How Technology Has Improved Logistics

With the rise of internet shopping and the World Wide Web taking over the high street, never has it been more significant to understand your business supply chain and logistics. If you want to be a part of this online business boom, then the aforementioned is imperative and will form the backbone of your success.

The transportation and logistics sector has come a long way and just as trade has moved online, so too has the process of transporting and tracking these goods. The transportation process for goods and services has never been more transparent and this is primarily due to technology. It is this technology that has made the most impact on and improved logistics to be able to both supply businesses with the raw materials and supplies to make their products and then to ensure that these products reach their expected destinations on time and in the right condition. 

The three main aspects of improvements related to technology are detailed below and provide a great starting point to understand the sector and the changes that need to be made to keep pace with others out there.

• Improved tracking is achieved throughout the supply chain and just as a producer is now able to track the next expected delivery of required raw materials, the buyer is also able to track delivery right to their door. Technology related to barcode scanning allows the tracking of products and materials in a way that has never been done and provides surety to both producers and consumers as to the genesis of materials and end products alike. Improved tracking can reduce counterfeiting and will ensure that the producer is able to provide the consumer or end user with a clear backstory or info on the genesis of the product.
• Improved business linkages are now possible with the wide range of sector specific software and apps available. Being able to communicate and interact on a 24/7/365 basis online and via handheld devices is now the norm. There are professional options like https://www.shiply.com/us/load-board where operators are able to access a load board for entire geographic areas and the software is highly integrated across the region and the logistics sector.
• Better communication. Being able to communicate in real time with suppliers and logistics operators allows for a seamless means of procurement and delivery to market. Software that is used across the supply chain or web allows stakeholders to input detail and critical information as to delivery times, dates, delays and schedules. The fact that this can now all be updated in real time from wherever the load is allows entire load boards to be tracked. The accuracy of GPS tracking and navigation then allows for all loads and routes to be accurately planned and current information provided to those awaiting delivery.

Technology is at the forefront of most modern business change. It is clear from a brief analysis of the logistics and transport sector that this change is happening at an incredible pace in order to keep up with the demand for efficient and effective transport solutions.