The future of logistics: 5 trends that will play an essential role in 2022!

Functioning supply chains are the backbone of industry, but the logistics sector has had a difficult time in recent years. In general, increasing globalisation and the rising demand for logistics services are already causing bottlenecks in the industry. In addition, production and delivery delays triggered by the pandemic, container congestion and growing e-commerce are adding to the pressure. Other key aspects that are making the situation increasingly critical are climate change and the shortage of skilled workers.

To meet these challenges, some interesting current approaches are emerging for the logistics industry. These are intended to improve and drive the way forward.

Innovative paths to the logistics of the future

Below we have looked at 5 developments that will play a significant role in making supply chains more sustainable, robust and efficient in 2022.

1. Digitalisation & transparency

Digitally networked supply chains help to better monitor the entire supply chain and make it possible to react more quickly to delivery problems and crisis situations. In addition, transparent, digital systems reveal bottlenecks at an early stage and improve strategic cooperation between logistics service providers and freight forwarders.

2. Autonomous logistics & artificial intelligence

In addition to digitalisation, automation will also play a central role in the logistics industry of the future. Modern warehouse robots now work so precisely that they can reduce costs and increase efficiency. Autonomous vehicles also bring many advantages. For example, driver bottlenecks, rest periods or bad weather conditions are no longer challenges.

3. Cooperation & multichannel logistics

Despite robotics and autonomous driving, the shortage of skilled workers will remain one of the big issues in logistics in 2022. Specialists in the areas of big data, process automation and artificial intelligence are in high demand. Companies must therefore consider incentive systems to attract potential applicants.

4. Employee focus & specialists

Cross-company cooperations have been rather rare so far, but they hold a lot of potential. Cooperation with other traders, manufacturers or service providers in transport, production and stock-keeping can create great competitive advantages. A

The exchange of information on stocks, requirements and sales figures creates a more comprehensive picture and allows more precise planning and design of supply chains. Jointly planned flows of goods can better utilise transport routes and capacity, offering huge cost benefits and facilitating the achievement of sustainability goals.

5. Sustainability

Environmentally friendly processes and fair conditions in the manufacturing of products are both customer demand and regulation. The new supply chain law requires sustainable logistics and makes the consideration of environmental aspects in the entire corporate strategy indispensable.

Sources:
Cf. Timocom, Das sind die Top 6 Logistik-Trends für das Jahr 2022, accessed 14.02.2022
URL: https://www.timocom.de/blog/logistik-trends-2022

Cf. transport logistic, Entwicklungen & Logistikkonzepte der Zukunft: Das sind die aktuellen Trends in der Logistik, accessed 14.02.2022
URL: https://www.transportlogistic.de/de/messe/industry-insights/logistikkonzepte-der-zukunft/

Cf. Presse Blog, Top-Themen der Logistik für 2022, accessed 14.02.2022
URL: https://www.presse-blog.com/2022/01/17/top-themen-der-logistik-fuer-2022/