The Impact of Big Data on the Data Supply Chain

The impact of big data on the data supply chain (DSC) has increased exponentially with the proliferation of mobile, social and conventional Web computing. This proliferation presents multiple opportunities in addition to technological challenges for big data service providers. The enterprise-level DSCs and IT infrastructures have experienced massive revamping while adopting partnerships with services that provide analytical acumen. In this environment, third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) have developed an increasingly proactive role in designing a business model by which suppliers along the DSC can offer strategies to clients that not only help them survive the data onslaught, but actually thrive and progress. Flash Global is at the forefront of this revolution and an innovator in designing and implementing solutions along the DSC.

The data industry is mired in a revolution, and the massive quantity of data continues to experience explosive growth, spawning an entirely new industry of big data analytics. This revolution presents both opportunities and threats for information-reliant companies, who must find methods to identify and exploit new sources of value, take better financial and credit risks, create viable services and products, and spot trends more quickly. Concurrently, the abundance of data creates numerous challenges across multiple dimensions in the collection, transmission, analysis, and storage of data.

Data digitization converts the manual or physical records including images, text, video, and audio files into digital form. In this global proliferation, organizations have found it necessary to address the proliferation of non-standard file formats from sources worldwide and to archive and preserve data in a way that enhances the easy access and analysis of the information. Data digitization performs this task extremely well, and now the imperative involves ways to adopt procedures and techniques along the DSC to improve upon efficiency.

Thus, the challenge to 3PLs is to offer proactive strategies and offer guidance on ways the data industry can improve upon operating models and adopt innovative tools and techniques to build and secure the next generation data supply chain. A multipronged approach for accelerating the process improvement includes converting the vast volumes of data coming from mobile, social and conventional Web-based computing into relevant, actionable insights. In addition, any system must address data consumption patterns that change dynamically and provide a platform that encourages data providers to bring novel products to market much more quickly. Done right, improvements in DSC should result in a competitive edge that meets the needs for value-added data and reliable solutions for clients.

Next-Generation Data Supply Chain Best Practices

By providing leading technology solutions in the data supply chain, Flash Global has improved processes from sourcing to delivery allowing suppliers to transform their capabilities to consume, process, and distribute data. The key elements of the next-generation best practices will:

Reduce data latency.
Optimize operational efficiencies.
Be flexible to accept new data sources.
Have scalability to accommodate future increases in data volume.
Enhance data quality while meeting consumer demands dynamically.
Increase time to market and improve the potential for revenue recognition.

Recently, Flash Global partnered with Nutanix (download and read the full case study here), a leading provider of next-generation data supply chain solutions. With its proprietary software, Nutanix was experiencing explosive growth, and in 2013, the company sought out a new collaborative partnership to develop and implement global logistics infrastructure solutions. Flash Global met the needs for scaling Nutanix’s global logistics services and prepared them for continued growth across multiple countries. Nutanix chose Flash for its highly talented team, its extensive expertise in international trade compliance, including IOR/EOR capabilities, and its comprehensive, worldwide network. Moreover, Flash represented the best choice in a 3PL collaborative partner to provide the following:

Create a system for performance tracking of IOR/EOR partners.
Provide a global network of established forward stocking locations with both regional and in-country expertise.
Pay associated tax and duties.
Provide customs requirements prior to shipping.
Same day (2HR and 4HR) delivery of crucial materials and parts.

Through this partnership, Flash developed four best practices that support exponential growth for companies along with the DSC. These four best-in-class practices include solution optimization, in-region presence, a proactive program, and best-in-class FCPA/EMCP.

As a result, Nutanix was able to focus on core objectives and increasing its client base. With the collaborative alliance with Flash as its 3PL, Nutanix was able to quickly and seamlessly integrate a third-party platform for logistics worldwide, thus allowing the company to utilize critical resources in other divisions. Since then, Flash has managed their logistics, maintain full compliance, optimize scalability and reduce costs.

Flash Global seeks out opportunities for growth management and cost savings. Through dedicated account managers who act as a single point of contact for consistency and reliability, innovative technological platforms, and cutting edge solutions to mission-critical issues, Flash Global works to ensure efficient network operations, compliance with regulations and reduced costs in any industry, including the data supply chain. If you are looking for expertise around the Data Supply Chain or DSC, contact Flash Global today to speak with one of our Directors of Business Development.