2022 has been a year dominated by variability. In a context based on economic and political instability, the supply chain has once again demonstrated the important role it plays in these situations. Factors such as the globalisation to which most industries are exposed have meant that the multiple conflicts faced during this year have influenced global logistics.
The new year is marked by learning from these events. Knowing how to adapt to a changing and demanding environment is the main objective of global supply chains.
According to data obtained from the Association of Manufacturers and Distributors - AECOC - One of the objectives to which logistics operators and FMCG companies are most committed is sustainability - 55% -. Despite this figure, only 5% take decarbonisation as their main challenge when faced with tense geopolitical situations, economic problems, etc.
The lessons of the past year are guiding the trends of the future. This article will try to focus on some of the goals that will shape the future of logistics.
1. Sustainable logistics
While achieving decarbonisation of the sector may be less of a concern than expected, the reality is that the move towards sustainability is proving to be a growing requirement.
The 2030 Agenda sets out goals that must be met, and as we are getting closer and closer to that date, the concern to move towards sustainable logistics is one of the most visible trends in the supply chain.
Being aware of one's carbon footprint is the first step. With the incorporation of new strategies, environmentally friendly transport and various distribution methods, making the sector more responsible is proving to be one of the most targeted trends in this community.
2. New technologies
The incorporation of new technologies in logistics management has made it possible to help the sector move towards sustainability. The tense situations that have been faced with events such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, supply crises and price rises, among many others, have generated the need to add new tools to cope with these conditions.
All this, together with the consequences of online commerce, reflected in the change in business models and the substantial increase in demand, have led to new technologies coming to the fore.
Its incorporation provides numerous benefits in terms of stock levels, ordering, distribution, traceability and other functions. Digitisation and new technologies are here to stay and their use is continuously growing. They can cover both data - with the cloud, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) - and processes - with automated warehouses, robotisation, etc. - technology offers solutions adapted to the needs.
Focusing on the numerous tools on offer, augmented reality is booming. In fact, around 62% of decision-makers see great potential in incorporating it into logistics processes. This data, obtained from a report by TeamViewer together with the Handelsblatt Research Institute, shows the high trend for software such as Digital Twin or scenario simulation.
3. Professionalisation of the sector
With the rise of the important role of logistics, it is gradually gaining more attention from the youth population. The lack of talent in supply chain processes is a past and present concern surrounding the sector.
In this sense, the technological tools that continue to be incorporated are motivating the search for new professional profiles oriented towards new forms of employment such as specialists in electronic commerce, data management, software experts...
The growth that is taking place in the sector must be complemented by an increase in human capital and tasks to be performed.
These are some of the logistics trends that are guiding the industry's objectives. Being able to cope with the instability resulting from supply chain globalisation is made possible by change.
