Is Your Business Ready for the Future of Logistics?

Emerging technologies are becoming more commonplace in our lives, from smart appliances to smart cars and everything in between. In the area of logistics, the future holds both technology and innovation.

But is your business, or more importantly, the logistics end of your business, ready for the future? In order to keep up and take advantage of the emerging technologies and innovative solutions, businesses may want to switch to a public warehouse with logistics services, more commonly referred to as a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.

The Future of Warehousing and Distribution

Public warehousing and distribution is in the midst of a transformation. To provide its clients with faster, more reliable, inexpensive, and sustainable service, all sorts of technologies are being integrated into warehouse management systems.

At the forefront is the Internet of Things (IoT), which allows devices to communicate with each other without human intervention through an Internet infrastructure. One of the applications you will begin to see in a public warehouse is machine-to-machine (M2M) technology.

Third-party service providers who use this technology to its fullest can provide you with reduced overall costs, as well as faster services and less waste.

Also not too far in the distant future, 3PLs will offer 3D printing. This technology will allow logistics providers to offer its clients a cost-effective means of replicating products or repairing parts that use metals, composite materials, or plastic.

And we’re sure you’ve heard the talk surrounding drones to deliver goods to your customers. You may also see public warehouses using drones to move goods within their facilities to perform warehousing and shipping processes.

But due to regulatory, safety, reliability, and cost concerns, it might be some time before drone delivery is incorporated into logistics.

Also becoming close to reality in the not too distance future are self-driving vehicles. Driverless equipment, which feature electronic eyes and hearing sensors, can be used to navigate a warehouse without human intervention.

The technology would allow 3PLs to improve safety and reduce costs, with the savings passed on to their clients.

Sustainable and Compliant Logistics

Companies are already moving toward transparency and end-to-end visibility. But in the future, customers will be more deliberate in choosing to do business only with those companies that do not harm the environment or the economy with their logistics processes.

Part of this effort will be near shoring, or moving manufacturing from places like Asia and bringing them closer to the end user to reduce transportation costs. Near shoring also is a means to meet consumer demand by ensuring the sustainability of goods and reducing the environmental impact of global transportation.

Logistics providers offer a way to help companies conduct business in a sustainable and compliant manner.

Customized Logistics for Each Client

Flexibility has always been an advantage to using public warehousing and distribution. This flexibility allows 3PLs to incorporate the latest technological advances across their entire operations.

Technological innovations also enable 3PLs to develop new processes to address future trends. This opens the door for 3PLs to provide even greater specialized services to their clients. By doing so, they will be able to move completely away from a one-size-fits-all way of doing business to customized services that meet the specific needs of each individual client.

Position Your Business for the Future

Businesses that adapt to these new technologies are certain to realize better processes, enhanced customer service, and a more profitable bottom line.

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we embrace the technology that will shape the future of public warehousing, distribution, and logistics.

For specifics, simply contact Brendamour to learn more about the technology in use at our warehousing facilities and our approach to the emerging logistics technologies of the future.