The Role of Real-Time Data in Enhancing Dry Chemical Material TransportThe Role of Real-Time Data in Enhancing Dry Chemical Material Transport

Through the use of real-time data tracking software, logistics managers can gain instant insight into shipping status.

Nick Fryer

October 8, 2024

5 Min Read
freight containers
Freight containers holding chemicals being unloaded at Tilbury Port in the UK Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, business leaders have a greater opportunity than ever to increase supply chain visibility with real-time data. Real-time data provides 24/7 visibility, providing enhanced control of your chemical material transport and workflows and the ability to make proactive supply chain decisions.

     
Through the use of real-time data tracking software, logistics managers can gain instant insight into shipping status, allowing them to anticipate and address delays, offer updates to clients, and even adjust schedules to prevent undesirable consequences.

     
In this article, we explore not only how real-time data benefits chemical logistics managers, but what it can do in terms of improving safety, maximizing productivity, and making transport schedules more efficient in the long run.

How Real-Time Data Enhances Efficiency in Chemical Logistics

The more data your company has, the more informed it becomes. Rather than solely using historical data to guide future decisions, logistics managers can use real-time metrics to evaluate key performance indicators and ensure their schedules are aligned with business objectives.

     
Furthermore, data updated in real-time offers greater visibility into the supply chain. In turn, this gives logistics managers a deeper understanding of their operational processes, allowing them to make strategic decisions that can eliminate bottlenecks and make deliveries faster and with fewer obstacles.

     
A transportation management system (TMS) delivers actionable insights round the clock. This gives managers responsive logistics that make for more accurate forecasting, risk mitigation, and coordination with suppliers.

How Data Improves Supply Chain Visibility

Lack of supply chain visibility ultimately hinders how effectively a logistics manager can perform their role.  From the minute dry chemical materials leave the warehouse to arriving at their final destination, real-time transportation data gives management a look into their supply chains.

     
For example, with real-time data, suppliers, transporters, and end-users can all receive systematic updates about the location and status of a shipment. By aligning everyone on the same page through clear data points, management can enhance communication, improve delivery models, and promptly address any issues.

The Benefits of Real-Time Monitoring in Safety and Compliance

Given the safety risks of transporting dry chemical material, logistics managers have to be constantly vigilant. Despite their best efforts, risks can still arise due to the unpredictable nature of transportation.

     
Shipping accidents, freight damages, and regulatory violations could all jeopardize the company, but real-time data offers insights that could help prevent such issues from arising.

     
Firstly, real-time data allows managers to forecast potential risks and intervene before any damage arises. It also helps them recognize their greatest threats and develop strategic risk management plans to increase regulatory compliance, minimize errors, and improve safety.

     
Real-time data software can track and document important regulatory criteria, such as environmental conditions, handling procedures, and other compliance-related information.

Leverage Data-Driven Decisions to Reduce Operational Expenses

With the help of continuous data monitoring, managers will have ongoing visibility into traffic and weather conditions, as well as individual vehicle and shipment locations. They can then reroute shipments or coordinate with transporters to avoid costly delays, shorten delivery times, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

     
Furthermore, transportation analytics can help management track fuel consumption and make strategic changes to maximize their investments. Lowering operational costs ultimately makes the company more profitable, allowing it to further enhance its technology and efficiency.

     
Real-time data goes beyond simple metrics to offer a deeper insight into usage patterns. Rather than rely solely on historical information, managers can set up their own benchmarks and evaluate fuel costs and consumption over various periods of time, accounting for variables like weather, traffic, destination, vehicle model, and shipment type.

Real-Time Data Examples in Dry Chemical Material Transport

By incorporating real-time data monitoring, companies can gain valuable information about their shipments, such as:

  • Location tracking: GPS tracks the location and movement of shipments, allowing for more accurate ETA predictions and strategic adjustments to avoid delays.

  • Temperature: Temperature control is vital to ensuring the safety and quality of all dry chemical materials. Real-time monitoring can track the temperature of every shipment and alert management when it falls outside of set parameters.

  • Environmental conditions: Thanks to data-tracking, logistics managers can better understand how weather patterns and climate conditions may impact transportation and modify their routes or ETAs accordingly.

  • Vehicle status: The integrity and performance of transportation vehicles ultimately impacts the safety of the driver and stability of the cargo. Through ongoing data monitoring, companies can better plan for maintenance and make preventative tune-ups or early repairs that prevent serious hazards or significant costs.

Future Innovations

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the leading trends in dry chemical logistics. Because AI-powered logistics can perform monitoring and management abilities 24/7, they can offer greater enhancements to supply chain operations while reducing the amount of time spent on analysis.

     
Sustainable supply chain management is also becoming more popular, and real-time data will play a large role in helping companies optimize their freight. By offering position tracking, emission metrics, and improved inventory management, data allows businesses to take a more proactive approach in their green initiatives.

     
Furthermore, Internet of Things (IoT) devices that connect to the internet and provide ongoing data collection will power future shipments. IoT enhances supply chain connectivity at every level, giving suppliers and end-users a deeper understanding of their orders and deliveries.

Conclusion

With real-time data, dry chemical material transport becomes more agile and responsive. Companies that leverage real-time tools are able to better accommodate the needs of their clients and achieve a higher return on investment in their operating budget.

     
Before integrating new software, any company should first identify its current needs and set strategic goals and KPIs to maximize the value of their new tools.

     
Nick Fryer is vice president of marketing, Sheer Logistics. Fryer has more than a decade of experience in the logistics industry, spanning marketing, public relations, sales enablement, M&A, and more at third-and fourth-party logistics providers including AFN Logistics, GlobalTranz, and Sheer Logistics. For more information, visit sheerlogistics.com.

About the Author

Nick Fryer

Sheer Logistics

Nick Fryer is vice president of marketing, Sheer Logistics. Fryer has more than a decade of experience in the logistics industry, spanning marketing, public relations, sales enablement, M&A, and more at third-and fourth-party logistics providers including AFN Logistics, GlobalTranz, and Sheer Logistics. For more information, visit sheerlogistics.com.

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