Gas for the trip: 3PL specialists rely on Information Builders BI platform to counter fuel costs
By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 10/13/2008 7:25:00 PM
Information Builders reports several industry-leading third-party logistics (3PL) companies are using the WebFOCUS business intelligence (BI) platform to gain more control over tracking and operations management, and counter rising fuel costs.
The new customers join dozens of 3PLs and in-house logistics functions—e.g., Hillman Group, Hapag-Lloyd, and Utz—that are already using WebFOCUS applications to track more accurate partner service agreements and increase revenues.
Logistics organizations enlist BI technology to improve compliance, safety, fuel efficiency, billing, and many more business functions. Specifically, CFOs and operations managers apply WebFOCUS to improve five core areas:
1. Cargo management planning and efficiency;
2. Profitability analysis;
3. Internal tracking and management (portals);
4. Customer and partner self-service; and
5. Service-level agreements (SLA) requirements, measurement, and performance.
“As 3PLs s continue to consolidate, grow geographically, and round out their service offerings, they need versatile integration solutions,” says Gerald D. Cohen, CEO and founder of Information Builders. “WebFOCUS can reduce costs as well as increase profit margins in many ways. For instance, having an external [Web] portal opens the door to immediate invoicing, versus waiting to issue a bill of lading upon delivery.”
