Are your cargo operators using spreadsheets? It could be costing you millions.

Are your cargo operators using spreadsheets to manage their cargo management workflows? Are you missing time critical deadlines for commercial nominations?  It might be time to consider a built-for-purpose digital tool instead. Here’s why.

‍

There is no denying spreadsheets can be a valuable tool, adept at organising, manipulating and presenting data. But for all their strengths, effectively managing workflows is not one of them – particularly if you’re looking to automate repetitive processes and manage your data securely and efficiently.

Cargo operators managing tasks and workflows via spreadsheets will be aware of their limitations. Real-time collaboration, automation and data auditability are almost impossible. Commercial nominations and key obligations are hard to track, and the manual handling of data leads to duplication and human error. Missing a nomination deadline may cost nothing; but it could also end up costing you millions if it prevents you from optimising your position or freight.

Companies that are serious about getting every last dollar out of their portfolio and providing their team with the tools to make that happen, should consider implementing a best in class, built-for-purpose digital solution.

‍

A closer look at a spreadsheet’s inefficiencies

When using a spreadsheet, operators are forced to create new workflows for every single contract/cargo – roles, tasks, and workflow deadlines must be attributed to individual team members manually. Keeping this spreadsheet up to date over the lifespan of a cargo is an extremely time-consuming process for all involved and carries a high risk of error with data duplication and data entry mistakes common.

A spreadsheet does not have the smarts or ability to automatically generate or assign tasks to team members depending on the nature and detail of the data entered. Likewise, spreadsheets do not have the ability to send alerts or warnings when data is inputted incorrectly, duplicated or doesn’t make sense.

Managing workflows on spreadsheets is also a siloed process. You’re forever switching between spreadsheets, inboxes and to-do-lists to update and complete workflows.

‍

How a built-for-purpose digital solution out-performs a spreadsheet

A built-for-purpose software tool is an application specifically designed and developed to meet a particular set of needs, or to perform a specific task. A built-for-purpose commercial cargo management tool, for example, automates all aspects of cargo delivery in real time, taking into consideration the industry’s trade and operational idiosyncrasies. Benefits include:

·     Automating repetitive daily actions that are time consuming and low value, allowing operators to focus on more valuable tasks and managing more without additional resources.

·     Automating the assigning of tasks to team members and the updating of progress statuses in the system.

·     Automatically sending warnings and alerts for upcoming deadlines, data errors and data mismatches. Essentially, the system sense-checks every single piece of inputted data so commercial obligations are protected and always met.

·     Improved collaboration. All data – including internal and external communication – is consolidated into one, integrated solution meaning teams work from a single accurate source of truth. Once more, this reduces errors and improves efficiency.

·     Improved organisational visibility, including full system auditability and reporting.

‍

How GLX CARGO can assist your cargo ops team

GLX CARGO has been designed and developed to complement your cargo operators’ existing workflows by automating key aspects of LNG and crude delivery in real time.

Bu using GLX CARGO you can gain a sustained competitive advantage over your peers.

·      GLX CARGO’s speed to market is unmatched – be up and running in as little as two months.

·      The system requires minimal configuration and is cloud-hosted – realise ROI immediately.

·      Maximise your margins through real time portfolio metrics and charts, configured to your liking.

·      GLX CARGO is trusted and validated – it is currently used by some of the world’s largest energy companies.

LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

To discuss how GLX CARGO can add material value to your business and potentially save you tens of millions of dollars in value leakage, email sales@glxdigital.com.

‍