In the logistics industry, we often hear the same things from the people who are responsible for moving cargo around the world. "We need to move cargo more efficiently. We need better visibility. We need better collaboration."
Regardless of whether you're a cargo owner, freight forwarder, trucker, terminal operator, or shipping line, that probably sounds familiar. In this post from our CEO, you can read more about what we've done to change things, and why we focus on helping our customers access and share their data.
Looking beyond supply chain efficiency, visibility, and collaboration, here are some other technology trends that are relevant in the logistics industry:
1. Blockchain
While blockchain has been more commonly associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, it's now being used in the logistics industry with increasing frequency. But where does blockchain make the most sense for the supply chain?
2. Software as a service
There are a number of benefits of using a SaaS solution rather than software that has to be hosted and maintained locally. It's cost-effective, it can scale quickly, and makes it easier to collaborate across networks.
3. Automation and autonomous vehicles
With the automation of warehouse operations, the rise of autonomous vehicles, and an increasing interest in the use of drones for last-mile delivery, automation will have a growing impact on the logistics industry. However, there are some significant hurdles to address before we will see fully autonomous systems.
4. APIs
APIs make it easy to both import data into different platforms, and share your data with your supply chain partners. Through the use of APIs, data is available in real time, so everyone's working with the same set of information.
5. Connectivity and the Internet of things
A growing number of companies are using cargo sensors to track shipments and a number of data points including information about temperature, humidity and more. That kind of data is just one aspect of getting better visibility. What’s missing, though, is information that stakeholders need about the status of their cargo.
6. Digitization and big data
You can have all the data in the world, but unless it makes it easier for you to make smarter decisions, faster, it doesn’t matter. Data — even big data — is only really useful if it’s actionable.
7. Security
The topic of security was brought to the the forefront when Maersk's computer systems were brought down by a ransomware attack in 2017. When you have a single source for information, what happens when you lose that connection?
