Using Technology to meet evolving customer demand in the new decade
In the past two decades, tech innovations, the rise of e-commerce, and evolving customer demands have had a significant impact on the logistics industry. Today, customers want products and services delivered faster and more cheaply than ever before. In this ‘smarter and faster’ era, efficiency and staying ahead of the curve are key for logistics providers. Here are some of the latest technological advances that logistics experts can integrate into their operations to meet these new challenges.
Artificial intelligence
Two key components of the logistics industry are manual labor and data processing. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can enhance logistics efficiency by improving productivity and speed while curbing costs. In the coming decade, AI technology will help logistics service providers improve delivery times and prepare for the future by assisting with route optimization and demand forecasting.
Digital twins
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process, or system which then serves as a representation of that object within the digital domain. As more demand is placed on the logistics industry to increase efficiency, such technology can be a valuable tool in workflow and data processing within systems. Meanwhile, virtually rendered and even 3D printed scale models of facilities can inform and accelerate operational design and optimization for physical workflows. In these ways, digital twin concepts can potentially enhance both the data capture and operations of entire supply chains.
Real-time visibility
With the growing e-commerce market, products are not only traveling faster, but also for longer distances. Keeping track of shipments along the way is especially important to providing transparency and customer satisfaction. In demand by both customers and carriers, real-time tracking software, sensors, and location-based data is now essential to logistics operations.
Going green
Last but not least, in the coming decade, consumers across the board are looking not only for quality of service, but also to do business with companies committed to environmental and social responsibility. In the logistics industry, regulations are already in place or are coming down the pipeline that call for lower carbon emissions and more environmentally responsible processes across the supply chain. Of prime importance are reducing energy consumption and reusing and recycling materials through maintenance and modification. The industry is also making efforts to bring electric and low emissions trucks to market, further improving its environmental footprint.
Preparing for the future
CAI has decades of experience in providing customers all around the world with services that always fit the current challenges of the market. For container equipment needs, contact CAI today.
