Brian McLaughlin, president of PeopleNet, at the 2017 in.sight user conferenceThe presidents of TMW and PeopleNet encouraged transportation companies to keep pace with the on-demand economy during the opening general session of the in.sight user conference in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 14.
PeopleNet and TMW are Trimble Companies and part of its international Transportation and Logistics (T&L) Division.
In their opening addresses, TMW President David Wangler and PeopleNet President Brian McLaughlin emphasized that mobile technology and related technologies have been the driving force behind the rapid rise of B2B and B2C eCommerce and the omni-channel business model.
As online sales continue to grow and consumer expectations increase, the transportation industry is becoming increasingly reliant on the capture, analysis and exchange of data to deliver products as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“The winners in this revolution will be those who maximize their ability to leverage information in real-time for increased efficiency and agility,” Wangler said.
He compared transportation businesses to the engine of the on-demand economy, and noted the increasingly complex global supply chain characterized by evolving distribution models, shrinking delivery windows and reduced margin for error.
Both speakers stressed the need to use technologies that allow near real-time decision making through the use of predictive analytics and deep visibility into each step of the order and fulfillment process.
McLaughlin emphasized the importance of achieving a connected supply chain to address the competitive challenges associated with an on-demand economy. He also pointed to the connected nature of Trimble’s own transportation businesses as a strategy for companies that want to capitalize on growth opportunities in a transformational market.
He then shared Trimble’s vision of a supply chain made up of connected trucks, drivers, freight and intelligence.
“The right technology, and the right technology partners, can enable supply chain simplicity, precision and efficiency,” he said.
