Supply chain data is broken, and most logistics professionals know it. Critical data is scattered across multiple systems that don’t communicate, resulting in inaccurate, incomplete, and outdated information. What’s worse is that his disjointed data leads to endless reconciliation efforts, lost opportunities, and stifled innovation. The good news is that many of your competitors face the same challenges. To stay ahead, it’s time to get data-savvy and take steps to improve your supply chain’s data interoperability.

So, what can you do to break free from these data silos and unlock innovation? In this article, I’ll share with you nine practical ways to unlock your data assets and empower your digital supply chain – read on to discover how you can transform your supply chain operations and gain a competitive edge.

1. Leverage Standardized Data Formats for Increased Data Interoperability.

Let’s first start with global interoperability standards. They are crucial for unifying transparent supply chains across both public and private sectors. One major advantage of standardized data formats is that your data sources are not locked into proprietary software apps that will eventually become obsolete. Also, there are many supply chain-centric data formats that are governed by both U.S. and International data standards organizations.

For an example of a Standards Development Organization (SDO), the  ASTM International technical committee F49 is focused on standardizing digital information in the supply chain. Also, an associated initiative, the Transport Unit IDentifier (TUID) Working Group, has a standardized solution for global logistics’ goods movement process. More data standardization examples include Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and EDIFACT for exchanging electronic documents. Another example of a SDO is GS1 that offers many interoperability standards such as GS1 General Specifications Standard for bar codes and Global Shipment Identification Number (GS1 GSIN) for shipment visibility. Indeed, these types of interoperability standards allow different supply chain systems to exchange product information seamlessly, regardless of the software they use.

2. Take Advantage Of Data Sharing Platforms That Are Independent Of Software.

Utilizing collaborative data sharing platforms enables supply chain stakeholders to securely share and verify data in real-time, regardless of the software applications they use. To detail, there are three ways businesses can share data using these platforms.  these include:

• Content Collaboration Tools. For example, you can use Google Drive where individuals can share content. Also, businesses can use a content collaboration tool to semi-automate the sharing of files. Click Here for more information from Gartner on this topic.
• Enterprise-Level Data Collaboration Platforms. These platforms are designed to simplify, automate, and centralize the collaboration and sharing of data assets. See Narrative’s What is a Data Collaboration Platform? and Slashdot’s listing for more information on this topic.
• Build Your Own Collaborative Data Sharing Platform. For example, a business could use existing databases or data lakes to build a collaborative data sharing platform. Further, businesses could use APIs and other 3rd-party tools to extract needed source data. For example with parcel invoice data, Shiplab provides carrier billing data pipelines for shippers..

3. Implement Data Integration Interfaces Like Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

By implementing APIs or other system integration interfaces, companies can integrate their supply chain management systems with external partners’ systems. Thus, this enables seamless data exchange and synchronization. For example, an ecommerce company can integrate its order management system with a logistics provider’s system using APIs to automatically update shipment status. For a more detailed discussion on data integration, see my article, The Best Ways To Access Data – Tech Solutions To Unlock Your Data Silos.

The Best Ways To Access Data – Tech Solutions To Unlock Your Data Silos

4. Use Knowledge Graph AI to Unify Your Data Across Supply Chain Silos.

Knowledge graphs tech is a promising technology because it is designed to link data together to provide meaning and context. What’s more, in this age of AI, knowledge graph tech complements AI to shore up some of AI’s biggest weaknesses. Namely, AI struggles with data that is incomplete, ambiguous, or not available. Indeed, knowledge graphs empower AI with common sense. Specifically, knowledge graph tech is able to unifies disjointed data across supply chain functional silos so that AI does not need to deal with this data chaos. For more information on this topic, see my article, Knowledge Graph AI: The Best Uses For Successful Supply Chains.

Knowledge Graph AI: The Best Uses For Successful Supply Chains

5. Make Use of Automation Such As Robotic Process Automation (RPA) And AI to Digitize Processes.

Business Automation AI Remake: First Just Tech To Empower Processes And Now Operates Autonomously

Also, businesses can streamline data sourcing, processing, and optimization by leveraging both traditional automation and emerging technologies. Indeed, automation eliminates repetitive manual tasks in the supply chain, such as data entry and order processing. As a result, this reduces data errors, eliminates multiple copies of data, and enhances the timeliness of data availability. For example, robotic process automation (RPA) bots can extract relevant information from supplier invoices and automatically update inventory systems, further reducing errors and improving data interoperability.

