Using data as a system for action

Motor carriers continue to navigate persistent volatility: Geopolitical conflicts, market fluctuations, and security threats can disrupt operations with little warning.

In a recent virtual roundtable hosted by Trimble, executives from Trimble's Transporeon explored how the strategic application of data is evolving from a simple tracking tool into a "system of action."

Philip Pfister, sector VP of Transporeon, noted that while technology cannot stop the world from turning, it can dictate how fast a carrier finds its footing: "You will not prevent disruption. This is just impossible ... [but] being part of a network can basically help you to actually recover faster."

Success in a modern fleet depends as much on industry data as it does on internal metrics, Pfister explained. Benchmarking can reveal whether an operational struggle is unique or an industry-wide trend.

"If nine out of 10 companies in your industry take a right turn at a certain crossroad, maybe we should help you to also take a right turn instead of you going left,” Pfister said.

Networking and monitoring can prevent cargo theft

Cargo theft, for example, can be avoided with the smart application of rich data. The Trimble experts suggested that vetting at the network level is the best way to prevent freight fraud.

Pfister: “The best step is to just avoid [that] it happens at all by making sure that only trusted parties are part of a network. [This is what we do.] Whoever wants to join the network from before even participating in an RFQ gets vetted to make sure that these are real companies. ... If there are only real companies and real parties, it already reduces the risk that your freight gets stolen from the get-go.”

Beyond vetting, real-time data can act as a digital watchdog. Visibility tools can trigger automated alerts when a driver’s behavior deviates from the plan.

Pfister: “Visibility is a super helper as well. If you know where your trucks are, you have a feeling of what’s going on with your truck—and you can also identify if the truck shows abnormal behavior, like detouring or stopping somewhere you didn’t expect, and get an alert.”

How can carriers get started with data solutions?

For carriers looking to overhaul their data utilization, Trimble’s experts suggest focusing on discovery and communication.

For discovery, before even working with a potential provider, carriers should ensure they understand the current system, its problems, and its exceptions. As Anne Lielahti, VP of customer experience for Transporeon, put it: “The 'as-is' process needs to be carefully mapped out before we can go to the 'to-be' scenario.”

But communication is always key. Carriers should involve as many shareholders as they can and work to ensure buy-in for a technology.

“The biggest barrier is not the technology. It is about the adoption; it is about trust and collaboration," Lielahti said. "The technology only creates value when people use it and trust it.”