Top 5 tech trends in logistics for 2023

Navigating the future of logistics can feel like sailing through a sea of uncertainties. The industry, much like others, is vulnerable to Black Swan events – those rare and unexpected occurrences with far-reaching consequences, as described by N.N. Taleb in his best-selling book on the impact of highly improbable events.

Instead of trying to predict the unknown, our approach is to uncover current logistics technology trends that are already shaping the logistics landscape. Leveraging insights from our projects, we delve into the top five logistics technology trends set to revolutionise operations in 2023.

Tracking sustainability metrics

Now, let’s get into the world of environmental awareness. As sustainability takes centre stage, logistics companies need to prioritise eco-friendly practices.

This is what technology offers you:

• Energy management software optimises energy consumption and identifies areas for improvement.
• Customised software is used to evaluate and select sustainable packaging, optimising costs and minimising waste.
• Comprehensive data analytics platforms track and analyse sustainability metrics.

We’ve witnessed the impact of these technologies in one of our projects with Evyon, a Norwegian company that transforms electric vehicle batteries into cost-effective energy storage systems. Their Battery Cloud Platform monitors energy efficiency, enhancing the performance and lifespan of these battery systems. This approach puts both the client and the planet at the heart of their operations – an evergreen logistics technology trend.

Increased investments in automation and robotics

In the quest for faster and more efficient logistics operations, robots have begun to take on specific tasks. However, there’s yet another logistics technology trend that’s rapidly gaining ground: automation.

Industry leaders such as British StoreFeeder, with whom we’ve enjoyed an 8-year partnership, have made logistics automation a priority with their intelligent order and warehouse management system.

The potential benefits are limitless:

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) software automates various warehouse processes, streamlining operations, minimising errors, and optimising space utilisation.
• Software solutions automate tasks related to order processing.
• Middleware solutions facilitate seamless data integration across different software systems, ensuring smooth communication and data flow throughout the logistics network.

Automation enhances speed and efficiency, making it an undeniable logistics technology trend that is reshaping the industry.

Enhanced integration capabilities of logistics software

Can a small change in one system result in a significant impact on another? In today’s interconnected world, we intuitively understand the power of global connections. The same principle applies to logistics: the smarter the connections, the more efficient the logistics software becomes.

Through our long-term collaboration with the British Royal Mail Group, we’ve come to appreciate the power of integrations while connecting e-commerce platforms, warehouse systems, and shipping carriers.

The entire logistics process, from order placement to last-mile delivery, can be streamlined:

• Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can be used to connect with third-party solutions such as transportation providers or e-commerce platforms.
• Cloud-based solutions enable multiple stakeholders to access and update information from anywhere.
• Real-time analytics and reporting tools provide insights into various aspects of logistics operations, allowing for informed decisions and process optimisation.

All of these foster communication among stakeholders, resulting in more agile and customer-centric logistics operations. It’s indeed an appealing logistics technology trend, isn’t it?

Use of technology in labour management

Amidst all the talk of robots and automation, it’s essential not to underestimate the significance of human manpower in logistics. While innovative technology is shaping the industry, the role of human workers will always remain crucial.

Let’s explore what technology has to offer:

• Workforce Management Software assists in scheduling, time tracking, and performance management.
• Mobile apps empower workers with real-time access to critical information, enabling them to stay informed and make decisions on the go.
• Employee feedback and engagement platforms enable employees to provide feedback, share ideas, and contribute to process improvements, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
• HR Information Systems (HRIS) software streamlines various HR tasks, from recruitment to benefits administration, ensuring that the human workforce is well-supported.

Take, for instance, the time-tracker software we developed for Worklife, a rapidly growing employment agency. This software serves as a powerful tool for monitoring work hours and time off, enabling effective productivity tracking and workforce schedule management.

As we all know, in logistics, a more productive workforce directly translates to faster order processing and more efficient delivery services. And this leads to better customer satisfaction (a timeless logistics technology trend that will never expire).

Last but not least, logistics technology trends

There are many more logistics technology trends that promise to revolutionise the way we move goods across the globe:

• Internet of Things, where every step of the supply chain comes alive with real-time data, optimising efficiency like never before.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, enabling predictive analytics and smart decision-making beyond imagination.
• Blockchain technology, where transparency and trust converge.
• Autonomous Vehicles, from self-driving trucks to agile drones.
• Augmented and Virtual Reality, where logistics operations transcend reality, offering seamless training, visualisation, and maintenance solutions.

So, are we all prepared to embrace a new era of logistics?