With a new year, comes new trends and focus points with every industry. Here, we’re looking at five of the main trends and focuses that we’re likely to see within logistics over the course of 2021.
1. IoT (Internet of Things)
The IoT allows for the monitoring, control and use of data by connecting multiple devices or systems without human intervention. Large logistics companies require the ability to synchronise various transactions, manage fleets and warehouses efficiently and have a view of everything happening across the supply chain.
With the implementation of IoT, logistics companies will be able to operate and manage all processes easily and efficiently. As no human interference is needed, systems can run with great alignment and with fewer errors or delays.
2. AI (Artificial Intelligence)
AI can provide a huge range of benefits within logistics and the supply chain that all help to create an efficient and effective chain. From demand forecasting, to damage detection, to automation of office tasks and customer service, to self-driving delivery vehicles, there are so many ways in which AI can help logistics companies to become as efficient as they possibly can be, with a hugely reduced potential of delays, issues and mistakes.
3. Automation
Automation is becoming a key tool that businesses can use to speed up their processes, as well as making them cheaper and improving their efficiency. By automating tasks that are carried out on huge scales within large warehouses – such as moving goods, loading goods, packing goods and monitoring goods – logistics companies are able to keep a constant workflow that will reduce the potential for errors and mistakes.
4. Autonomous Vehicles
The production and use of autonomous vehicles is on the rise, and although it’s still in very early stages, several large companies are already using this technology to fulfil their deliveries.
Automated trucks and drones are able to deliver goods safely, quickly and cheaply with less risk of accidents or errors. What’s more is that these are, for the most part, electrically powered, meaning that they are cheaper to run than fuelled vehicles, and they help to reduce emissions that are produced by the logistics sector.
5. Sustainability
Many countries, including the UK, are focusing on achieving carbon emissions goals by 2050 under the Paris Agreement. As a result of this, logistics companies are having to think about their emissions and sustainability more and more. 2021 will be no different, and sustainability is likely to play a large role in many decisions that are made. Logistics companies will all have to follow suit and start planning on how they will reduce their emissions in the near future.
With many new technologies coming about, it’s becoming easier and easier to find ways to limit carbon emissions and so many businesses will be able to utilise these in 2021.