Big data is going to be increasingly important for logistics firms in 2014.

This is according to Freightgate, which has released its predictions for the sector in the year ahead and it expects the management of information to play a major role.  

According to the firm, the ability to capture and analyse huge amounts of data will allow companies to set better goals by making the whole process more effective and efficient. 

It argues three areas will benefit from the technology - cost containment, capacity control and risk management.

As an extension of this, cloud computing will take on a more important role, as the monitoring, sharing, linking and interpreting of supply chain analytics becomes crucial to the continued success of organisations. 

"Supply chain analytics will allow businesses to create useful key performance indicators and incubate innovative ideas to successfully manage service levels and integrated relationships with their suppliers and customers," Freightgate stated.