Let the Data do the Talking

One of the hottest trends right now is the use of data to help make decisions. It has been around for many years, but new technology is making it easier to do. In the logistics industry, it is one of the main advantages of having a transportation management system (TMS).

What exactly does it mean to have data?

Information on any habits, processes, or decisions can be collected and then organized. Improvement in anything starts with finding ways to collect data. This can apply to personal spending habits, business measurements, or even sports performance. Measuring the output of a process will often show you where to work to make improvements.

Word of caution: make sure that the data is accurate and unbiased.

Going back to using TMS in the logistics industry, if you use a system to track how your freight moves, is handled, and the money spent in each mode, you have the ability to review your decisions.

Advantages of letting data help make the decisions:

• The data will help eliminate the emotion from the decision. Think about how many times most of us have let our emotions drive our choices. We will often ignore common sense if we have an emotional attachment to something.
• Using data will help build consensus faster. Creating a brainstorming session with a wide-open question can promote “chasing rabbit trails.” There is a big advantage in showing the data first, then brainstorming what can be done to improve.
• You will save yourself money with the ability to save time and track expenses that go into a particular project.

In conclusion:

The ability to use data will play a critical role in the future of your business as well as in our personal lives if we let it.

Next time you find yourself making a decision, stop and ask, “what does the data say we should do?”