Data visualization tools are digital applications, platforms, or dashboards that take data and transform them into visual representations. Data visualization tools are valuable for warehouse operations because they show insights that can be used to drive informed decision-making. The data is displayed in easy-to-read visual representations and can allow warehouse managers to quickly draw conclusions, and make comparisons.
There are a few other main purposes of data visualization tools. Aside from simplifying complex data, these tools also allow for enhanced data analysis. Managers can easily identify trends to gain deeper insights into their inventory. Data visualization tools support swift pattern recognition, allowing managers to quickly identify things like seasonality or other trends that might influence warehouse decision-making.
Warehouse visualization tools allow for better communication around warehouse operations, internally and externally, because they simplify complicated concepts and make the data more accessible.
A key purpose of using data visualization tools in warehouses is that they enable real-time monitoring. Real-time insights are essential to accurate decision-making, and data visualization tools give leaders the power to track key performance indicators and metrics as they happen. Managers can instantly identify issues, and spot bottlenecks and trends.
Data Visualization Tools Can Transform Your Operations
We’ve listed some main benefits of data visualization tools, and how they can transform your warehouse operations.
- Allow leaders to make better decisions
Managers rely on data to make decisions; whether it’s game-time decisions on inventory, choices based on product performance metrics, or solving the root cause of a crippling bottleneck, data is the key. But if the data is confusing, or time-consuming to sort through, making these decisions isn’t going to be easy. When data is represented with visualization tools, it can be interpreted and acted upon.
- Clearly show performance metrics
Visualization tools allow warehouse managers to identify key performance metrics and indicators. When these metrics are displayed on a real-time dashboard, managers can monitor and track their operations as efficiently as possible.
- Ultimate inventory visibility
is integral to supply chain management, but when data is complex, it can hinder visibility, instead of supporting it. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of C-level executives say they don’t have clear visibility into their own supply chain. One way to improve inventory visibility is with data visualization tools, which give you insights into your warehouse and inventory operations.
- Optimize your inventory management
Inventory management can be tricky to get right, especially now. Experts say that supply chain disruptions should be expected in 2023, due to reasons including global conflicts and economic issues. Visualization tools can give you a clear view of your supply chain operations and inventory needs. You can keep an eye on the movements of goods, easily spot inefficiencies, anticipate disruptions, and optimize your processes overall.
- Mitigate and avoid certain risks
Warehouse management comes with risk, some of which is unavoidable. Certain risks can be mitigated and avoided when you accurately interpret data with the help of data visualization tools. You can identify and visualize risks, and even catch early-warning signs before they turn into full-blown problems. You can always ensure you have the right inventory built up for certain stages of the . You can also make sure the right stock is moving to the right location, and that you’re prepared to ramp up production when needed. - Practical real-world insights
With data visualization tools, you’ll always have insights well within reach. Data visualization tools will help you answer questions about what you need to buy, what hasn’t shipped or sold yet, what you’re out of, what your most important items are, and if your inventory is actually turning. - Save valuable time and reduce errors
Your warehouse data may be crucial, but it shouldn’t take you a huge amount of time to process. When you’re dealing with large, complicated data sets, warehouse managers can waste tons of valuable time combing through them, looking for certain insights. Not only that, but there is a chance of human error, and that insights will be missed, or misinterpreted. These risks can result in issues, with expansive trickle-down effects. When warehouse managers are getting their insights from data visualization tools, they instantly have access to the meaningful data they’re looking for and can quickly distill meaning from it.
At , our supply chain planning suite helps you run efficiently, improve forecast accuracy, and reduce inventory levels. With our planning dashboards, you’ll get actionable data on Stock Outs, Dead Stock, Service Level, Turns, Safety Stock, Economic Order Quantity calculations, and more. Optimize your warehouse operations and start leveraging your data to improve the way you work?
