While we can’t take credit for the saying, we have said for a long time now “the devil is in the details”. And in today’s world of logistics data mining and analysis there is plenty of details for the asking.

Initially the transportation industry was slow to embrace technology but it has certainly come into its own in the last decade or two. With the tremendous amounts of information available to it one carrier, US Express Enterprises, has been “cleaning” data under the direction of Tim Leonard, their chief technology officer.

When Tim first arrived at US Express he found data in many different silos, all there but not easy to consolidate for meaningful applications. For instance with Driver Tech, their in cab information system they generate over 900 data elements with each download. Now combine that with 9000 vehicles downloading information and you have a tangled web of information to sort out.

Tim Leonard’s first step was to “clean” the data to make sure it was accurate so he initiated a data quality initiative which now yields tremendous benefits because the data is now useful. Every day this data is used to drive out costs and improve efficiencies at this major truckload carrier. In turn US Express is able to share the data with its customers to help them operate more efficiently. Now there’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

Sounds logical, but you would be amazed with the data quality in many companies, and yet they make business decisions every day without first assuring the data is correct, meaningful and insightful. The real challenge in most companies today is to get the buy in from ALL of the key stakeholders so they can set the parameters for the required data and establish CAT or Corrective Action Teams to ensure the data meets all of the required standards. So what is your company doing to ensure its Supply Chain data is relevant and meaningful? We strongly suggest that if you do not have the talent or resources in house to assemble the data and make heads or tales out of it, that you seek out professionals who do have the capability. We would be happy to help you find the right solution.

Tony Nuzio