IT trends dominating transport and logistics

Drones and automated cars used to send parcels? What we have only recently seen in science fiction films is slowly becoming reality! The world of transport and logistics is constantly undergoing transformation and dynamic change, although there is still much to come - especially in terms of ecology, software or more rational stock management. What are the latest trends in logistics?

Logistics trends and business development

Technological progress has been revolutionising our everyday lives for years now. Just when we think that nothing more can surprise us, more improvements and ingenious solutions appear. There will be no shortage of innovation in the business sector - of this we are certain . Many of them are closely linked precisely to transport and logistics . This is particularly influenced by companies that are not afraid to look ahead - they are most interested in streamlining the flow of goods, especially as consumers have increasingly high expectations. More often than not, we are buying all sorts of products on the Internet and hoping for the best quality of service - also when it comes to the delivery of purchased items. Developing unique ways of ensuring prompt, timely and inexpensive (or even free) delivery despite traffic jams and overcrowded warehouses is the key to success. Not only will customers be satisfied, but you will also manage to stay ahead of the competition, which continues to increase. However, it should not be forgotten that dynamic growth requires more rational measures with regard to ecology. Reducing the negative impact of logistics on the environment will be one of the dominant trends in the coming years.

Key trends in transport and logistics

Before we see spectacular changes in the logistics industry, which include, for example, the use of drones, it is worth looking at significant trends - these are happening right now, although we are not always aware of them. What exactly are we talking about? Let's find out! Here are some standout new trends in logistics:

1. Increasing automation

The days of warehouse workers doing everything by hand are over. The world's largest distributors are focusing on introducing robots that even transport entire shelves of goods! A single device is small in size and weight, but this does not prevent it from lifting very heavy racks - they can weigh up to several hundred kilograms! Work is thus ideally optimised and streamlined. Employees do not have to search for products themselves when picking consignments. It is all thanks to a "trolley" that pulls up to his station with the required goods. The method is popular above all because it allows up to 50% more items to be stored compared with the traditional, conventional system. Automation is bound to continue and more and more companies will make use of modern optimisation equipment in the future.

2. Ecology as a priority - modern solutions

The environmental aspect mentioned earlier is becoming increasingly important. Many distribution centres are developing solutions to achieve high sustainability and energy efficiency scores. These include:

• reduction in energy consumption achieved, for example, by insulating facades and roofs,
• use of renewable sources - solar and wind water and heat pumps,
• limiting the length of pipes in heating systems, thus preventing the loss of considerable energy resources.

3. Innovative 3D printing

Another trend in transport and logistics that relates to sustainability is 3D printing technology to reduce stock. It is becoming increasingly common for customers to be able to send 3D designs over the Internet - they choose the materials and colours of the products they order themselves. As a result, they receive perfectly personalised goods tailored to their needs. Printing a variety of customised articles simplifies the supply chain to the necessary minimum. Demand for this type of service is growing year on year and we can see it in practically every branch of production. 3D printing is ideal, for example, for the production of machine spare parts and other specific components.

4. Investing in digital control towers

Today's logistics is striving to reduce costs in many different areas . At the same time, a high service quality indicator that takes into account a transparent supply chain must not be forgotten. All departments should work together in an integrated manner in order to then make information available to the entire company in real time. Unfortunately, this is often not achievable manually, which is why large companies invest in special digital control towers. Their task is to collect, analyse and visualise key data. Over the next few years, more and more distributors will start using this technology.