Logistics 4.0: The digital revolution in logistics

The prospects for the future of logistics are frequently the subject of debate. There has never been a time in history when the world changed as quickly as it does today, and the difficulties that come with logistics are growing. The global corona pandemic has both exacerbated existing weaknesses and brought new ones to light in a striking manner. With the help of networking, artificial intelligence, and automation technology, a complete industry has the potential to undergo a substantial transformation as a result of the implementation of Logistics 4.0.

Background on the 4.0 Version of Logistics 

The logistics industry is not immune to the effects of digitalization and automation in other sectors of the economy. The World Wide Web served primarily as an access portal to knowledge and consumption until very recently. However, it is currently going through a rapid digital metamorphosis into what is being called the "Internet of Things and Services." As a result of this growth, platforms for "intelligent" products are coming into existence. These platforms network people, data, and machines. This has significant repercussions for the logistics industry, particularly in relation to the swiftness, adaptability, and manageability of your processes. In light of this context, the application of Logistics 4.0 is taking on an increasingly critical role for businesses that are serious about achieving their strategic goals in the market.

Within the context of Industry 4.0, logistics

Industry 4.0, often known as the fourth industrial revolution, is the source of this concept. The process of digitization is the primary emphasis of this phase. The simplification, automation, and, most importantly, digitalization of formerly analog processes is currently taking place. The introduction of new technologies has made it possible to speed up and improve the efficiency of manufacturing. Manufacturing now begins only when there is a real demand for it and can make more versions in a shorter amount of time. When compared to mass manufacturing, individual product development allows businesses to respond more swiftly to market shifts, adjust production capabilities, and even create new goods without incurring significant efficiency losses.

What exactly does "Logistics 4.0" mean?

The networking and integrating of different logistical processes is what is meant by the term "Logistics 4.0." In its most basic form, it refers to the implications that Industry 4.0 will have on logistics. More specifically, it refers to the networking and interlocking of customers, products, processes, and supply chain partners through information and communication technologies in order to improve a company's overall efficiency and effectiveness.

The supply chain is becoming significantly more intelligent, networked, and technologically advanced as a direct result of the implementation of Logistics 4.0. The implementation of it enables the integrated components to function independently from one another.

These self-managing processes are referred to as smart or intelligent since they regulate logistics operations, communicate with each other, make decisions, and learn from each other. Because of this, the primary outcomes of implementing Logistics 4.0 are increased transparency, leaner operations, and a reduced mistake rate.

The Obstacles Presented by Logistics 4.0

The necessity for businesses to change their ways of doing things in order to accommodate new technology and procedures is one of the most difficult aspects of Logistics 4.0. In order for businesses to reap the benefits that hyper-automation has to offer, they need to make investments in new kinds of systems and procedures. This is because the use of hyper-automation is becoming more widespread. This may entail a substantial investment on the part of the business, as well as the adoption of new ways of working and thinking. 

Another obstacle is the requirement that firms take a data-driven approach to the logistics of their operations. Because logistics operations generate a growing amount of data, organizations need the ability to analyze this data and use it to influence their decision-making. Because of this, companies need to make investments in business intelligence systems and processes and ensure they have the necessary knowledge and abilities to make the most of those investments.

Why is it necessary for supply chain and logistics managers to use the 4.0 version of logistics? 

Organizations are under growing amounts of pressure to increase the speed and efficiency of their logistics operations as a result of the fast-shifting global marketplace and the rising expectations of consumers. The answer to these problems can be found in the concept of "Logistics 4.0," which offers businesses the instruments and technologies they require to remain one step ahead of the competition.

There can be no Industry 4.0 without first having Logistics 4.0

Everyone nowadays is talking about Industry 4.0, sometimes known as the fourth industrial revolution. After the introduction of mechanization (Industry 1.0), mass production (Industry 2.0), and automation (Industry 3.0) into production over the years, the next step is digitization, which includes the Internet of Things and services. Companies that do not neglect the new technologies and innovations linked with them will be in a position to benefit from great growth prospects and competitive advantages as a result of this. The combination of digital transformation and automation is expected to result in productivity gains of approximately 30 percent, according to recent projections.

