As with every industry around the world, the logistics industry is in a state of flux. Thanks to both the current world health issues, to general trends and changes throughout the industry. Chief of which is ‘technology’.
Technology is changing every aspect of how logistics companies operate. ‘Digital fitness’ will be a prerequisite for success: the winners will be those who understand how to exploit a whole range of new technologies, from data analytics to automation and platform solutions. Those who do not, risk obsolescence. With so many technologies competing for management attention and investment, defining a clear digital strategy that is integrated into the holistic business objectives will be critical.
Key areas of disruption
Customer expectations are increasing greatly. Both individuals and businesses expect to get goods faster, more flexibly, and – in the case of consumers – at low or no delivery cost. Manufacturing is becoming more and more customised, which is good for customers but hard work for the logistics industry. Add it all up and the sector is under acute and growing pressure to deliver a better service at an ever-lower cost.
It can only hope to do this by making maximum and intelligent use of technology, from data analytics, to automation, to digitally enabled services. This promises lower costs, improved efficiency, and the opportunity to make genuine breakthroughs in the way the industry works. However, ‘digital fitness’ is a challenge for any business. Attracting the right skills is one issue, but developing the right business strategy, supported by the right skills, to fit the evolution and “fitness” is even more crucial.
Lastly, the rate of technological innovations has given risen to new business models, often driven by start-ups that enter the logistics industry. New ‘sharing’ or smart connection business models could have as much of an impact on the sector as new technology. Shared logistics capabilities, through shared warehouse and shared transport capabilities, are expected to increase asset utilization in the near future. Moreover, the industry’s current customers and suppliers may end up being the biggest new entrants.
IoT in Logistics
With this in mind, Vodacom Business has access to a variety of IoT solutions to give you the transparency to see the location and status of vehicles, freight and other assets throughout the supply chain. We can have a direct effect on revenue and customer satisfaction, as well as safeguarding legal compliance and driver by helping you meet deadlines.
Our Mobile asset tracking is a ready-to-go service that automates visibility of your asset distribution and allows for multiple geo-fences providing alerts and showing asset movement. Whether your business is in manufacturing, security, health or logistics and has valuable mobile assets such as machinery, pallets, containers or even electric bicycles, it is essential to track them. Only then, can you optimise your costs, increase your efficiency, while gaining peace of mind that your freight is safe, and secure during its journey.
Benefits of asset tracking
- Ready-to-go service: All devices are onboarded on our platforms into your account and fitted with a global SIM at the factory
- Two-factor authentication: Ultra-secure authentication, where recipients have the chance to opt-in and opt-out of notifications
- Asset distribution and inventory: See the overall distribution of assets with alerting and KPIs
- Adaptable to your needs: A range of four devices and a suite of configurable modes
- Multiple geo-fences: Receive automatic notifications when geo-fences are reached or breached
- Flexible location reports: Avoid unnecessary communications when the asset isn’t moving, reducing data usage and battery consumption.
Nthabeleng Digangoane. Executive Head: Logistics and Transport, Vodacom Business.
