Technologically advanced resources are getting integrated into the logistics module to sustain operations and ensure efficient deliverability.

Logistics is an integral part of organizations involved in shipping products and services. It involves distributing materials and goods, planning, implementing and controlling procedures for effective and efficient operations across different supply-chain segments. However, the logistics sector has been heavily influenced by the changing geopolitical diaspora and impending trade wars over the years. This has put much pressure on the companies responsible for logistics operations. As COVID 19 outbreak stalled supply chain operations and the relationship amongst countries staggered, the need for preparedness across the global logistics sector has been realized. Henceforth, technologically advanced resources are integrated into the logistics module to sustain operations and ensure efficient deliverability.

This article focuses on the top 10 trends that will change the outlook of the logistics sector in 2021.

Internet of Things- The Internet of Things (IoT) ensures monitoring and control of data by connecting different devices without human intervention. The logistics sector requires synchronized transactions, enhanced visibility across the supply chain, and efficient management throughout fleet services. Incorporation of IoT in the logistics sector ensures smooth, efficient, and transparent operations. Since it doesn’t require human intervention, logistic companies can ensure alignment in tasks by integrating IoT. Many companies like Fleetroot in Saudi Arabia are deploying IoT for fleet management.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology is a decentralized system that ensures transparency across the data stored in every block of the system. In logistics, the companies are often faced with the challenge of documentation fraud, theft of goods, and discrepancy in the delivery of goods. By incorporating blockchain across the logistics sector such challenges can be mitigated. Additionally, as the blockchain displays information entered for the public view, the information about every step is visible to the public, thus ensuring that hacking and tampering of the logistic system doesn’t take place.

Big data Analytics

 Logistics companies accumulate huge data through diverse operations. This data is both in a structured and unstructured manner. By integrating big data analytics, logistic companies can analyze which goods are most favored by customers and which area, port, or warehouse is proving lucrative for logistical operations.

Artificial Intelligence

By integrating artificial intelligence, logistics managers can proactively deal with fluctuating demands across supply chain operations. They can forecast the problem and integrate the necessary solution, thus eliminating the extra operational cost.

Automating Warehouses

Warehouses involve a manual workforce, which constantly requires human monitoring. By automating warehouses, the mundane tasks, such as loading goods, monitoring the goods received, and dispatched goods across the warehouse and other operations would be automated. Many companies like GreyOrange and Locus Robotics are integrating robots to carry out tasks in warehouses.

Digital Twins

By integrating digital twins in the shipment process, the potential weakness of the product and packaging can be identified. This will increase efficiency across all segments of the logistic process.   

Autonomous Vehicles

By introducing autonomous vehicles in logistics services, the safe and secure delivery of goods is ensured. Though this trend is nascent, companies are already deploying autonomous vehicles to improve services and efficiency. Moreover, as autonomous vehicles are devoid of human engagement, they improve fuel efficiency and ensure timeliness in delivering the goods by analyzing the congested traffic areas. Startups like Spring and Mars Auto are deploying autonomous vehicles in fleet management.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

The logistics managers can monitor the various processes happening across the logistics area with the help of augmented and virtual reality.

Sustainability through Technology

To achieve the aim of the Paris Agreement, companies like Amazon and Maersk are piloting initiatives such as Climate Pledge, to minimize carbon emission in ships and vehicles. Maersk aims to use ships and marine fuels with low carbon emissions by 2030. Other renowned companies are investing heavily in sustainable logistics route.

Investments by Venture Capitalist firms and Enterprises 

Logistic startups have long been ignored by VC’s and Enterprises when it comes to investment. However, this trend is soon going to change. Logistic Startups like Keep Truckin, Roadie and Flexport have already secured an investment of one billion and more from various VCs and enterprises.