Blake Tablak, CEO of Trax Technologies, recently joined host Kelly Barner on The Sourcing Hero podcast to discuss the role of data and risk in decision-making. As procurement and supply chain leaders navigate an increasingly complex landscape, Blake shared his insights on data confidence, decision-making frameworks, and how businesses can move forward with clarity.
This article summarizes key takeaways from their conversation. Listen to the full episode here.
The Reality of Data in Decision-Making
With vast amounts of data available, many assume that more information automatically leads to better decisions. However, Blake pointed out that data without context can be misleading, creating an illusion of certainty that doesn’t always align with reality. The key challenge isn’t just collecting data—it’s knowing what to store, how to normalize it, and how to use it effectively.
“We have about 190 terabytes of data on global supply chains over 20 years,” Blake shared. “But storing everything without a plan is a mistake. You have to start by defining the outcomes you want.”
To make data meaningful, companies need strong governance practices, clear objectives, and a streamlined approach to data storage and analysis. Organizations often struggle with fragmented systems that make it difficult to derive actionable insights. This is where advanced technology solutions come into play, providing a way to consolidate data sources, eliminate redundancies, and create a unified view of operations.
Data Confidence: Trusting What You See
One of the biggest hurdles in leveraging data is confidence in its accuracy. Many companies collect massive datasets but lack trust in the insights they generate. This is often due to inconsistent data governance, a lack of normalization, and missing contextual elements that make analysis meaningful.
Blake suggests focusing on specific procurement levers, such as net payment terms, and augmenting internal data with third-party sources to gain a clearer picture. The goal is to create a reliable source of truth that enables businesses to make informed decisions without second-guessing their data.
“Without clean and structured data, organizations are essentially guessing,” Blake explained. “They need to invest in proper normalization techniques and technology that ensures data integrity.”
The Risk of Doing Nothing
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centered on the idea that doing nothing is often the riskiest decision a business can make. Blake pointed to well-known examples—like Blockbuster missing the opportunity to acquire Netflix—as cases where inaction led to obsolescence.
“Businesses that don’t move forward will be gone in five years,” Blake warned. “Even if you start with a small step, making a decision is always better than standing still.”
This resonates across industries, especially in procurement and supply chain management. Companies that fail to evolve their technology, embrace automation, or leverage data-driven insights are often left behind by more agile competitors. The ability to take decisive action, even in the face of uncertainty, is a key differentiator in today’s market.
Create a Culture of Smart Risk-Taking
Beyond data, Blake emphasized the human side of decision-making. A strong company culture should encourage employees to make informed decisions, take risks, and learn from failure. He introduced the “branches” analogy: the closer a decision is to the core of a business, the more precise execution must be. But as companies move into new areas or innovations, failure is inevitable—and should be embraced as part of the learning process.
“Innovators don’t always succeed the first time,” Blake explained. “But if you keep iterating, testing, and improving, that’s how you build something great.”
This mindset shift is critical. Organizations that view failure as a stepping stone to success foster a culture of experimentation and adaptability. Encouraging employees to take calculated risks leads to greater innovation and a stronger competitive edge.
The Intersection of Data and Decision-Making Frameworks
Blake also discussed decision-making frameworks that help organizations balance data with experience and intuition. He noted that businesses often rely too heavily on data without considering the human expertise that plays a crucial role in strategic decision-making.
He described a model where data, experience, and risk intersect. Data provides the foundation, the experience offers context, and risk represents the unknown variables. The most effective decisions come from blending all three elements.
“In the end, data is just a tool,” Blake said. “It’s how you interpret and act on it that makes the difference.”
Learn More About Trax Technologies
Blake and his team at Trax Technologies are committed to helping businesses optimize their transportation spend management through better data visibility. Their solutions provide data normalization, real-time analytics, automation, and strategic insights that empower companies to make data-driven decisions with confidence.
To learn more about their solutions, visit Trax Technologies or connect with Blake on LinkedIn.
For more insights on procurement, data, and decision-making, listen to The Sourcing Hero podcast.