Logistics
From Cybersecurity to Skilled Workers Shortage: These are the logistics trends of 2024
In a world that is rapidly changing, the logistics and supply chain management industries are faced with a range of trends and challenges that offer both opportunities and risks. The study "Triple Transformation: Digitization, Sustainability, and Resilience" by the Federal Logistics Association (BVL) has recently highlighted these aspects and identified seven key trends.
In a world that is rapidly changing, the logistics and supply chain management industries are faced with a range of trends and challenges that offer both opportunities and risks. The study "Triple Transformation: Digitization, Sustainability, and Resilience" by the Federal Logistics Association (BVL) has recently highlighted these aspects and identified seven key trends.
Strengthening IT security
In recent years, cyber-attacks have become a significant threat. Companies in the logistics industry are particularly vulnerable as they are increasingly digitally interconnected. The study shows that most companies in this field see a high risk of cyber incidents. The digital transformation that many companies are undergoing increases the points of attack for cybercriminals. This includes not only the theft of sensitive data but also potential disruptions in operational processes, which can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. As a result, many companies have begun to strengthen their IT security, especially through the training of their employees and the implementation of advanced technologies. Cloud services also play an increasingly important role, as they often offer higher security standards than internal solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Digitization of business processes
The digitization of business processes continues to be a trend on the agenda of many companies. According to the study, almost all companies have now begun to digitize their business processes, a trend that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digitization is also crucial for improving cost efficiency and increasing resilience in supply chains. It enables data-driven optimization of logistics processes and contributes to increasing overall efficiency. Moreover, it is fundamental for the implementation of more sustainable value creation processes.
Digitization of business processes
The digitization of business processes continues to be a trend on the agenda of many companies. According to the study, almost all companies have now begun to digitize their business processes, a trend that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digitization is also crucial for improving cost efficiency and increasing resilience in supply chains. It enables data-driven optimization of logistics processes and contributes to increasing overall efficiency. Moreover, it is fundamental for the implementation of more sustainable value creation processes.
Transparency in the supply chain
Transparency in supply chains is becoming increasingly important for many companies, especially in the area of cross-company data exchange. The availability of data in many areas has increased, reducing the gap between data needs and data availability. The move towards greater networking and improved data exchange is therefore an important step for many companies to increase efficiency and effectiveness in logistics in the future. This includes not only operational data but also strategic information essential for long-term planning and control of supply chains.
Use of AI and business analytics tools
Business analytics is seen by many logistics companies as one of the most relevant technologies and is now used by over half of the companies as descriptive and prescriptive analytics. AI is also increasingly being considered relevant - machine learning leads here ahead of generative language models. The rapid development in AI technology, such as in generative language models, will continue to have a significant impact on the industry in the future, according to the study. It enables more efficient data analysis and decision-making, which is crucial for optimizing logistics processes and supply chain management.
Use of AI and business analytics tools
Business analytics is seen by many logistics companies as one of the most relevant technologies and is now used by over half of the companies as descriptive and prescriptive analytics. AI is also increasingly being considered relevant - machine learning leads here ahead of generative language models. The rapid development in AI technology, such as in generative language models, will continue to have a significant impact on the industry in the future, according to the study. It enables more efficient data analysis and decision-making, which is crucial for optimizing logistics processes and supply chain management.
Implementation of sustainable processes
Sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges for the logistics industry. Thus, the implementation of sustainable processes is becoming increasingly important. According to the study, companies are increasingly recognizing that sustainability is not just an ecological responsibility but can also be a competitive advantage. This is true both in terms of customers and the recruitment and retention of employees. Sustainability is therefore seen as a crucial factor for the future positioning of companies. However, politics is still perceived as the actor with the greatest responsibility for making logistics more sustainable through appropriate framework conditions.
Creating resilient supply chains
According to the study, companies must increasingly focus on making their value chains more resistant to disruptions. This includes both short-term solutions for acute problems and long-term structural and organizational measures. Increasing transparency and implementing effective risk management are central aspects of creating resilient supply chains, according to the study.
Creating resilient supply chains
According to the study, companies must increasingly focus on making their value chains more resistant to disruptions. This includes both short-term solutions for acute problems and long-term structural and organizational measures. Increasing transparency and implementing effective risk management are central aspects of creating resilient supply chains, according to the study.
Combating the Skilled Workers Shortage
One of the biggest challenges for the logistics industry in 2024 remains the fight against the skilled workers shortage. The competition for talent is increasingly being determined by working conditions, personal development opportunities, and the sustainability of companies. The decline in available labor force, due to demographic changes, exacerbates this challenge. According to the study, companies must create attractive conditions to attract and retain qualified employees.