2017 is looking to be a year of critical examination and pressure on logistics providers. Shippers will be looking at beneficial technology if they get on board.
Our current economy is constantly growing and evolving. With the accessibility of basic consumer goods, global innovation helps people all over the world raise their standard of living. A larger globalized economy gives us better connections across boundaries than ever before, yet makes supply chain management a more difficult endeavor. Businesses with their third party logistics affiliates, must learn to adapt to swift economic and regulatory changes.
To get ahead of the learning curve, is knowing what trends to watch for in logistics that can pave your way to a better future.
Awareness of these key points will put you ahead:
• Globalization Will Become More Important in Everyday Decisions
• Product Life Cycles Will Grow Shorter and More Complex
• Autonomous Trucks Will Drive Logistics Forward
• Consumer Demand Will Shape Logistics Services in 2017
• Organizations Will Streamline Reverse Logistics
• The Amazon Barbell Will Gain Power
In addition, these innovations will be something to consider:
Batch Size One
A form of production which develops consumer products only one at a time, utilizing cutting-edge robotics, automation and 3D printing to provide rapid turnaround
Grey Power Logistics
Older generations of consumers
Omni-Channel Logistics
Next generation of retail services will require logistics networks, tailored to optimize 24/7 delivery services for customers who want faster, better results
Augmented Reality
By using smart glasses, it will have the ability to display product information in front of your eyes, increasing the efficiency of manually handling products, scanning barcodes and supporting indoor navigation
Tube Logistics
A visionary trend, which has come from the development of the “Hyperloop,” a super-fast green transportation system, which can accelerate nationwide cargo transport and enable high-volume movement of products
Drones / UAVs
Experts believe drones present a new form of express delivery service for consumers where products can be delivered via carefully coordinated air networks, reducing of risk of accidents as well as increased flexibility and speed of delivery
Similar to last year, logistics providers will be tested for weaknesses in 2017. For organizations that do not embrace these trends in logistics, the path could quickly divert to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. By improving operations as a reaction to the top trends in these strategies, it could stimulate growth and prosperity among providers.