There is no doubt that technology has shaped our industry and personal lives in various ways over the last decade, and also made it easier to do many jobs and become more efficient and productive. It is predicted that over 85% of all businesses will be digital within the next five years. That also implies to warehouses and logistics altogether.
Essentially, it all stayed the same – it’s simply the provision of storage for goods and their distribution. But what has drastically changed are the daily activities of third-party logistics providers – all because of the innovative technology. Their offer has become more effective, efficient and flexible as a result. Here are some of the best examples how technology has changed the face of warehousing industry.
Drones
Source: pexels.com
When someone says “drone” it almost sounds like a line from a science-fiction movie. However, we’ve managed to make that a reality – a very useful at that. As some of the handiest tools today, drones are set to make appearances in warehouses globally as firms seek to further increase levels of automation. They can help with tasks that require a lot of man-hours, and one of those uses could potentially be barcode scanning.
Warehouses are usually stacked up to the roof with inventory, which makes certain barcodes hard to reach – usually people would have to use a forklift to reach and scan them. However, with the use of drones, people can easily reach the trickiest places in warehouses from a safe distance, all with the push of a button.
Improved tracking software
Dispatch tracking technology has reached its peak, now giving access to more information than ever before, whether it be distribution information or stock data. The best part about these state-of-the-art tracking systems is that not only are organizations able to use this data for their own benefit – it’s become very useful in allowing customers to have access to certain information.
With tracking information available to everyone involved, communication channels open up and data can flow seamlessly between parties – which automatically means that you can save time searching for information because it’s all there. This allows planning to be carried out more carefully and in advance.
User experience
The moment people and marketers gained access to the web is the moment user experience stopped being a thing when a customer walks through the door. The door being your website now, and what you have to offer has to be at their reach. This means it will be more important than ever for your business to provide a seamless, consistent experience online.
Advancement in technology allowed businesses such as warehouse and logistics to offer customers everything via web. A great example of smart use of user experience is Supercheap Storage, which incorporated a very handy calculator for customer’s needs, which will save them a lot of decision-making time and effort.
Self-storage apps
When it comes to handling things, customers always prefer to do it super-fast and effectively. Granting easier access and peace of mind is key to retaining customers. For that same reason, some facilities have developed advanced software that allows customers to manage their self-storage facilities directly from mobile apps.
Source: pexels.com
Apps offer real-time control over a storage unit’s security and access. Security features are often the deciding factor for a customer. Some mobile apps give renters access to video surveillance feeds and the ability to lock and unlock doors.
Improved driver safety
Most logistics companies have adopted various forms of vehicle monitoring due to endless benefits that they can provide. From a safety point of view, knowing how your drivers are driving instead of where means logistics companies are able to not only identify areas that may cause an issue but turn these into a positive training initiative.
Having the ability to know where your drivers are and that they’re safe allows logistics companies to show a greater interest in their employees, meaning staff satisfaction should be greater. With data and real-time information available, routes can be optimized due to an increased ability to plan in advance and to make changes at the click of a button.
Source: pixabay.com
Tech trends are taking the industry by the storm and any owner or manager not emphasizing these advances will soon find themselves left behind. These are just some of the things technology has brought to us, and there are probably many to come where warehousing and distribution can be almost completely automated and safe for people around the world.
Cate is an IT girl by day and a writer by night. Her fields of expertise could be summed up to web design and digital marketing. Her interests are, on the other hand, wide and ever-evolving. These days Cate is quite obsessed with the latest innovations and trends from the tech world.