The astonishing number of technologies enabling today’s modern supply chains is truly impressive. It’s not just a few new technologies, but rather dozens that are transforming supply chain operations as well as improving dramatically the world’s standard of living. Undeniably, logistics technology has redefined our lifestyles and will continue to do so in the future. Indeed, it is the key enabler that provides us the luxury of shopping from home, same-day delivery services, and seamless access to a multitude of goods and services.

In this article, I’ll look into the vast array of logistics technology enablers and trends from AI to data analytics to FinTech and more that are transforming supply chains. In particular, these trending technologies are changing how supply chain leaders approach everything from supply sourcing, planning, ecommerce, warehousing, trucking, visibility, freight payment, and even optimizing of supply chain decision flows. So, please enjoy this article and let it guide you towards crucial technologies and resources to improve your own supply chain operation.

1. Artificial Intelligence Technology Trends Empowering Supply Chains.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer the realm of science fiction. However, many of us are now swamped with countless pitches claiming how a particular AI solution will solve all of our problems. Indeed, this situation is tricky because, while many AI solutions can definitely benefit supply chains, figuring out which ones to trust is the hard part. On the bright side, AI is now a powerful tool that can analyze huge amounts of data in real-time, detect patterns that humans often miss, and make quick recommendations. Below are 9 trending AI technology solutions that are empowering supply chains and offering real solutions.

9 Types of Artificial Intelligence Solutions to Empower Supply Chains

Here Are 9 Examples Of Artificial Intelligence Technology That Will Best Empower Supply Chains

• Forecasting Systems: Uses Predictive and What-If Analysis.
• Expert Systems: Knowledge and Rules-Based Advisor.
• Intelligent Robotics: Task-Based Robots with Varying Degrees of Autonomy.
• Machine Learning (ML) Systems: Learns and Adapts Without Following Explicit Instructions.
• Generative AI Applications: Prompt-Based Content Generators.
• Virtual AI Assistants: Versatile, Conversational Helper to Carry Out Knowledge-Based Tasks.
• Computer Vision Systems: Real-Time Capability to Interpret and Respond to Visual Data.
• Recommendation Engines: Predict Users’ Choices, Offer Suggestions.
• Decision Platforms: Data-Driven, AI-Enabled Systems to Support, Augment, Automate Business Decisions.

For a more detailed look at these trending AI solutions in the logistics industry, see my article, Here Are 9 Examples Of Artificial Intelligence Technology That Will Best Empower Supply Chains.

2. Data Analytics Methods and Tech Trends in Logistics.

A Data Analytics Perspective To Better Empower Supply Chain Managers

The logistics industry is definitely experiencing a digital transformation due to new trends in data analytics and information technologies. While some supply chains leverage data analytics effectively, many businesses are overwhelmed by data and have few, if any, actionable insights. Indeed, mastering data analytics is essential for business survival. Further, data analytics involves more than just generating BI reports or dashboards.

Now, the data analytics industry has significantly evolved to offer precise, actionable insights for businesses that utilize it effectively. Success hinges on business leaders asking the right questions and using the appropriate data analytics tools. Below are six trending sub-disciplines of data analytics, along with questions decision-makers should ask of these tools to make better decisions.

6 Trending Data Analytics Methods

• Descriptive Data Analytics: What Happened?
• Diagnostic Data Analytics: Why This Happen?
• Predictive Data Analytics: What Is Most Likely To Happen?
• Prescriptive Data Analytics: What Action Should We Take?
• Real-Time Analytics: What Do I Do Now?
• Cognitive Analytics Powered By AI and Knowledge-Based Tech: What Questions and Answers Did I Miss?

For a detailed discussion on these 6 types of data analytics, see my article, A Data Analytics Perspective To Better Empower Supply Chain Managers.

3. Ecommerce And Order Fulfillment Logistics Technology Trends.

Nowadays, ecommerce is about a lot more than just having a website and some good shopping cart software. Indeed, ecommerce encompasses the entire online customer experience from click-to-delivery. So, ecommerce technology helps manage and track the process of fulfilling customer orders. In particular, features can include inventory management, order processing, and shipping. Further, ecommerce tech can help manage the post-purchase delivery experience to include customer service. Below are key trending technologies for ecommerce.