Only via the use of modified logistics will it be possible to accomplish some of the most important objectives of the fourth industrial revolution. Most importantly, these comprise the primary characteristics of Industry 4.0, such as

Networking, decentralization, the ability to deliver real-time services or a focus on service orientation.

You can only lay the required foundations for tackling the future difficulties of Industry 4.0 with your firm if you effectively implement Logistics 4.0. This is the only way to do so: A paperless processing of transport orders with digital bills of lading, for instance, or the exchange of pallets are examples of crucial basic needs that must be met for Industry 4.0 to function well.

The objectives and difficulties of the Logistics 4.0 system

With the implementation of Logistics 4.0, the most important quality that has to be produced is transparency. On the one hand, it is about tracking the locations of orders at all times for customers. On the other hand, having transparency regarding the various linkages throughout the supply chain is far more important for businesses. When more information is available about the supply chain, it is simpler for businesses to plan for the possibility of risks and to improve the dependability of their delivery.

The availability and timeliness of data are the foundation for increased transparency, and the collection and interchange of this data is an essential component of the Logistics 4.0 platform. Along the supply chain, the more data that is shared with one another, the simpler it is to coordinate the various activities. If the data interchange also results in automatically triggered processes, then both the efficiency of the transport and the additional hazards involved are increased and decreased, respectively. The increased dependability, quality, and adaptability of delivery services are some of the favorable consequences of the important aspects of logistics.

Opportunities afforded by the 4.0 version of Logistics 

Despite these obstacles, the opportunities that Logistics 4.0 presents are enormous and should not be ignored. The use of hyper-automation and other digital technologies enables businesses to enhance the efficiency of their logistics operations, hence reducing delivery times while simultaneously increasing accuracy.

Additionally, the use of business intelligence systems enables firms to gain better visibility into their logistical operations, which enables them to detect inefficiencies and make decisions that are data-driven in order to improve performance. This is another benefit of using business intelligence systems.

How does the new version of Logistics work?

It is not the case that Logistics 4.0 will be planned just once and then kept in the same form indefinitely. She is always expanding her knowledge, continually adjusting her behavior to meet the demands of new situations, and, as a result, always putting those new skills into practice.

The application of cutting-edge technologies, such as supply chain management that is based on projections, is at the heart of the Logistics 4.0 initiative. The following logistical essential statistics can be optimized with the help of this technology as well as other emerging ones:

Reliability of delivery, quality of delivery, flexibility of delivery, ability to deliver, and service level are all important.

In order to accomplish this goal, you will need to develop and execute new concepts for planning, controlling, realizing, and managing the flow of information and materials for the Logistics 4.0 platform. It is imperative that all layers of your company's logistics be incorporated into the digital transformation and that appropriate technologies be identified and used for improvement.

The goals of the solutions developed for Logistics 4.0 include both internal and external processes. For instance, value chains and networks that are becoming increasingly complicated and worldwide, call for the development of whole new approaches to supply chain management. This is necessary in order to be able to more effectively coordinate the flow of materials and information between raw material suppliers and end users.

The importance of people in the 4.0 version of logistics

When we discuss logistics 4.0, there is a significant emphasis placed on the role of automation. Devices are now able to interact with one another, transportation moves from point A to point B without human intervention, and things are no longer removed from shelves manually. Nevertheless, what many people consider to be science fiction is already a reality in certain places and not in others. In what capacity does the human being fit into this picture?

Digitization will, in point of fact, make logistical processes more effective, mitigate the shortage of competent people, and result in time savings. Despite this, the primary function of digitization will be to support logistics, and it will not be able to replace complete tasks. Especially unpredictable utilization makes it impossible to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for equipment alone. Integrating such a large number of robots and automation into a system that they could even adjust for peak loads would be a wasteful use of resources.

The use of humans as a resource will continue to have a pivotal position in logistics. In the future, simple auxiliary labor will be able to be carried out entirely by robots; nonetheless, the most important component will always be the specialized human workforce. Additionally, Logistics 4.0 will bring with it entirely new spheres of responsibility that we have not yet recognized.

