Thursday, July 27, 2023
7 logistics trends that will shake up the market
Thanks to technology, the logistics universe, like other market niches that work with information tools, is in fast and constant evolution.
As we’ll see below, some logistics trends are already a reality for most of the sector, while others are taking their first steps towards a fruitful market. Keep reading to know more about each one:
1 - IoT
The Internet of Things concept is the control and monitoring made via electronic devices connected to the Internet. That is, it’s possible to manage logistics with gadgets such as smartphones and tablets.
The main objective is to optimize processes and reduce the time of operational activities, also allowing the standardizing of deliveries.
2 – Omnichannel logistics
The main objective of an integrated operation is to guarantee that consumers receive their items in the established time, in a fast, organized and satisfactory way.
For that to be a reality, it’s necessary that online and “offline” physical stores have joint management. Therefore, it’ll be possible for the client to:
- Buy on online stores and pick the items up at physical stores;
- Return products bought online at physical stores;
- Have real-time information about the entire logistics flow of their order;
- Research prices on an online store and buy at the physical store.
Other advantages can be observed, including for companies, such as the reduction of costs, reduction of physical spaces, improvement of consumer experience and much more!
3 – ESG Practices
Being a sustainable company goes way beyond a trend! With technological advancements, the market has adopted the consolidation of policies and indexes of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices, including in the logistics sector!
For each of the ESG pillars, there are infinite possibilities to adjust logistical operations: In Environmental, it’s necessary for companies to look for alternatives that contribute to reduce environmental impact, whether on transports or operations, such as reverse logistics, for example. In Social, it’s essential to focus on human rights, with diversity initiatives, attracting and retaining talents, inclusivity programs and other activities that foster these developments. And for Governance, good practices related to company ethics and transparency should be addressed, for employees as well as for those hiring.
4 – Update on delivery formats
Technology also contributes to the modernization of delivery formats: new routes and tools enable faster logistical operations.
Of course that the more it advances, the more possibilities technology allows. Today, it’s already possible to find surveys and tests of deliveries made by drones, for instance, with the objective of reaching farther and remote locations, with great potential of scalability in the future.
5 – Blockchain
Originally created as an accounting method for virtual currencies, this technology encodes and inserts documents into the blockchain, creating registers that can’t be altered, in addition to decentralizing a single authority with information.
Within logistics, it enables greater connection among the market, which will get safer information, enabling:
- More reliable operations
- More democratic transactions
- Cost reduction
- Optimized processes
- Much more!
Blockchain can also add to stock tracking and even invoicing payments. As it’s a new process, many applications and formats are still in development, but the future looks promising.
6 - Data Fabric
It’s a set of data services that make applications available in multi-cloud environments, which standardizes data in the cloud. Among its main advantages are greater control of this information, visibility and security in data storage, contributing to insight generation and more assertive analyzes.
7 – Artificial Intelligence
It’s impossible to talk about digital transformation, in any area, without citing Artificial Intelligence (IA). It was created reproduce human beings’ reasoning ability and therefore analyze information more assertively, make decisions and automate many processes, being the jumping point for many items on this list.
Thus, it’s possible to observe many advantages in logistics, such as the reduction of operational failures, increase in productivity, agility in business operational processes and decision-making, in addition to reducing costs and time.
Rely on a logistics company that values technological evolution
The logistics sector is constantly evolving, and because Asia Shipping has the technical knowledge and keeps an eye on technological advancements, it has become the largest freight forwarder in Latin America.
With over 27 years in the market, with experience and know-how in air, sea and land shipping services. You can click here to talk to one of our experts and find out how Asia Shipping can help you add value to your brand!
