As the global market continues to evolve and trend towards increased data driven decision making and optimization, technology is business’ biggest tool in staying ahead of consumer behavior changes and expectations.
The logistics and transportation industry has seen a rise in the following technology trends: data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, augmented reality and assistive devices as well as the Internet of Things. With the abundant availability of data generated by supply chains, business can extract insights to improve their understanding of the market they operate in and the variety of consumer trends at a high level. Big data analytics then can be used to develop strategies, optimize resource planning, reduce costs and identify potential new ways to deconstruct individual processes within the supply chain and create additional revenue streams. Data analytics can be adapted to improve operational efficiency align to the changing consumer’s target needs and generate superior user experiences.
Another avenue of technology that continues to feed productivity and operational functionality is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. AI leverages human intelligence with automated processing by machines, by ingesting training sets containing large amounts of data and analyzing it for patterns, correlations using algorithms or specific instructions indication how to interpret the data using rules. Combined with data analytics, machine learning, a component of AI, led automation can be used to tackle consistency in the quality of service delivered to the consumer and generate demand analyses. By allowing for the design of optimized transportation routes for example. AI predictive models utilize data to anticipate transit times, factoring in congestion based on historical and current data reviewing fluctuations.
Augmented reality is an area that has championed smart digital devices such as the warehousing tool smart glasses to link barcode readers into management systems to streamline object recognition and optimize operations. According to ABI Research, “the shipments of smart glasses are expected to generate revenue of US$4.4 billion in 2022.” Assistive devices have further potential to improve driving through increased safety in navigation, last mile delivery stands to benefit further from object recognition software to optimize vehicle loading and for more efficient confirmation of completeness. The integration with automated warehousing is another opportunity to create synergies and reduce costs. Warehouses can be fitted with pick and place technologies which involve using automated guided vehicles (AVGs) and automated storage and retrieval (ARSR) as a substitute for human labour to increase speed and efficiency in processing time.
Technology has proven to be an asset in creating further supply chain visibility by allowing for greater transparency in the transfer of communication, effective integration between companies, and greater security in presenting that information in a secure space. Further growth remains in ensuring the use of technology to provide real-time updates across the transaction, to carriers and clients. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is most used within smart homes, smartphones and fitness trackers and is now being used in devices that logistics business have begun to use to track each step of the supply chain through cloud services. Using IoT devices on resources or materials being transported will facilitate real-time updates, traceability and optimize consumer’s communications.
Naqla has integrated several strands of technology to fulfill the shipment needs of its consumers with two applications. Simply fill in your shipment’s details to receive an immediate quote, Naqla then optimizes your search by identifying and connecting you with the ideal carrier to fulfill your needs and facilitates further the management of the shipment and monitor it with real-time updates to the business and drivers until delivery has been completed. All relevant shipment documentation is loaded and available directly to you through Naqla’s application. Sit back, relax and truck your shipment with Naqla today!
Stay tuned next week to hear about Naqla in our upcoming “Deep Dive: About Naqla and its Logistical Offering ”