In the future, the company that provides the most reliable logistics will not be the one that has automated the majority of its processes and employs the greatest number of robots; rather, it will be the company that has the best understanding of how to combine the benefits that people and machines bring to the table in order to serve the needs of its customers.

What are the benefits of using the new Logistics 4.0 system?

Companies that rely more and more on growing levels of digitization and automation can create major competitive advantages for themselves by lowering their expenses while simultaneously improving their customer's experiences with the delivery of their products and minimizing the number of errors that occur in the process. The following are some of the benefits that utilizing Logistics 4.0 can bring to either your company or yourself:

• Ensuring data quality

Within networked systems, one of the functional areas that is considered to be of the utmost importance is the gathering and processing of data. In addition to product-specific master data, the evaluation of connections also plays a part in this process. In today's era of widespread digitization, having high-quality data is an essential requirement for being a desirable business partner for other organizations.

• More room for maneuvering in negotiations

When it comes to price negotiations, businesses that can rely on a worldwide network of contacts have more room for maneuvering. It is possible that it will be worthwhile to spend in networking and hunting for suitable partners in other countries. Your domestic negotiation position will typically improve as a result of this.

• Acquire resources from all across the world

Companies are no longer completely reliant on the resources available in their own countries as a result of global networking. Global sourcing provides not just large corporations with access to raw materials and parts from suppliers all over the world but also medium-sized and smaller businesses.

• Opening up new sales markets

Through participation in worldwide networks, your business makes its offer accessible to consumers on every continent. The digital shift makes it much simpler to locate untapped consumer markets. Your chances of effectively establishing yourself on the market in a way that is both sustainable and successful will increase significantly if you begin early on by making your products and services available to foreign partners.

Embrace Logistics 4.0 

The logistics business is undergoing a transformation as a result of Logistics 4.0, which presents enterprises with both challenges and opportunities. In order for businesses to make the most of these opportunities, they need to be prepared to make investments in new technology and procedures and adopt a data-driven strategy for their logistics operations.

If you wish to enter the new era of logistics, you may do so by embracing the opportunities presented by Logistics 4.0, adopting the most recent available technology, and implementing business intelligence in your operations. This will allow you to enter a new era.

FAQ

How can artificial intelligence (AI) be utilized in Logistic 4.0?

Using AI, you may not only plan optimal delivery routes, but also instantly recalculate and/or modify them in response to changing conditions. This allows for better warehouse management by making it feasible to see and control the constant movement of goods.

AI's applications in the field of logistics range from the straightforward, such as optimizing freight route mapping, to the more novel, such as a robot arm powered by machine learning technology. Some of these applications are more straightforward than others.

What role does the Internet of Things (IoT) play in Logistic 4.0?

Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like GPS trackers and smart sensors, play a crucial role in logistics optimization by allowing for real-time tracking of cargo and vehicles. This transparency allows for dynamic route optimization, which lessens overall fuel usage and boosts delivery efficiency.

How does Logistic 4.0 enhance customer experience?

Innovations like Supply Chain 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 can help organizations improve the satisfaction of their clientele. A better understanding of company operations and the ability to respond quickly to shifts in customer demand allow businesses to give a higher quality of service.

What are the potential cost savings with Logistic 4.0 implementation?

Experts in the field believe that implementing logistics 4.0 in a supply chain might result in potential cost savings of 20 percent in the supply chain, quality, and maintenance, respectively, and of more than 30 percent in inventory expenses.

How does Logistic 4.0 contribute to better risk management in logistics?

There are monetary dangers involved, such as those that come with making excessive or erroneous investments. The hazards of employment losses are also taken into consideration from a societal point of view. Additionally, risks can be connected with technical risks, such as technical integration, information technology (IT)-related risks, such as data security, and legal and political risks, such as unmet legal clarity in terms of data custody. These types of risks can be categorized as «technical risks», «IT-related risks», or «legal and political risks». Because of this, having an understanding of the possible dangers posed by the implementation process is essential.