Yet to make data collection and analysis as efficient as possible means changing the process by which it’s gathered, emphasized Werner’s Ball – moving away from large one-size-fits-all legacy system designs to ones with more modular components.
“We are designed our systems as ‘small’ or as modular as possible, so we can create more interfaces to share data across all of our divisions – operations, maintenance, logistics, etc.,” he explained. “As data keeps growing and technology keeps changing, smaller modular systems help us adapt faster and stay interconnected.”
Quick adaptation is vital, noted 10-4’s Rhyan, because the amount of data being generated in trucking is only going to get “bigger and bigger” in his view.
“The industry really has never had this much information and also never really had to standardize it,” he said. “Now it must prioritize data based on what is the greatest need – and data prioritization should be at the heart of a carrier’s information strategy.”
But Werner’s Ball also stressed that adding technology is not at its heart just about “automating processes” in the trucking world. “It’s about using technology to make game-changing gains; it should make our job easier and more efficient.”
I.D.’s Ehrman added that if the “old guard” in trucking – drivers and others who remain leery of the rapid deployment of technologies within the industry – can see the value in terms of making their jobs easier and more efficient, then most will gladly start using it.
“The ideal scenario is that big data will be built into our daily lives but that we won’t know it’s there,” he stressed.
