024

VIEWPOINT [ INSIGHT ]

by Spencer Steliga Founder and CEO, shuddl Spencer@shuddl.io | 858-905-2268

Dark Data Illuminates the Supply Chain In the sprawling cosmos of logistics and transportation, there’s a vast, uncharted territory: dark data. This term refers to the untapped, unprocessed information that fleets, freight systems, and supply chains generate but never use. Think of it as the digital equivalent of dark matter in the universe—invisible, yet its potential gravity can pull industries into a new era of enlightenment. before they become issues, from supplier reliability to geopolitical instabilities affecting trade routes. ILLUMINATING THE DARKNESS How do we step into the light of dark data? The journey begins with

investment in data analytics capabilities. Businesses must prioritize the integration of AI and machine learning into their operations. But the technology alone isn’t enough. It requires a cultural shift, one that values data-driven decision-making and continuous learning. While AI can illuminate trends and patterns, the human element remains critical. The insights gained from dark data need to be interpreted and implemented by skilled professionals who can translate complex data into strategic actions. Privacy and security concerns must be at the forefront. It’s essential to balance the quest for insights with the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information. By bringing dark data into the light, businesses can discover new ways to optimize operations, reduce costs, increase sustainability, and stay ahead of the curve. Ignite the potential of dark data, and lead your organization toward a brighter, more informed future. The age of data illumination is here. n

identifying inefciencies in route planning or predicting maintenance issues before they cause downtime. In transportation, it could translate to optimizing fuel usage or improving delivery times by anticipating trafc patterns. Reduce carbon footprints. By analyzing unused data, companies can optimize routes not just for speed and cost, but for environmental impact as well. This could lead to a signicant reduction in carbon footprints, helping companies meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations for green logistics. Predict the future. Dark data can improve forecast demand, adjust to market uctuations, and even predict global trends that might affect supply chains. This foresight is invaluable in a world where agility and adaptability are not just advantageous but essential for survival and success. Mitigate risks. By analyzing historical data, logistics and transportation companies can identify potential risks

Now, imagine harnessing this dark data to illuminate paths toward unprecedented efciency and innovation. That’s the promise of “Dark Data Illumination” in logistics and transportation. THE UNSEEN GOLDMINE Every digital interaction, sensor reading, and transaction leaves a trail of data. From GPS trackers on shipping containers to time stamps on warehouse scanners, each piece of information is a potential goldmine of insights. Unfortunately, much of it remains unused, sitting in data warehouses or cloud storage, gathering virtual dust. It’s estimated that 90% of generated data is never analyzed or acted upon. The key to unlocking the power of dark data is articial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies can sift through the noise, nd patterns, and provide actionable insights. For logistics, this might mean

70 Inbound Logistics • January 2024