Technology in logistics and transport: examples and importance
The examples of the use of technology in logistics and transport are countless. In fact, the presence of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in today’s society has managed to change it completely. We see this change reflected in the evolution of the media, banking transactions, transportation management, methods of purchasing products, etc.
As a consequence, what is known as the “information society” has been built, which is one in which the use of ICTs in companies has modified the way in which information is created, shared and distributed. . Within the supply chain, this phenomenon is based on the use of different logistics technologies interconnected with each other, which allow immediate access and management of data of all kinds, from data related to products to those related to manufacturers, buyers, distributors, machinery, sales floors, etc.
Importance of technology in logistics
The importance of technology in logistics and transport is reflected in the fact that it helps make a large number of company processes more efficient, thus boosting productivity levels and, therefore, profitability. For example, thanks to the impact of science and technology in logistics businesses , they can optimize delivery processes , which allows users to be offered delivery services with more friendly costs, thus improving customer retention.
In this sense, the importance of technology in logistics has to do with the ability to take inventory, storage, transportation processes, among others, to their maximum level of performance. Therefore, dynamic better working times are obtained for those routine and repetitive tasks in the logistics area of a company , as well as a considerable elimination of human errors.
Uses of technology in logistics and transportation
Among the large number of possible applications of technology in logistics , those related to purchase-sale transactions, tracking and transport of products , and the production of goods stand out.
Technology in logistics for transactions
One of the most visible impacts of examples of technology in logistics can be seen in the way orders are handled. Nowadays, e-commerce represents the main sector of work for logistics, since a very high volume of commercial transactions has moved from traditional stores to digital stores , which requires a logistics infrastructure that allows get the orders from the products to the end customers who have made their purchases online. This entire process is carried out through digital purchasing computer systems, electronic payment processing, order management, etc.
Logistics technology for product tracking
The application of technology in logistics is also carried out through GPS, RFID, Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain systems , which are used to trace products, not only during storage processes. or delivery, but also when they go through each of the other stages of the supply chain .
Technology in transport logistics
Another quite important use we see in technology in transport logistics . For example, through software for logistics transportation that is used for planning distribution routes or supervising carriers in real time during last-mile deliveries. Thanks to these types of tools, more efficient routes can be used in the logistics distribution chain , lower costs, reduce the resources needed for deliveries and optimize customer service.
Logistics technology for production on demand
“Production on demand” is not an exclusive element of information society economies, but it does represent a production model that has expanded since its implementation thanks to digital transformation. In this context, the use of technology in logistics has allowed many products to be produced only when there is a specific demand for them. In this way, technological tools manage to improve the efficiency of both production and logistics processes after they leave the warehouse, preventing excessive production from being generated or stock rotation slowing down .
Examples of technology in logistics and transportation
In actual practice, examples of logistics technology include AD Retail (ABCDin + Dijon), a holding service that implements advanced logistics technology from the Dutch provider Vanderlande Industries in its urban distribution center; as well as using software such as Beetrack to optimize the traceability of last-mile deliveries in real time.
Another interesting example of technology in logistics is that of Fracción , a completely online Chilean pharmacy . Being an e-commerce model, the customer can buy the product online and, later, receive it at home thanks to a delivery service . With the help of Beetrack software, Fracción tracks and traces the delivery to ensure that it is satisfactory for the customer and efficient for the company.
Thus, in Latin America, more and more companies are implementing technology in transport logistics through platforms such as Beetrack, with the aim of optimizing all their processes related to vehicle fleet management and last-mile deliveries.