7 Trending Ecommerce Technology Innovations

• Ecommerce Cloud-Based Software Platforms To Integrate Workflows And 3rd Party Software.
• Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots For Customer Service.
• Mobile Wallets and Seamless Payments To Increase Sales.
• API-Driven Headless Ecommerce Enabling Omnichannel Retailing And Personalized Customer Experience.
• Business Intelligence (BI) For Advanced Analytics and Data-driven Insights.
• Intelligent Robotics To Streamline Order Fulfillment.
• Fast and Flexible Delivery Options Powered By eCommerce Automation.

For more details and examples on ecommerce and order fulfillment trends, see my article, 7 New Trends In eCommerce Automation And Emerging Tech To Better Empower Business.

Indeed, ecommerce automation involves handling inventory, processing orders, taking care of shipping, and ensuring top-notch customer service. By embracing ecommerce automation, businesses can streamline their workflows, cut costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Click here to check out these 7 hot trends in the world of ecommerce automation!

4. Warehousing Tech Trends: Smart Robotics Transforming Operations.

Warehouse Tech Trends: Smart and Autonomous Robotics

Warehouse systems are used to manage the movement and storage of goods within a warehouse or distribution center. They typically include features such as inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and labor management.

Warehouse Robots – 9 Types Of Truly Revolutionary Smart Robotics That You Need To Know About

Now, smart robots are the key logistics technology trend for warehouse operations. In particular, these advanced robots are equipped with artificial intelligence and sensors. As a result these smart robots can navigate through warehouses, identify and retrieve items, and even collaborate with human workers. 

For example, Amazon’s fulfillment centers employ hundreds of thousands of smart robots. Initially, their first smart robots were called “drive units” that autonomously move shelves of products to human workers for order fulfillment. As a result, these robots not only increase efficiency and accuracy but also reduce the risk of injuries and improve overall warehouse operations. Moreover, now warehouse robots are increasingly becoming more autonomous and able to support more dynamic warehouse tasks. For more information on different types of smart robots, see my article, Warehouse Robots – 9 Types Of Truly Revolutionary Smart Robotics That You Need To Know About. 

5. Transportation Technology: 9 Innovations to Include IoT Remaking The Trucking Industry.

Transportation technology consists of both truck automation and fleet management systems (FMS). Specifically, FMS systems are used to manage fleets of vehicles and other assets. Conversely, trucking technology directly augments transportation equipment such as trucks and trailers.

Recently, transportation technology investors have heavily poured money into autonomous vehicle research & development (R&D). To date, this R&D has not resulted in the trucking industry adopting fully-autonomous vehicles. In fact, it may be many years until autonomous technology is fully adopted. However, because of this extensive R&D effort several related transportation technologies are remaking the trucking industry. To detail, below is a list of 9 transportation technologies that are transforming the industry. Indeed, many of them as a direct result of autonomous vehicle R&D. Additionally, see links below for more information on specific trucking technology trends.

9 Trending Trucking Technology Innovations

Trucking Tech – 9 Awesome Innovations That Are Going Mainstream

• Electric Trucks.
• Forward-looking Camera Systems.
• Collision Mitigation.
• Electronic Logging Devices Data.
• Preventative Maintenance Systems.
• Internet Of Things (IoT) Trailer and Freight Status Monitoring.
• Dynamic Routing Systems.
• Autonomous Truck Platooning.
• Fleet Management Apps

Also, for more information on logistics technology trends for the trucking industry, see my article, Trucking Tech – 9 Awesome Innovations That Are Going Mainstream.

“When we talk about ‘smart transportation,’ it is more than moving cargo from A to B. Digitization within transport and logistics means seamless service to our customers, visibility in the supply chain, and driving a more efficient business.”

Soren Skou

6. Visibility And Tracking Logistics Technology Trends.

Tracking and visibility systems are data-centric, requiring vast amounts of data. Without a doubt, these tracking systems will only work as intended if the data is complete, accurate, and timely.

