The podcast discusses how data can enhance business processes in the air cargo industry, the challenges and progress in implementing new technologies, and the changing perception of digitalization in the industry as a result of the pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
Utilizing data to gain insights and automate decision-making is crucial for improving business processes in the air cargo industry.
Digitalization in the logistics industry, including air cargo, faces challenges due to the physical nature of the sector and lack of standardization, but COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of digital transformation for overcoming industry challenges and competition.
Deep dives
Utilizing Data to Improve Business Processes
One key insight from the podcast episode is the significance of utilizing data to improve business processes in the logistics industry, particularly in the air cargo sector. The guest speaker, Martin Scholes, emphasizes two main objectives for customers when it comes to data: using data to gain insights about their processes and leveraging reliable, real-time data to automate decision-making. While full automation may not be prevalent in the logistics industry yet, the focus remains on using data to enhance and optimize business operations. Scholes also highlights the importance of visibility and streamlining data through technologies like plowed data lakes to simplify data interpretation and enable access to accurate information for improvement.
Digitalization Challenges in the Logistics Industry
The podcast also discusses the challenges faced by the logistics industry, including air cargo, in terms of digitalization compared to other sectors. Scholes explains that the physical nature of logistics poses difficulties in digitalizing compared to industries like banking or insurance. The complexity of the supply chain involving multiple partners and the lack of standardization further complicate the digital transformation process. However, Scholes acknowledges progress in certain areas of air cargo, such as digital quotes and bookings, while highlighting the need for further advancements in tracking and digital standardization. He also notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the understanding among industry players that digitalization is crucial for overcoming challenges and competition in the logistics sector.