1. Improved information flow

Previously, supply chain teams used to rely heavily on manual systems. Traditional methods were used to record every piece of information that a company thought necessary. Not only are manual processes error-prone, but also time-taking and effort-intensive. Businesses following traditional methods have a hard time wading through tons of paperwork.

Mobile technology addresses these problems. You can use mobile devices to enter critical information into your warehouse management systems and other software. Mobile systems that integrate with barcode and scanning technology can help reduce errors and save time, enabling your team members to dedicate more time to critical tasks.

2. Precise location tracking

Most modern mobile devices come with integrated GPS. GPS-enabled devices help teams track the precise location of shipments. Many advanced systems predict optimal routes based on the driver’s location, helping avoid delays and meeting customer expectations. Additionally, when shipments are delivered on time, drivers can achieve their targets (number of trips to be made every day) regularly, which promotes overall efficiency.

3. Improved asset tracking

With the introduction of mobile technology, real-time asset tracking is no longer a far-fetched idea. Warehouse management teams use mobile devices to track the movement of items within the warehouse. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are used as barcode scanners. These devices are connected to logistics systems and databases for real-time visibility.

Management can use critical information stored in their databases for several purposes such as asset maintenance, asset allocation, forecasting, and planning.

4. Better reporting

Mobile technology facilitates real-time reporting. Instead of waiting for an opportune time to have a face-to-face conversation with a team member, the person can exchange information with them via messages, pictures or video clips. Real-time information sharing helps to avoid delays in making critical decisions.

Most mobile systems allow users to download inventory management and other apps, helping them access the system from a remote location. The feature is a blessing for employees who are always on the move. People who work from remote locations or those who keep on moving can use apps to make changes in the system, feed critical data and access reports.

Mobile technology makes the lives of truck drivers much easier, who can access their schedule in real-time. Drivers also get notifications and updates regarding route changes. Further, drivers can use mobile technology to report information digitally. Mobile devices can be used to capture customer signature and other critical information, reducing the need for maintaining complex paperwork.

5. Improved business intelligence

Mobile technology provides an overview of the supply chain network. Your managers can access key reports, statistics and data to develop a better understanding of different trends. Mobile technology users get updates and notifications on their mobile devices, enabling them to manage their tasks effectively.

When managers have key information and critical data on their fingertips, they can get to the root cause of the problem plaguing their supply chain networks and related operations. A deeper understanding of where they are going wrong helps managers come up with action plans to address these issues.

6. Improved customer experience

The final objective of any supply chain manager is to improve its customer experience. Mobile devices can help achieve this objective. Warehouse management teams can use mobile devices to keep track of stock levels of in-demand items, avoiding frequent stock-outs helps improve customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, mobile technology can help ensure timely deliveries, which goes a long way in strengthening your bond with your customers.

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A few key disruptors are challenging the livelihood and longevity of logistics enterprises. From strongly funded and scrappy start-ups to customers-turned-competitors and shrewd competitors giving birth to completely new business models while partnering with/or acquiring other players in the space, competition is fierce in the logistics arena.

A common thread among these threats is that most of the competition is deftly sparring with digital gloves. Integrators are taking bigger chunks of market share away from traditional logistics organisations by offering more streamlined end-to-end services, and suppliers themselves are digitalising their offerings and operations. Today’s traditional logistics concerns are hard-pressed to avoid the hefty amount of digital innovations being used by their competition, let alone their own inability to move with the times.

It is a known fact that the logistics industry largely trails behind the digital curve compared to some other industries sectors, like media, banking, telco, and retail. Here, where poor transparency serves to stretch an already fragmented industry, traditional logistics companies are plagued by underutilisation of assets, old and inefficient manual processes, and outdated customer interfaces that serve to decrease response times.

Logistics’ Digital Solution

The blueprint for transformation draws upon three key digital actions: develop new business models and offerings, digitalise core operations, and build a robust internal digital foundation. The success model for logistics organisations requires several inputs. Some of these include:

1. Develop New Business Models and Offerings

–    New Digital Platforms: Building robust new platforms will help remove supply chain inefficiencies, solve problems associated with asset underutilisation, improve demand-supply matching, and increase visibility and connectivity across systems.

–    Advanced Analytics: Putting powerful data-driven solutions to work can create new analytics tools that, in turn, can be sold to clients to help them optimize their operations and efficiencies.

–    Control Tower: Providing solutions that boost operational visibility and connectivity between previously siloed systems allows stakeholders to more seamlessly connect throughout the supply chain.

2. Digitalise Core Operations

–    Advanced Analytics: Logistics companies can use advanced analytics to optimise operations in pricing, routing, and partial load shipment consolidation.

–    Customer Experience: Putting in place a digital front end provides customers with a convenient one-stop-shop experience, improves internal operational visibility and automates previously manual processes.

