Top Five Key Logistics Trends of 2022
The logistics industry has faced numerous challenges over the past few months. But it also provided a decisive impetus towards automation and digitization. In the face of this situation, what trends can be drawn in logistics for 2022? We took a look at the most promising developments in the industry.
1. Robots as powerful helpers
E-commerce is still on the rise, allowing the turnover volume in warehouses to increase drastically. One of the most common ways to respond to this is with robots. They are already taking routine business steps such as order picking in the warehouse. Swarm intelligence, advanced sensors and autonomous industrial trucks are now not only exciting research projects, but tightly integrated into intralogistics processes. The further development of this technology is constantly working at full speed to make the "Robotic" counterparts even more sophisticated and efficient.
2. Automation that thinks: Big data and the network
Not only hardware (like robots) but also software is getting more and more powerful. This also means more data - which offers enormous potential for results for future developments. Big data and smart networks come into play in order to use data stacks effectively. With the help of these data, precise future assumptions can be made and relevant recommendations for action derived. In this way, a company can learn from past mistakes, but at the same time, for example, anticipate future risks to supply chains and adapt business processes accordingly.
3. Omnichannel solutions for more resilient supply chains
The past few years have shown us that supply chains can easily become vulnerable or even collapse in the event of unforeseen events. What can help this situation? More flexibility. Multi-channel solutions or alternative transport options ensure this. For example, if shipping is suddenly only possible to a limited extent due to a severe storm at sea, it is a huge advantage if you can switch to rail or road transport without major complications.
4. Local suppliers for guaranteed supply
For a long time, globalization was on everyone's lips in almost every aspect of life. As with the transition to omnichannel, local supplier selection is the result of uncertain events in recent years. Because manageable supply chains are even safer than alternative options in international supply chains. In this way, regions remain more independent and more flexible thanks to shorter distances.
5. Sustainability in focus
In line with the increasingly popular shorter delivery routes, there is a long-term trend towards greater sustainability. (Intra)logistics has enormous potential when it comes to more environmentally friendly processes. Powerful e-trucks, smart energy management and reusable batteries are just the beginning. Accordingly, the target to further reduce CO2 emissions will also play an important role this year and certainly for a long time to come.
