How technology is transforming logistics and the supply chain

The technology advancements are revolutionizing daily processes for many logistics companies. Modern logistics companies now focus on implementing the right tools that integrate seamlessly, helping them streamline their overall operations, make data-backed decisions, enhance performance, and reduce costs. This is the only way to improve customer satisfaction and stay above the water in the highly competitive logistics industry.

Here are is how the implementation of business intelligence and new technologies can take your logistics company to the next level.

Tighter communication and greater transparency

Unless your deliveries have been already performed by driverless cars and your inventory has been managed by automated machines, the communication between your team members still matters. And, this is exactly where technology can help.

For example, there are many workforce management and scheduling tools that will let you optimize your daily tasks efficiently. They help you schedule different deliveries, determine transport routes, and share the information with your employees faster. Most importantly, your employees will be able to report problems, communicate transactions, and check the location of vehicles faster.

Apart from their internal use, there are many tools that improve your business’ communication with your customers. There are many tools that let you integrate different online and offline communication channels, including your phone, email, social networks, and instant messaging apps. There are also multiple order tracking systems that let your customers monitor their order status and delivery progress in real time. Centralized, multi-channel customer support and greater transparency will gain your customers’ trust and increase their experience with your business.

Real-time asset and vehicle tracking

Logistics companies now focus on automating and centralizing their asset tracking, inventory organization, and transportation management. And, there are many powerful tools that may automate these processes and increase their overall transparency.

For example, with inventory and asset management software like Zoho Inventory or Orderhive you can stay on top of your stock levels both for your in-house inventory and parts of your supply chain.

The use of fleet tracking software also grows, helping logistics businesses with the entire process of transportation management. Platforms like Linxio provide a full overview of your fleet in real time, informing you about their exact location, current route, and speed. By having greater insights into your fleet management, you will be able to reduce fuel costs and manage your fleet wiser. Above all, you will be able to streamline your entire delivery process, ensuring that your products reach distribution centers and end users on time.

With the implementation of AI, logistics gets smarter

Artificial intelligence is not all about robots taking over our jobs. It’s already here and it’s enhancing almost every aspect of our lives, from searching the web to automating our business processes. Given these facts, it’s not surprising that machine learning technologies are gaining ground in the logistics industry, as well.

Centralized data analytics

One of the greatest benefits of AI for logistics companies is definitely the easier access to big data that provide us with better insights and help us make smarter decisions.

Not only do the above mentioned tools help logistics businesses streamline their operational processes, but they also provide deeper performance insights. The only problem you may face here is analyzing these massive amounts of data across multiple platforms.

And, this is where supply chain analytics tools step in. They let you integrate data from multiple sources, helping you centralize your key performance data and focus on those metrics that really matter for your business.

With these tools, you will be able to track your business processes efficiently and understand the major patterns related to your operations, customers, and industry trends. They will help you detect the major production problems, determine what your most profitable products are, analyze suppliers, find out how to optimize your production planning and scheduling accuracy, and calculate how much it takes to cater to different customer groups. Supply chain analytics software can also help you understand when your business faces the greatest demand spikes and prepare for this season on time.

The automation of the supply chain

Artificial intelligence lets logistics companies automate some repetitive, manual tasks and make room for more creative roles and jobs. Automation will increase your overall operational efficiency on multiple levels, from streamlined warehouse sorting technologies to smarter package labeling.

A perfect example of the implementation of automation in the logistics sector is Port of Rotterdam, also known as the most advanced port in the world. Namely, they’re using automated stacking cranes to unload cargo. Many ports in the U.S. are now using the same technologies to increase operational productivity. By using automated technologies with minimal human intervention, logistics companies will soon be able to maximize their handling performance and minimize operational costs.

Another use of AI in the logistics industry is autonomous trucks. Self-driving vehicles will reduce the truck driver shortage. They are also believed to be more accurate, boosting your delivery times and increasing user satisfaction. Finally, since 90% of crashes in the US are a result of a driver error, replacing long-haul truck drivers with autonomous vehicles will minimize road accidents. Given all these factors, it’s not surprising that a fully automated trucking industry could help businesses save $300 billion.

Over to you

Today’s logistics businesses face fierce competition. And, to survive, they need to keep up with the latest technologies that will help them achieve better results in less time. By investing in the abovementioned technology toolkit, you will streamline your businesses operations effortlessly, improve the collaboration between your team members, and increase the overall transparency. Most you will boost user satisfaction and retention.