The Role of Technology in Modern Logistics 

Modern day logistics can be overwhelming. In today’s environment, parcels and products race across continents, while your food delivery can be viewed from preparation until it arrives at your door.

Logistics in the current times revolves around speed, viability, and careful handling of items. Let’s analyze a few key elements.

Internet of Things (IoT):

What if every parcel you shipped had its own minicomputer? Well, that is precisely what IoT does, at least from the shipper’s perspective. Shipment sensors can include GPS tracking, tracking of temperature, and humidity, and alerts for falls as well. These enhancements have a tremendous impact when it comes to sensitive products such as vaccines or fresh produce.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:

Algorithms powered by machine learning process large amounts of data to identify the best routes, predict potential delays and report service interruptions.

Autonomous Delivery Systems:

Delivery robots can provide last mile delivery services. Operators may monitor and take control of robots remotely in some situations when robots cannot resolve issues so as roadblocks or construction sites.

Drones:

Want a parcel to be delivered to an off-street location? Self-flying drones can make deliveries in situations when conventional vehicles cannot access the delivery destination.

Specialized Logistics:

Not All Cargo is Created Equal.

These specialized areas of logistics require extra care and some serious tech muscle.

Perishables: Keeping It Fresh

Shipping perishables is an artform. Technology plays a huge role in keeping your fruits, veggies, meats, cheese, and other perishables fresh:

• • Automated temperature controls include internet-connected sensors for monitoring temperature.
• • Through machine learning and artificial intelligence, systems work to anticipate and plan the most efficient routes for delivery.
• • Blockchain confirms that the temperature of the product does not drop below required temperatures to confirm the cold chain is not compromised during transport.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:

Medical supplies and medications often require strict adherence to designated temperature requirements. Timely delivery of equipment and prescriptions is critical to address medical and health challenges. Delays can be detrimental. Here are a few ways tech is helping to avoid delivery delays while identifying possible issues:

• • In-pack IoT sensors track temperature, humidity levels, and even exposure to light for some medicines.
• • A key use is accurately forecasting demand, making it possible for hospitals and medical facilities to keep essential items in inventory.
• • Blockchain aids in limiting fraudulent activity that causes issues for the shipper and recipient.

Vaccines:

There are many nuances to vaccine distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic created awareness of vaccine logistics challenges to the general population. Here are a few challenges:

• • Ultra-cold storage solutions are required for some vaccines to maintain very low temperatures at all times.
• • IoT sensors provide continuous monitoring to report any interruptions or issues during the delivery process.
• • AI aids in the scheduling and routing for shipments to ensure the vaccines are delivered to the appropriate destinations.

Non-Perishables:

While not as critical or sensitive, non-perishable items can benefit from technological advancements:

• • For consumers, IoT trackers assist in preventing loss and theft.
• • Through AI solutions, routine and manual tasks are enhanced and improved.
• • Trucks are loaded in alignment with delivery routes to shorten the time required to find and deliver packages.

Precise tracking keeps customers informed about delivery issues and provides notifications.

The Future is Now: Where Does Logistics Technology Go from Here?

Here are some exciting developments on the horizon:

• • Hyperloop systems may one day be used for faster ground transportation delivery of parcels and cargo.
• • AI will continue to improve to prevent and resolve problems.

Some of the centres that could transform how spare parts are transported include the following:

What Happens to My Job?

With all this talk about AI, robots, and automation, you might be wondering: where do people belong? Technology is improving human performance, enhancing it rather than coming up with new ways to replace people. Human creativity, problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence are still an essential daily element.

Logistics technology is enabling many working in this area to work smarter and ultimately focus on those aspects of their work which matters most. New types of employment such as drone operators, IoT specialists, as well as AI logistics planner’s positions are now part of organizations.

Wrapping It Up

Whether delivering live lobsters or vaccines to remote areas, modern logistics is a triumph of human endeavor and creative technologies.

Are you ready to discover how PeriShip can assist you with delivery management services?

PeriShip is ready to learn more about your shipping challenges and needs so we can identify solutions to improve your shipping logistics, save money on shipping costs, enhance your brand by creating memorable experiences for your customers. Let’s get started!