For several years technology has played a very crucial role in streamlining the processes across industries. The same revolution can also be seen in shipping companies too. Logistics has been revolutionised by technology. Many logistics companies are moving away from redundant data bases and are moving towards more tech savvy innovations in order to improve their operations and improve the quality of their services.

Let us see some of the path breaking innovations and technology that is changing the face of shipping and logistics:

• Creative alternatives to physical transportation – With the increasing use of drones and robotics the logistics sector has benefitted largely and in many ways. This has also reduced the manual work and costs associated with transportation. Forward planning of the shipment has become possible because of these technologies and this has also made it possible to know the exact delivery date. Geofencing integration will also help in tracking of the goods and will send a notification to the team when the vehicle crosses a particular location. GPS will also enable complete visibility of the consignment.
• Increase in transparency and accountability – Use of technology has also helped in increasing the overall transparency in the shipping and logistics This is also helping businesses to improve their overall efficiency and mobilisation of the resources. By integrating technology it will help in streamlining the entire process and expediting the whole process. Increased transparency will also help in increasing the efficiency of the entire process. Detailed information can help the shipping companies to keep a track of the shipments, optimize the routes, and figure out the need for drivers and vehicles for various assignments.
• Improves cost effectiveness – The innovations in logistics are helping in making the overall businesses profitable and viable. Digitization has helped in maintaining online records of all the contracts, keeping a track of all the bidding process, and many other things. It has also enabled to provide an online platform to manage everything with an effortless ease. In addition to that it also helps in avoiding redundancies and duplicates. Also keeping the record online also helps the drivers to apply for loans. In short, technology helps to bring more financial credibility along with cost efficiency.
• Easy traceability of the shipment – Earlier customers used to book shipments and get the expected delivery day but due to enhanced GPS System they can track the exact location of the shipment, plan ahead of time and also helps in building trust. This also helps in saving a lot of time and resources as the notifications are received automatically by the customer and the logistics company does not have to employ someone to cater to customer queries with regards to shipment status.
• Filling the supply chain gap – One of the biggest challenges faced by the logistics company was the gap in supply and demand. Latest technology allows the downside and upside of the supply chain team to know the out of stock items. Decreasing human involvement and increasing tech sophistication has allowed mapping of critical aspects in real time and in identifying the glitches almost instantly.

Therefore it is safe to say that technology has changed the face of logistics business and has touched all the aspects of this business.