Freight data requirements study: A research report for the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities

The importance of data for the smooth flow of goods was highlighted in the report from iMOVE’s Freight Data Requirements Study which was released recently by the Federal government. The study is a comprehensive analysis of the needs for, and availability of freight data in Australia. iMOVE found a highly fragmented environment in which much data is collected but its inconsistency and dispersed storage severely reduces its usefulness. In today’s high paced, highly competitive freight industry, the factor that distinguishes high performers is the intensity of their data usage. Going forward however, it is not just individual freight operators that have to perform well, but the whole system must operate seamlessly. Despite each company’s fierce independence, we now have to work together to coordinate the movement of goods along supply chains. And that is going to require active sharing of information (freight data) amongst the relevant stakeholders. If we deny this need for a modest sharing of basic data we will never know ‘when the box is going to arrive’ (see previous discussion on this subject Where’s my box? The case for improved supply chain visibility. Now!), and never enjoy the increased productivity. Australia’s success depends on getting this right.