New RateLinx solution helps companies use logistics data to guide strategy

RateLinx has made a name for itself by providing companies with good, clean, accurate data about their orders, shipments, and payments. Now, the company is promoting its ability to provide logistics intelligence and analytics based on that data through its "Data-as-a-Strategy" solution.

The solution provides users with real-time reports on key performance indicators and analysis on such things as potential savings produced through using a preferred carrier or a new contract. Users will also be able to see their return on investment and budgets in real time. The solution can also be used to identify pricing pressures, which of the company's business rules are not being followed, and which of the business rules are out of date and costing the company money.

The dashboards can also provide a breakdown of charges by category and percentage spend. Users will be able to get in-depth detail on line-haul and fuel costs as well as accessorials. These capabilities will allow companies to make better carrier selections and engage in more effective rate negotiations.

The company announced the Data-as-a-Strategy solution at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' EDGE Conference yesterday.

By labeling the new solution "Data-as-a-Strategy," RateLinx is emphasizing its core belief that clean data should provide the foundation of a company's strategy and approach to logistics.

"If you anchor yourself in data, then your strategy will produce better results and any change that you make on the supply chain side will be based on fact," said Shannon Vaillancourt, President at RateLinx during an interview on the floor of the Supply Chain Exchange exhibition at EDGE.