VIL makes sustainability reporting easy with Business Intelligence tools

Companies with logistics operations sit on a gold mine of operational data, but often do not utilize it sufficiently. VIL calls on companies to put this data to smart use with Business Intelligence (BI) tools, and thus be ready for the mandatory CO2 reporting under European CSRD legislation. The BILOG project shows that the key to success lies not only in technology, but especially in the right approach, user involvement and data quality.

From data to strategic decisions

Companies have valuable data from on-board computers, IoT systems and management software for transportation and warehousing. However, they often lack the knowledge or resources to use this data effectively.

"It's important to start with the questions companies want answered, not just the available data," says Dirk Staelens, project manager at VIL. "BI tools only really work when reports and dashboards are based on clear, reliable data that directly support companies in their decisions."

Concrete tools for businesses

VIL offers its members step-by-step guidance on how to deploy data structurally. Through the VIL Logibox (https://toolbox.vil.be/), companies have access to ready-to-use BI tools, including a roadmap, data models and templates. These tools help companies think ahead and prepare for challenges such as carbon sustainability reporting.

Two successful case studies

Two Proof of Concepts (PoCs) have already proven their value in practice. At Altrea, a CO2 dashboard was developed that provides data-driven insights for sustainable strategy and reporting. Storage and Distribution Ter Haeghe (ODTH) implemented a dashboard that helps optimize costs and revenues in their warehouse operations.

"Altrea sees the added value of the PoC and is going to further roll out the dashboard in all its branches. This way we will be ready in 2025 for both internal reports and those for our customers," said Dirk Meuwissen, IT manager at Altrea.

Cost efficiency and competitive advantages

The biggest investment in a BI project is in the time to design, develop and test the reports. The licensing cost of BI tools and data warehouses is only 15 to 20 percent of the total cost. However, companies that successfully deploy BI achieve strategic benefits such as better insight into carbon emissions and margins, which strengthens their position when preparing bids.

Project participants: BDO Advisory, Bmatix, BOMA, Comax, DataSense, Famiflora - FamiTrans, Haesaerts Intermodal (Altrea), IVBO, Multimodal Transports & Logistics (MTL), Nolmans Retail Support (Toychamp), Storage and Distribution Ter Haeghe (ODTH), Qargo, Seabird, Tailormade Logistics (TML) , TLCC, Transics International, Van De Velde, Vintra and VPD.

This project was co-funded by VLAIO.