Furthermore, supply chain visibility is a tall order in that the tracking source data is in many cases in separate systems. For instance, tracking and delivery experience systems ideally need to pull data real-time from eCommerce platforms, TMS, and transportation carrier systems to provide the actionable information needed. Further, these source data systems have a mishmash of interfaces to include EDI, APIs, SMS, e-mail, and proprietary data transfer interfaces. Lastly, most modern tracking systems use data analytics / data warehouse systems to provide Business Intelligence (BI) reporting and actionable dashboards.

So, supply chain visibility and tracking offer many challenges especially if your supply chain includes many logistics partners. In these cases, one specific technology or tracking platform may not be your “silver bullet” for all your tracking needs. At the same time, continuous improvement is key and there is a high probability that there are specific technologies that can meet your specific tracking needs. To detail, below are key trending technologies for tracking, traceability, and supply chain visibility as well as links to more resources.

9 Trending Tracking Technology Innovations

• Cloud-based Platforms Enable Easier Integration For Supply Chain Visibility.
• Blockchain Provides Traceability Technology For Supply Chains.
• Drones Technology For The Transport Goods And Inventory Visibility.
• 2D And QR Barcodes Able To Store More Data And Increases Interoperability.
• IoT Devices Increases The Capabilities And Durability Of Tracking Technology.
• Real-Time Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking Technology.
• 5G Broadband Cellular Standard Empowers Real-Time Tracking Technology.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Enables Context For Better Tracking Of Asset Status And Visibility.
• Proactive AI-Powered Predictive Analytics Precludes Shipment Delays.

For more details on the latest trends in tracking technologies, see my article, 9 Logistics Tracking Technology Trends: The Best Tech For Better Visibility And Traceability.

7. Freight Payment and FinTech: Trending New Logistics Technology and Methods.

Any company that ships their product has a process in place to audit freight bills and pay carriers either manually or assisted by automation. In particular, 3rd parties to include 3rd party logistics (3PL) providers have extensive freight audit and payment systems to manage the process of auditing and paying freight bills. Specifically, these systems typically include features such as invoice validation, rate negotiation, and payment processing. Further, these systems usually have extensive electronic data interchange (EDI), application programming interfaces (API), and electronic funds transfer (EFT) interfaces with major transportation carriers as well as banking systems.

In recent years, advancements in technology have paved the way for alternative methods to audit and pay freight bills. Below are some innovative ways that you can streamline your payment process to pay carriers for their transportation services. Additionally, I have provided additional links to more resources on how to streamline your freight bill audit and pay processes.

8 Innovate Trends In Freight Payment and FinTech

Freight Invoice Audit & Payment: New Tech And Methods That Will Make It Better

• Leverage A 3rd Party Audit & Pay Provider.
• Implement An Automated Freight Payment Systems EDI / APIs.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation For Invoice Processing Analytics.
• Use Blockchain And Smart Contracts.
• Start Using Instant Payment.
• Use Cryptocurrency As An Alternative Payment Option.
• Simplify Your Freight Payment Terms.
• Streamline By Having Payor Pay Based On Electronic Shipment Manifest And IoT Data Capture. 

For more details on leveraging new technology and methodologies to streamline freight bill processing, see my article, Freight Invoice Audit & Payment: New Tech And Methods That Will Make It Better.

8. Decision Intelligence Tech: A New Type Of Information Technology That Optimizes Decision Flows.

Lastly, decision intelligence (DI) technology is now poised to transform the logistics industry. Indeed, DI software has the potential to dramatically optimize decision-making flows, even real-time if needed. In particular, it leverages advanced algorithms, data science, and machine learning to streamline good decision processes. Further, this groundbreaking tech helps companies make better decisions, optimize decision-making, and streamline operations. To detail the benefits of decision intelligence tech, see my article, Decision Intelligence Tech To Empower Logistics: The Ways This New Automation Is Better.

For more resources of what’s trending in logistics technology, see Transmetrics’ Top 10 Supply Chain and Logistics Technology Trends, SupplyChainDigital’s Top 10 disruptive supply chain & logistics tech, and OpenLibrary’s Introduction To Logistics – TECHNOLOGY AND LOGISTICS

What Is A 3PL? Compare Types, Capabilities, Tech, Best Value

For more information from Supply Chain Tech Insights, see articles on information technology.