Popular Logistic Technology Trends in 2021
The logistic industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. When more and more self-isolated people began to purchase goods online, the retail industry needed to improve all of its benefits.
The need to produce more goods in less time, often with closed borders, will shape transportation trends in 2021. Furthermore, the developments in logistics in the coming year will be driven by innovative technologies.
E-commerce is mostly used in the logistics industry. It is one of the world’s most rapidly rising markets. According to estimates, the logistics industry will be worth more than $12 trillion by 2023. In 2021, people will witness the continuous growth of using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science in transportation.
Big Data Analytics
In 2021, companies will be more likely to use big data analysis to create a modern transportation infrastructure. All logistics statistics are critical for forecasting future deliveries and determining what products are required by the market.
The issue is how to use technology to evaluate data collection. It was made possible thanks to cutting-edge tech and a thorough understanding of the company’s objectives. Transport industry research is expected for prosperous economic planning and will be demanded by the majority of logistic companies in the coming years.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a rapidly rising technology in recent years. It is dependent not only on consumer growth but also on the technology’s influencers — the sustainability of using it in all global markets is based on safety and transparency.
For example, by introducing technologies for the certainty of performance history documents, the vendor is secured. Since the knowledge about using blockchain transactions is clear, all subsequent clients will have secure truck data. In addition, blockchain technology is used to track transportation capacity.
This transportation industry pattern is already being used successfully in Dutch companies — the technology aids in preventing document fraud and goods heist.
Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Supply Chain :
1. In your opinion, how has the Supply Chain landscape evolved over the years?
Over the last few years, we have seen the volatility of the industry result in a need for technology that enhances efficiency, increases visibility, and reduces human error. At the same time, our customers consistently require customized solutions, which require “human touch” expertise. As much as technology, digitization and data analytics can help plan and forecast, managing a supply chain still requires the expertise of a knowledgeable customer service team to interpret the data and understand the nuances of the business to meet the needs of the customer.
Additionally, we have seen the industry move toward planning efficient, fluid supply chains by looking at the interconnectivity of overland transport, air, and sea networks. Our international customers in particular rely on Dachser’s interlocking process, which leverages our efficient multimodal logistics networks well as our state-of-the-art IT system, to provide a transparent, connected, holistic approach to planning.
Our customers look to our interlocking process to reduce complexity, reduce time, effort, and costs, offer seamless control and risk management as well as provide comprehensive and reliable end-to-end solutions. Our process combines our own IT system with our well-trained, knowledgeable experts.
Customers benefit from synergies in purchasing, contract management, tracking and tracing and data traffic. This optimizes their processes and makes them more efficient. Another significant benefit to our US-based customers is that, through interlocking, they have access to our unmatched European road network, which connects all major markets throughout the continent.
2. What are the some of the advantages of the current technological evolution?
The benefits of the technological evolution tie back to efficiency within the supply chain. Moving cargo smoothly and seamlessly through the supply chain relies on technology and digitization for a variety of reasons, including enhanced transparency and data analytics. Proper forecasting is one of the most important aspects of a fluid supply chain, especially during a volatile marketplace like we are facing today. There are equipment shortages as well as warehouse and air and ocean freight capacity challenges that need to be considered. We rely on technology to help us plan around these challenges.
Additionally, the technology we use to handle the administrative aspect of the business should not be overlooked.
Accurate bills of lading and customs paperwork, for example, help ensure a smooth supply chain as well.
3. What, according to you, are some of the challenges plaguing Supply Chain landscape and how can they be effectively mitigated?
The biggest challenges affecting the supply chain today are the equipment shortages and warehouse, air, and ocean freight capacity challenges.
The warehouse capacity challenge has a ripple effect that has a dramatic impact on the landside of the business. For example, in the USA, as the economy slowed down, orders were not moving from the warehouses to the stores quickly enough to make room for the new cargo coming in, so instead, the cargo remained in containers sitting on chassis, which meant both the chassis and the containers did not move back into the supply chain, causing shortages.
The technology available today helps make forecasting much more timely and accurate, which is critical to keeping the cargo moving
The most consistent solution is accurate forecasting. Proper planning helps our intermodal partners ensure the right equipment is at the right place at the right time. Again, the technology available today helps make forecasting much more timely and accurate, which is critical to keeping the cargo moving.
4. Which are a few technological trends influencing Supply Chain today?
A major trend we have capitalized on is the shift toward one central IT system that connects an entire network — land, air and sea. Dachser customers all over the globe can see where their cargo is anywhere in the world. This enhanced level of transparency instills confidence in the customer, creates a one-stopshop approach and allows our team to seamlessly manage the transport from door to door with one system.
In addition, the movement toward standards will have a big impact on how efficiently data is shared, which will dramatically enhance supply chain fluidity. Smooth intermodalism depends on supply chain partners sharing information to identify patterns and properly plan. Standards will help the different technologies within the industry speak the same language and therefore share information more easily. Read More …