–    Equipment Data. Digitally monitoring equipment health, facilitates more effective predictive maintenance.

–    Next-Generation Solutions. Eyeing future operational improvements via robotics, artificial intelligence, and even augmented reality can help further elevate a logistical organisation’s operational efficiencies in distribution, warehousing as well as picking and packing.

3. Build a Robust Internal Digital Foundation

–    Talent: Logistics enterprises must actively target and attract smart digital work-force talent to compete, maintain efficiencies, grow into new areas, and deliver on the promise of value for customers.

–    Systems: Proffering the tenets and benefits of digital throughout the logistics organisation helps rationalise investments in more flexible technology systems throughout the value chain.

–    Agility: Logistics concerns need to be agile in solution development to maintain the pace of digital and maximise its benefits.

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1. Robotics & Automation

Automated management has only been implemented in 20% of the world’s warehouses. However, supplying companies all over the world and looking to experience and invest in the advantages that come with automation and artificial intelligence. Robotics and automation also have measurable business benefits such as increased efficiency, accuracy and long-term cost savings.

2. IoT in warehousing

Creating a smart warehouse with the Internet of Things, which has scope for implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in warehousing is substantial. IoT provides visibility in warehousing from the ordering of materials until the shipment reaches the end customer or third-party logistics providers.

3. Blockchain

Blockchain promises to create transparency of all documents and transactions across the freight landscape, ultimately increasing the efficiency, agility, and innovation of warehousing and distribution systems. This technology aims to help businesses implement sensible contracts coding system hosted on a blockchain that defines Associate with the terms of an agreement between parties.

4. Risk management

When business operations embody the utilisation of warehouses, it’s important to consider all potential risks. Risk management should reduce the chance of incidents and cut back the severity after they do happen. If not, the warehouse is going to be at risk of vital losses that may have a heavy impact on structure performance.

5. Shorter delivery periods

Gone are the days where customers are prepared to wait more than 10 days to receive their products. Customers expect to have their products with a day or two. This will have a domino effect of increasing the focus on multi-channel transport management. Distributors will seek all avenues that will get their goods to their customers quickly. So, there will be more companies using both internal fleets as well as external carriers.

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Logistics and Supply Chain Service Providers

Your best bet in ensuring a smooth operation within your supply chain is to enlist the services of an experienced logistics service provider. These service providers offer custom solutions that meet your specific needs for assembly, packaging, warehousing, and onsite integration. A good third-party provider has extensive knowledge in logistics and an array of resources that can aid you in identifying and filling any noticeable gaps that your business might have.
Depending on your specific warehousing and distribution needs, employing the services of the right logistics service providers can prove to be very advantageous, not only for short-term goals but in the long run too. Some of these advantages include:

1. Experience

Many companies think that they can save money and handle supply chain needs on their own, but that isn’t necessarily feasible or the best decision for their business. Businesses need to be willing to spend money to make money. Businesses become more efficient with their supply chains when they partner with an experienced service provider with an extensive network of resources and warehousing locations. Their vast experience in the field allows you to practice better business and yield better services to your customers.

2. Saving you time and money

Third party logistics providers allow you to be more efficient by saving time and money for your business. In not having to spend money on building warehouses, hiring additional labour and facilitating transportation, your company can reduce their expenditure drastically, whilst freeing up more time to focus on core business goals and objectives.

3. Market Expansion

The right logistics service providers offer the opportunity to easily position your supply chain in markets where you might not have an established presence. Having access to distribution centres and warehouses in various regions allows your business to grow in new areas by being able to transport goods efficiently to anywhere in the world.

4. Scalability and Flexibility

Depending on what your needs are, logistics and supply chain providers can scale space, labour, and transportation based on the fluctuation of your inventory. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal inventory or new product releases, your service provider can help provide adequate space and resources between high and low demand periods, giving you maximum amounts of flexibility during any time of the year.

Getting the right partner to fill your warehousing and distribution needs can be the perfect solution when the service best suits your business model, day-to-day requirements and future goals. The aim is to partner with a service provider that will do right by your business and grow with your business.

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Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, you will always want to grow and expand. Any successful business owner understands the importance of effective logistics to keep pace with customer demands and outperform competitors.

That’s why partnering with an experienced logistics partner can be highly beneficial to you. Just as you are an expert in your field providing your customers with excellent service and products, logistics partners are specialists in offering comprehensive freight transportation solutions from start to finish.

Logistics can make or break your business or even be the competitive edge that sets you apart from your competitors. For a business to work, it’s crucial to organise your supply chain. We have put together a list of the top 3 reasons you should outsource your logistics requirements to specialists rather than try and navigate it yourself.

1. Positive Business Results

To provide value to customers, your business needs to constantly optimise its logistics processes. Providing value to customers does not only refer to quality or quantity,