Why Your Competitors are Adopting Digital Logistics Platforms

The logistics industry is adopting digital logistics platforms at an unprecedented rate, with a market that’s predicted to expand from USD 25.51 billion in 2023 to USD 58.58 billion in 2028. This growth has seen companies invest in a wide array of logistics tools and technologies, from AI and blockchain to IoT. While these undoubtedly present huge growth opportunities, the real game-changer lies in being able to link them together into a single integrated digital logistics platform.

Let’s discuss what can be achieved by coordinating all your digital investments into a single, unified system.

Digital logistics platforms are helping companies deliver a premium service

When it comes to catering to the Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery market, it’s a case of adapt or die. Customers feeling the “need for speed” won’t be satisfied by anything less than reliable, ultra-fast fulfilment. This can only be consistently achieved when all core supply chain elements of the business are aligned and are applying digital solutions throughout their entire supply chain.

Logistics companies that invest in technology are delivering extra value to their customers and becoming recognised for their efforts. People will pay more for fast and reliable delivery options, with over 50% of clothes and shoes online shoppers saying they’re willing to pay extra for this convenience.

How your competitors use digital logistics platforms to add value

Modern logistics operators have realised that to stay competitive they need to improve their value proposition, to both suppliers and customers. Fulfilment services have had to become faster, more agile and more varied, especially as regards last-mile delivery and refunds.

Without taking a cohesive approach to the challenges that lie ahead you’re at risk of delivering inconsistent, or poor service quality, negatively impacting your customers’ experiences. Technology is transforming logistics by enabling value differentiation when it comes to:

1. Efficiency and productivity: Automating processes means fewer manual errors and higher levels of operational efficiency. By using AI-driven platforms businesses can plan routes and execute more efficiently, taking into account traffic conditions, fuel consumption, distance travelled, and delivery-time windows.
2. Better visibility and transparency: Digitisation allows companies to build agile supply chains and adapt quickly to customer demands with real-time insights into shipment flows and supply chain activities. This allows companies to give their customers, suppliers, and partners, accurate information when they need it. This level of openness boosts collaboration and cooperation, streamlining and improving processes.
3. Saves costs and optimises resources: Inventory Management Systems (IMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) speed up operations, reduce holding costs and minimise the risk of stockouts and overstocking. Optimising travel routes cuts fuel consumption, while digitising the paperwork saves time, energy and resources.

While you may be using some, or all the above tools, you can make them far more effective by integrating them together into one seamless view of the end-to-end operation. This is exactly what a digital logistics platform allows you to do.

1. Customer-centric approach: By implementing real-time tracking and automated delivery notifications, businesses can empower customers with real-time information, and provide them with a personalised and premium service.
2. Embracing sustainability in the supply chain: Optimal route planning and better resource allocation reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Efficient warehouse management systems and digitised processes cut down on energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable future. Digital coordination also allows for the adoption of more complex but more sustainable transportation methods including green multimodal solutions.
3. Big data and analytics: Digital logistics platforms that use Big Data and analytics are helping companies make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. Critically, a digital logistics platform collates data from across your logistics system to allow that analysis to occur.

Digital integration is the bedrock of progress in the logistics industry

Companies that struggle to advance their digital transformation often cite the difficulty of complex logistics networks, coupled with a lack of integrated digital resources.

At Zeus Labs, we identified the need for simple and, importantly, intuitive software that could sit on top of existing logistics solutions to unite disparate logistics technology. That’s why we developed Freight Command, a digital logistics platform that helps businesses better manage their supply chain systems, streamline all their logistics processes, and fulfil customer orders more quickly and efficiently.

Freight Command integrates seamlessly with your TMS, and other logical logistics tools including ERPs, CRMs, and WMS and finance and accounting systems - bringing together all logistics-related activities under one umbrella. This enhances your operational efficiency and aligns your logistics processes with your broader business strategy.

Future-proof your business with Freight Command

At Zeus, we’re committed to continuous innovation and are determined to keep our clients ahead of the game regarding new technological advancements.

With Freight Command, you can transform your logistics into a premium service that exceeds your customer's expectations - and stand out from the crowd as a company worth partnering with. You’ll benefit from:

• End-to-end planning and transparency with the ability to oversee all aspects of orders, transport, and inventory management. This will reduce incidences of ad hoc loads, whilst delivering better service to customers.
• Transparency across sales and logistics teams from a central hub, where everyone has the same version of “the truth”. With live reporting and dashboards, your people will have all the information they need to deliver or exceed customer expectations.
• Better carrier relationships via optimised routing, planning, and delivering on your contracted volume commitments.
• Better customer relationships, resulting from your ability to deliver reliably at speed and allow customers to track their deliveries via API integration with their core logistics software or a simple web based portal that shows them exactly when their shipments will be collected and delivered.
• Automated slot management that speeds up the process between orders being received and shipments placed with transporters by automatically assigning loads anchored to delivery slots.

Forward-thinking logistics suppliers are already supplying their customers with delivery options that go above and beyond. By implementing a cohesive digital strategy they’ve managed to turn their logistics processes from simply being a commodity (where the cheapest is the default option) to a premium, value enhancing service.

Nearly two-thirds of logistics organisations say they have a digital transformation plan in place, with service improvement a primary driver. Freight Command can help you differentiate your services and delight your customers. Book a demo today to find out how we can help you achieve your business goals.

References:

• Digital Logistics Market - Size, Share & Forecast Trends
• Are Britons willing to pay extra for next day delivery?
• Logistics sector prioritizes digital transformation, but needs technology leadership, skills