The supply chain is a complex process that involves numerous operations, from warehouse fulfillment to logistics of transportation and delivery. With all innovations that emerge to assist the development of supply chains, the industry still needs more.
What are the key innovations that are transforming supply chain and logistics industry in 2021?
To answer the question I studied dozens of articles and here is the list I could put together:
1. First of all, these are technologies offered by IoT, Big Data & AI. The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses the use of sensors, technology and networking to unite buildings, infrastructures, devices and additional ‘things’ and enables sharing supply chain information without requiring human interaction. It creates much richer data exchange and deeper intelligence for all parties in a supply network.
2. The Big Data technologies allow to minimize or exclude human involvement from the decision-making process and this is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes critical.
3. The next in my list is so-called 3D Printing. It has the potential to transform supply chains by rebalancing the trade-off between low-cost labor forces, inventory holding and transportation costs.
4. Then comes Robotics & Automation; it serves to reduce human labor all over the industry; it goes hand in hand with the development of e-commerce logistics
5. OK, let us go on. Blockchain: the word that we can hear nearly every day; it is a permanent digital record of transactions that are stored across a decentralized network of computers. The use of blockchain technology guarantees benefits in many parts of the sector such as cost-saving (paperless transactions); data verification; asset tracking; ‘smart contracts’; accountability and compliance.
6. Digital Logistics Marketplaces have flooded into the road freight, forwarding and warehouse markets and serve to achieve balance between supply and demand, eventually leading to better-utilized assets and improved rates for shippers.
7. Another innovation is On-Demand & Crowd-Shipping. Started with the idea to enable small food outlets and retailers to provide a home delivery service, on-demand technologies have quickly spread to other sectors in the market. Crowd-shipping, for example, involves ordinary individuals delivering parcels during a journey. Amazing idea, isn’t it?
8. Next. Autonomous Vehicles. This innovation will probably soon revolutionize the global logistics industry. Today, it is only a matter of time before autonomous trucks are seen on roads around the world and flying machines appear in the sky.
9. And of course Alternative Fuels. In the coming years we expect to see more and more vehicles powered and driven by electricity, hydrogen cells and natural gas.
10. There are many more amazing technologies that enrich supply chain and logistics today: on-demand warehousing; Collaborative mobile robots, truck platooning, tagging, sensors, geolocation technologies – there are dozens more to continue the list.
I am going to make more post about innovations in logistics and supply chain, and I will be happy to receive your comments, suggestions and ideas for the future posts.
biz-dev.blog 