For more information on this topic, see my article, Business Automation AI Remake: First Just Tech To Empower Processes And Now Operate Autonomously.

6. Take Advantage Of Partner Relationship Management Platforms to Increase Data Interoperability.

Implementing Partner Relationship Management (PRM) Platforms can definitely increase your supply chain’s data interoperability. For example, there are Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) systems that enable companies to collaborate closely with suppliers. With these types of systems, supply chain partners can share critical data such as demand forecasts and production plans in real-time. As a result this leads to better partner coordination and data interoperability. For more on supplier management, see my article, Supplier Management: Optimize, Make Compliant, Assure Quality, Mitigate Where Risky.

Supplier Management Data Analytics: Beyond Just Better Compliance, But To Strengthen Relationships, Assure The Best Outcomes, And Mitigate the Unexpected

7. Employ Cloud-Based Solutions for Improved Data Interoperability.

You Need To Think Data Centric To Be A Successful Business: Stop Being Data Driven, Application Centric

Adopting cloud-based solutions allows supply chain stakeholders to access and share data from anywhere at any time. Also, these solutions offer real-time access to information, enabling better decision-making and improved collaboration. Further, cloud solutions often come with built-in integration capabilities that make it easier to connect with various supply chain partners and systems. For example, a cloud-based inventory management system enables suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to view real-time inventory levels. Thus, improving coordination and data interoperability across the supply chain network. 

On the other hand, beware of any software-centric cloud solution such as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider. This is because these vendors are likely to have a lock on your business data, making it very difficult for you to extract the data for other purposes. Thus as with any software-centric solution, you run the risk of creating just another data silo. For more on the dangers of being application-centric, see my article, You Need To Think Data Centric To Be A Successful Business: Stop Being Data Driven, Application Centric.

8. Leverage A High-Tech 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) Provider To Digitize Your Supply Chain.

The Digital Supply Chain Challenge: Is a High Tech 3PL Integrator the Best Way?

Another solution to address supply chain interoperability challenges is to partner with a high-tech third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Without a doubt, modern 3PLs act as technology enablers, investing in advanced digital platforms and integration capabilities that are often too costly for individual companies to develop on their own. Also, by partnering with a tech-savvy 3PL, businesses can quickly access sophisticated digital capabilities and established partner networks. Thus, this accelerates your supply chain digitization initiatives while reducing implementation risks and costs. Additionally, leveraging a high-tech 3PL can help businesses overcome internal IT struggles with supply chain integration and emerging technologies. For more on this topic, see my article, The Digital Supply Chain Challenge: Is A High Tech 3PL The Best Way?

9. Use Computer Vision AI to Exchange Image-based Supply Chain Transactions to Streamline Data Interoperability

Computer Vision AI: The Unlimited Ways To Use This Awesome Tech To Empower Supply Chains

Also, computer vision AI in logistics is transforming how we capture and process visual data in the supply chain. This technology enables automated reading of shipping labels, real-time inventory monitoring, and quality control through AI-equipped cameras and sensors. For instance, computer vision systems can automatically capture and process shipping documents, track warehouse activities, and verify product conditions. Better yet, the AI can convert visual information into structured data that can be shared across the supply chain network. For more information on this topic, see my article, Computer Vision AI: The Unlimited Ways To Use This Awesome Tech To Empower Supply Chains

More References.

• AI-Powered Data Interoperability: Achieving Supply Chain Interoperability: How To Make Data Right With AI And Triumph Over Digital Disconnects
• Tracking Status Interoperability: The Way To Better Supply Chain Analytics: Overcome Data Interoperability With Intelligent Tracking Status
• Root Problems Hobbling Data Interoperability: The Data Interoperability Challenge For Supply Chains: 12 Reasons For It And Why Tech Will Never Overcome It Alone
• Data Interoperability’s Three Components: Logistics Data Interoperability: Advice To Make It Understandable, Usable, Secure

Logistics Data Interoperability: Advice To Make It Understandable, Usable, Secure

Need help with an innovative solution to make your supply chain systems work together? I’m Randy McClure, and I’ve spent many years solving data interoperability and visibility problems. As a supply chain tech advisor, I’ve implemented hundreds of successful projects across all transportation modes, working with the data of thousands of shippers, carriers, and 3rd party logistics (3PL) providers. I specialize in ?proof-of-concept and operational pilot projects for emerging technologies. If you’re ready to modernize your data infrastructure or if you are a solution provider, let’s talk. To reach me, click here to access my contact form or you can find me on LinkedIn.

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