Embedding disruptive technologies in logistics management software can cater to the needs of tech-driven logistics companies who want to utilize customer experience as a differentiating factor. Explore what Logistics Management Software providers will offer businesses in 2020.
With the emergence of Industry 4. 0- a fourth industrial revolution characterized by disruptive tech forces like Robotic Process Automation, Artificial contract logistics company in mumbai Intelligence, and Internet of Things- logistics industry is also going through a significant transformation. They are employing robots, drones, blockchain, and RFID tags to increase their capabilities to support smart systems adopted by firms across their supply chains.
In light of this advancement, Logistics Management Software (LMS) providers are also integrating enabling technologies that are in turn helping 3PL providers, distribution companies, transportation brokers, freight forwarders, warehouse providers, shippers and cargo airlines to streamline their supply chain, improving visibility throughout.
According to Forbes digital transformation in logistics software is rising. The logistics management software providers are using intelligent technologies for the management of fleet, order, inventory, shipping, transportation, suppliers, customer relations, and last-mile delivery.
Warehouse Management Systems: WMS software can be procured as an independent solution or a component of LMS. WMS system powered by data insights ensures that the optimal level of stock is available at any time to fulfill the market demand, thus bringing visibility in inventory management. For example, Celero, a product of Katalyst Technologies, is an advanced WMS for effective and efficient warehouse operations including picking, packing, shipping, and cycle counting. Celero is a multi-tenant warehouse management system with many AI capabilities.
Warehouse management systems are available as SaaS (Software as a Service) products that empower clients to enjoy superior functionalities without the need to install any hardware. WMS providers are also offering capabilities to manage smart warehouses that are IoT enabled.
Transport Management Systems: TMS is a subset of a logistics platform and is integrated with logistics management software. Advanced TMS solutions are relying on sophisticated technologies to bring speed, accuracy, visibility, and optimization in the management of transportation fleets. Oracle, Manhattan, SAP, JDA are some of the vendors that offer TMS systems. For example, JDA offers AI and machine learning optimized platform for enhancing delivery capabilities of shippers and 3PL companies.
TMS offers strategic cost advantages and creates sustainable values by synchronizing critical transportation processes. It intelligently manages optimized routes for both inbound and outbound transportation needs, and also brings alignment between suppliers and carriers to stay within transport budgets. Contemporary TMS solutions support financial transactions while providing end-to-end visibility in real-time.
Cloud Capabilities: Logistics management software providers are moving to cloud for the upsides of scalability, security, and outsourcing capabilities. They are offering dynamic and scalable infrastructure to their clients to help them maintain end-to-end logistics activities without the need for installing hardware. For example, Oracle’s NetSuite, a cloud-based solution is a suite of applications for transportation and logistics management. Cloud computing streamlines business processes and ensures seamless integration between front and back end. With centralized storage of data on the cloud, managers and other stakeholders can check the real-time performance of their business by tracking key metrics.
Leading firms offering cloud LMS ensure that compliance standards have been adhered to while supporting their clients to upgrade their legacy systems to the cloud. Cloud-enabled LMS is a platform that can intelligently drive better collaboration with key partners in the supply chain, thus supporting a higher level of digital transformation in 2020.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI is empowering logistics management software by bringing automation and improving visibility across logistics processes for a seamless experience. AI and machine learning improve forecasting abilities of the system by applying various combinations of algorithms and data streams, thus managing significant volumes of forecasts across time horizons and geographical locations. AI-based LMS automates brokerage procedures to ensure speedy and efficient delivery of goods. Further, it helps in predictive intelligence so LMS can pre-empt demand and service accordingly.
LMS uses machine learning to predict the delivery time of a package and then checks if the package did arrive on time or not, thus implementing a feedback loop. Using deep learning and algorithms, it is possible to plan and optimize a route in real-time and achieve operational efficiencies across all carrier services. Also, data-driven LMS supports real-time tracking, insights & analytics, beat optimization, and vehicle allocation & utilization. LMS are combining machine learning with natural language processing to convert fuzzy and handwritten addresses into accurate global coordinates. In 2020, businesses will heavily rely on AI to augment human decision-making while implementing machine learning for automation.
Internet of Things: IoT technology has created a connected logistics ecosystem. IoT-enabled smart logistics solutions allow users to track the activities of connected devices, for example, vehicle location and inventory items in warehouse. Further, internet-enabled devices gather information from various data points and push it further for analytics that converts information into smart business insights helping in rational decision-making. For example, predictive maintenance of vehicles and other equipment is greatly facilitated by IoT enabled LMS. This connectivity, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, can analyze the massive volume of data to bring tangible business outcomes. According to the McKinsey Global Institute’s study, ‘The Internet of Things: Mapping The value Beyond the Hype’, IoT will potentially impact logistics routing and autonomous vehicles by 2025.
Data Analytics: Digitization is primarily driven by business analytics. Logistics management software is equipped with data analytics capabilities for intelligent decision-making, giving a profitable competitive advantage to the users. The software supports smart procurement, monitors fleet management, and provides visibility to improve the shipping process. LMS processes logistics data into meaningful insights that facilitate cost-benefit analysis and strategic planning thereby reducing bottlenecks and strengthening the bottom-line of logistics activities.