Smart logistics, or Logistics 4.0 is already under implementation. It continues the connectivity called Internet of Things (IoT). This is connectivity from the supplier across the logistics service company and the transport company, for easy control at any time.
Controlling the processes – through data
In controlling the processes, from the supply to the packaging, loading, transportation and delivery are generated large amounts of data. You can get an idea of their volume from the prognosis for 2020 – by then the data received and processed through logistics 4.0 will increase to 44 billion gigabytes. The comparison with their current volume will give you an idea of the speed with which they will increase: currently these data are 10 times less.
The large volume of data makes them an important factor in the logistics
It is obvious that the volume of data processed for logistical purposes, is very large. This makes them a very important factor. By using them the logistics companies can optimize further more the logistic processes and offer more optimal and specialized services for the customers. With the data management the logistics companies will also achieve prognosis of the development of the demand for specific services in order to be able to meet in time this demand.
Using the data in the logistics from the international freight forwarders
Freight forwarders Europe have available special systems for data processing, for shipments tracking at any time, for management of stocks and more. The cooperation in the international freight services enables IFA member companies to coordinate the data and their processing for timely deliveries and timely information for each shipment at any time.
Factors stimulating the development of smart solutions
Customers have more requirements to the transportations due to the increasing of the range of goods and freight which are transported. In many cases they are looking for storage solutions as well to ensure the continuous supply.
With the expansion of the trade and mobility is increasing the demand for transportation to more destinations. Within Europe forwarders throughout Europe are able to offer transportation to all destinations using their partnership network.
For the timely deliveries is needed logistics solutions flexibility – also one of the main requirements of the customers. For this purpose are developed more routing solutions related to large volumes of data. For processing these data through the European network for logistics services are used digital orders. Thus the data processing is fast and the logistics processes can be performed quickly.
Transparency of the data is another requirement of the customers, who want at any time to be properly informed about the status of their shipments. They even want, if necessary, to be able to intervene in the process of shipment, even after having placed their orders. For controlling the data, so that they are available at any time to the customers on demand, systems are required to link all logistics processes in the certain logistics company. An even greater advantage is the connection of the logistics processes in a partnership network of logistics companies. Thus in all international transportations the accurate data for the shipments are available at any time. This is accomplished by the member companies of the European logistics network.