Once end-to-end connectivity is achieved in a parcel sortation centre, the collected and standardised data can be used in data analytics and business intelligence tools to provide insights into operations. When brought together, data tells a story because each piece of information is valuable to your business.
However, due to the sheer volume of data generated in a facility – and the numerous parameters involved – finding the right dials to adjust and improve performance in parcel handling operations can be difficult and time-consuming.
To remove this complexity and provide a clear path of action, solutions such as Vanderlande’s PACE Insights can support decision-making by generating insights into your equipment’s performance. Historical and near real-time data can be collected from the smallest hardware component to the entire parcel handing system. Therefore, the analytics tool provides a complete overview of the sorting system, leading to more efficient operations.
While currently providing descriptive data analytics, our digital solution promises to evolve rapidly into diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics.
With the integration of a diagnostic component to data analysis, users will be able to not only have a clear picture of their system’s performance, but also easily identify the root cause of equipment faults and underperforming processes. As data sets become more complete and predictive analytics make their way into parcel sortation centres, intelligence tools will be able to detect these anomalies in systems and processes before they become issues.
In a context where time is of the essence and operating costs are on the rise, predictive abilities can therefore have a major impact on both maintenance activities and overall efficiency. On the one hand, maintenance will be performed proactively based on actual need and with minimal impact on operations, rather than on a routine schedule or in reaction to a breakdown. On the other hand, more advanced solutions, such as digital twins, will offer a glimpse into the future and enable scenario planning, as well as process optimisation.
After predictive analytics will come prescriptive analytics, where past, present and future data is used by smart software solutions to automatically propose courses of action. These would optimise operations within a parcel sortation facility, and eventually at the network level.
From its most basic to advanced applications, the smart use of data has limitless potential when it comes to improving parcel handling systems and processes. With this, CEP companies will be able to improve operational performance, and reduce human interaction while keeping expenses under control.
Learn more about the importance of Operational Technology when it comes to transforming parcel handling operations in this blog.
Every parcel company and market are different. This is reflected by the various layouts of depots and sortation centres. Our experts are available to offer help and advice in every respect.