Trends in Logistics Technology
Download todayAbout the Trends in Logistics Technology report
Insight into the critical technological developments and supply chain solutions that will shape the future of the logistics industry.
This report describes how sectors of the industry are using information systems to manage their operations, as well as how these solutions are evolving. It explores the developments in the software being used in increasingly complex supply chains, such as more collaborative, cloud-based, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. It also studies the technological developments that are disrupting the market throughout the supply chain, such as autonomous vehicles, 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
We hope that by clarifying the context in which many of the current established solutions have been used, we can help people understand the opportunities (and disadvantages) presented by some of the aforementioned solution sets now emerging.
Our primary goal is to try and identify critical logistics technology that will be transformational, or at least enable transformational capabilities for their users. We recognize that not every organization can adopt these capabilities as fast as they might wish: issues of resources, culture and ongoing contracts are always factors that must be considered. However, we believe that we can act as a reference point for companies looking for some insight and perspective into what may seem to be a bewildering mix of nomenclature and choice.
This report contains
- Insight into the critical technological developments and solutions that will shape the future of the logistics industry.
- Descriptions of how sectors of the logistics industry are using information systems to manage their operations, as well as how these solutions are evolving.
- Demonstrations of how emerging technologies work in practice
This report contains
- Insight into the critical technological developments and solutions that will shape the future of the logistics industry.
- Descriptions of how sectors of the logistics industry are using information systems to manage their operations, as well as how these solutions are evolving.
- Demonstrations of how emerging technologies work in practice
Exclusive highlights on technologies and the future of e-commerce
- Companies operating in the e-commerce industry are constantly looking for better ways to exploit technology to their advantage, and logistics providers are no different.
- Delivery flexibility is a vital enabler for e-retailers aiming to keep up with changing consumer demands, which also vary between countries and regions: The last-mile will be increasingly influenced by AI.
- The success of the global integrators in cross-border express movements will depend upon their information management, which is crucial for inventory visibility.
Exclusive highlights on LSPs and disruptive technologies
- Freight forwarders are perceived as low tech and unresponsive by shippers. The advent of cloud-based instant quotation and booking systems has led some to question the utility of traditional freight forwarders.
- “There are two ways logistics companies can attain scale: Through acquisitions or with technology.”
- With the manipulation of the supply chain’s entire information flow, the control tower can maintain security, optimise efficiency and ensure the process runs smoothly. By applying this model to their operations, LSPs could ensure that they remain relevant.
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Ken Lyon is Managing Director of Virtual Partners Ltd and has over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry. Ken specialises in the use of advanced information systems to manage the operations of 3PL, 4PL and Lead Logistics Providers and their trading partner networks. Over the past few years he has helped start-ups concerned with supply chain technologies and before that, he spent 10 years as a Director and VP of information services at UPS, helping to establish its Logistics and supply chain services Group. Ken was recently appointed Chairman of the Board for an international logistics software group and also sits on the board of Ti. During the past 25 years, he has participated in conferences and conventions for the US Department of Defense, Government of Singapore, The JOC, Nikkei and many others. Ken is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport and a member of the US OSD sponsored Highlands Forum. |
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As a graduate in International Relations, Alexander Le Roy brings a variety of knowledge and interest to his role as an Analyst at Ti. Alexander joined the Ti research department in 2013. Since joining the company, he has contributed to 9 top selling Ti reports, in addition to the Global Supply Chain Intelligence portal. The breadth of his analysis includes content on logistics providers, logistics markets and supply chain software. Alexander has developed a significant body of work in the evaluation of log-tech start-ups, and holds a keen interest in the latest technological developments in the industry. |
- Overview and definitions of core technology types
a. How are different supply chain technologies shaping the market?
2. Moving from functional control to process control
a. Where should technology investment be directed?
3. LSPs and disruptive technologies
a. How will LSPs adapt their processes in line with technological developments?
4. Technology and the future of e-commerce
a. What is the suitability of different models and technologies?
- Monolithic enterprise software applications are ill-suited to a world in which supply chains are becoming increasingly fragmented.
- Cloud computing has enabled companies to dramatically improve visibility across their supply chains, but the main software platforms offering this capability each have their limitations.
- Whilst connectivity and latency issues were once an insurmountable obstacle to cloud computing in certain geographies, infrastructure development is rapidly overcoming the problem.
- Though it is still in its infancy, the development of blockchain technology could prove to be the missing piece in the puzzle of end-to-end visibility.
- For many retailers and manufacturers, fragmented sources of data are the chief barrier to the effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This report is perfect for
- Global manufacturers
- Banks and financial institutions
- Supply chain managers and directors
- Logistics procurement managers
- Marketing managers
- Knowledge managers
- Investors
- All C-level executives