In the past few months, the logistics industry has faced many challenges, but it has also provided a decisive driving force for the development of automation and digitization. What is the trend in 2022?
We examined the most promising development in the industry and revealed the new possibilities of modern warehouse. There are five trends.
(1) Robots are energetic helpers
E-commerce is still on the rise. It ensures a significant increase in the volume of goods handled in the warehouse. One of the most common ways to respond is through robots. They are already taking over routine work steps, such as sorting in the warehouse. Swarm intelligence, complex sensor technology and autonomous industrial trucks are no longer exciting research projects, but have now been firmly integrated into the internal logistics process. The further development of this technology is being carried out at full speed to make "robot" colleagues more mature and efficient.
(2) Automation goes further: big data and networking
Not only hardware (such as robots), but also software is becoming more and more powerful. This also means more data - which provides great reasoning potential for future development. In order to make effective use of a large amount of data, big data and intelligent networks began to play a role. With the help of these data, we can make accurate assumptions about the future and draw corresponding action suggestions. In this way, companies can learn from past mistakes, but they can also identify future risks in advance, such as supply chain risks, and adjust their workflow accordingly.
(3) Provide multi-channel solutions for a more stable supply chain
The past few years have told us that when unforeseen events occur, the supply chain is easy to become fragile or even collapse. What can help? More flexible. Multi channel solutions -- or alternative transportation solutions -- keep them safe. Because, for example, if shipping is suddenly restricted due to severe storms at sea, it is a great advantage to be able to switch to train or road transportation without major complications.
(4) Local suppliers to ensure supply
For a long time, globalization has been talked about by everyone - in almost all areas of life. Just as moving towards multi-channel, the selection of local suppliers is also the result of uncertain events in recent years. Because what is safer than alternatives in international supply chains is a manageable supply chain. In this way, each region maintains more independence and is more flexible due to the short distance.
(5) Sustainability is and will continue to be the focus
Consistent with the increasing popularity of short haul delivery routes, there is a long-term trend of more sustainability. (in-house) logistics has great potential in a more environmentally friendly process: powerful electronic trucks, intelligent energy management and reusable batteries are just the beginning. Therefore, the goal of further reducing carbon dioxide emissions will continue to play an important role this year - including, of course, for a long time to come.
