Integration systems and logistics

 

The digital transformation in logistics represents the integration of new digital capabilities in areas such as storage, order picking, or transport, among others.

The digitalization of all sectors of a company is a trend that is gaining momentum, and that will continue in the future. According to a McKinsey study, companies favor the use of new technologies in their marketing strategy (49% are part of it) and in their products and services (21%), but only 2% of the companies surveyed admit to implementing digital transformation initiatives in the Supply Chain.

However, according to a survey by Forbes Insights, 65% of logistics managers are aware of the need to renew their business model if they want to survive the digital age.

The technology aims to enable the automated and intelligent management of the company's documentation, and the organization of its procedures or workflows, among others.

However, it is impossible to separate the processes of digital transformation from the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0 and the main technologies related to digital transformation in warehouse management:

• Cloud data storage: More and more warehouse management software solutions are available in the Software as a Service (SaaS) mode, as opposed to traditional on-premises installation (on the company's local servers). This technology reduces the initial investment required when implementing a WMS, since, instead of acquiring all the technical infrastructure, monthly rent is paid for the license.

• IoT (Internet of Things) devices: IoT technology applied to the warehouse is closely linked to the various sensors that collect information from the physical world and transfer it to digital databases. Examples include RFID tags and motion sensors integrated into automatic systems such as stacker cranes or conveyors.

• Robotics: machines and automatic systems coexist with operators in the performance of their tasks.

• Artificial intelligence in logistics: artificial intelligence can analyze massive amounts of data throughout the supply chain.  By interpreting the information, advanced calculation of demand forecasting while facilitating the management of warehouse locations or the optimization of last-mile logistics is possible.

• Simulation of environments with digital twins: This technology is very useful when designing a warehouse or applying changes in its distribution. It is possible to test the functioning of the new organization in a digital environment, before changing the mode of operation for real. 

These technological resources will transform the logistics industry in the short term.

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