Technology has been the last historical milestone to completely change our way of life. The revolution of information and the fast development of technology have forced all industries to undergo a drastic and sudden change to remain competitive.
Most traditional industries no longer follow the same business model or the same operating techniques they started with. The logistics industry is no exception. Being one of the fundamental pillars of world trade, logistics has been forced to take over the new technological trends to be part of this revolution and evolve along with the market. Below, five of the trends to be reckoned with for the logistics sector in 2018:
1. Iot – Smart logistics
The Internet of things is a concept that began to be heard a couple of years ago in the most developed sectors. It refers to the digital interconnectivity of everyday objects through the Internet. With this, we can apply the technology of the network in each step of our supply chain to be able to offer a smart logistic process, focused on the user and suitable for a new type of client that demands more information, adaptability, and personalization.
It uses interconnection and new interfaces to guarantee a more direct, precise and immediate communication. A more personalized production and a more efficient management while reducing costs, optimizing routes and allowing traceability through geolocation. Other resources available are smart pallets and sensors.
As each step of the supply chain becomes digital, logistics becomes smart and allows the industry to optimize better its resources.
2. Automation
The e-commerce wave has forced the logistics industry to be faster and more efficient in order to serve an increasingly competitive market.
For this, automation has made it possible to speed up processes accurately with fewer margins of error and more affordable costs, thanks to the development of new technologies that allow it, such as:
– Storage and supply.
– Container loading and unloading.
– Assistance in local deliveries by drones.
– Control and management software.
– Merchandise registration and labeling.
3. Big Data
The analysis of data has been the great and much-needed trend of recent years. The logistics business is flooded with data that help us to understand and predict the behavior of customers, be ahead of new market trends and optimize our routes and processes.
Its application in logistics improves the efficiency of the supply chain, not only by speeding up current processes but also by detecting and anticipating future demands and new business models that may exist in the future.
Many companies have already invested in Big Data to better manage the large amount of data they generate, segment information in a more intelligent way, improve record tracking and offer an overall better service.
4. Sustainability
The environment is one of the most powerful concerns in the world today. The regulations of industrial operation are changing at an increasingly accelerated pace. This mainly affects the logistics industry, responsible for 10% of CO2 worldwide. This is why different regulations are being applied, which will lead to taking alternative measures, such as:
– Gradual elimination of paper.
– Ecological transport.
– Delivery and pick up points.
5. 3D Printing
3D printing is undoubtedly an element of change in logistics. This new reproduction technique will revolutionize production processes, and although traditional production will not disappear, a combination of both techniques will allow:
– Customization of products at low costs without altering mass production.
– Delivery speed and greater local production.
– Warehouses on demand.