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TRANSPORT PLANNING MONTH: Navigating the challenges of peak season logistics

As the holiday shopping season rapidly approaches, shippers and carriers are yet again gearing up to tackle the formidable logistical and customer service challenges that inevitably come with peak season volumes. However, this year, their task is further complicated by ongoing supply chain disruptions all while grappling with the increasing uncertainty based on the geopolitical situation. Yet amid these challenges, customer expectations continue to soar, demanding fast, convenient, and on-time deliveries accompanied by real-time communication. To paraphrase Game of Thrones, Winter is certainly coming.

Shippers, carriers, and customers alike are no strangers to the stress involved in the months leading up to Christmas. With Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day sales just around the corner and unforeseen circumstances and delays, the potential for overwhelm is ever-present. However, proactive planning and more organised transportation operations can alleviate these concerns, ensuring that any potential threats to deliver a seamless peak season can be avoided.

Therefore, the need for swift and intelligent delivery solutions is more critical than ever. Transportation Management Platforms (TMP) emerge as a key enabler, allowing stakeholders to optimise delivery times, enhance agility, and streamline their sustainability and costs, all while meeting rising consumer expectations.

In this article, Christian Dolderer (pictured, above), Head of Market Intelligence Europe Road & Intermodal at Transporeon explains why it’s vital that retailers should prepare a seamless end-to-end supply chain before the run up to 2023’s peak season…

The Beauty of Data

Shippers and carriers are facing a delicate balancing act of keeping costs down while meeting the needs of increasingly demanding consumers. An empty shelf isn’t just a lost sale for someone – it’s a reason for customers to switch to another brand. So, businesses looking to drive as much value as possible from their operations also must ensure resilience against disruptions that, according to McKinsey, are becoming increasingly frequent.

Achieving an equilibrium between value and resilience starts with digitisation. The truth is that shippers and carriers aren’t as digitised as they should be. The era of Excel spreadsheets, manual searches, and endless route and rate browsing have become relics of the past. This inefficient administration burns valuable resources and fails to deliver optimum outcomes.

Now is the time for enterprises to pivot from mere data collection and embark on the process of generating transactions with the data at their disposal. Automated, data-driven decision-making within a collaborative and interconnected network, leveraging historical patterns, real-time data, and future predictions, will enhance transportation operations and enable reactions to fluctuating customer demands and adaptations to unforeseen events, such as border closures or dangerous weather conditions.

At the same time, tapping into data will provide balance in optimising their operations. Consider a day-to-day product such as toilet rolls, which is transported from warehouses to multiple countries and hundreds – if not thousands – of locations within those countries on a near-daily basis. These transports may have to cross international borders, adapt their routes due to traffic jams or road closures, and sync up with countless other transports. The logistics involved are staggering, but data can act as the common thread that ties such a complex operation together.

By investing in a smart Transport Management Platform, carriers and shippers can unlock multiple benefits such as optimising their operations and building greater profit margins. However, achieving it requires businesses to think beyond basic automation.

We’re Better Together

At times like peak season, it is more important than ever for enterprises to unite and work together to unlock operational benefits. For example, there’s no reason for trucks to travel hundreds of empty miles when a similar truck, equipped for the task, is more than likely unloading nearby. It’s time for shippers and carriers to forge connections with one another, establish common business standards, foster collaboration and embrace a platform that facilitates network-wide interoperability.

During peak season, connecting shippers, load recipients, service providers, brokers, forwarders and asset-based carriers is integral to creating a collaborative transportation community. By adhering to common standards and promoting interoperability, all stakeholders can uncover new business opportunities while achieving economies in their operations. This spirit of collaboration will grant the transportation market resilience and agility – both critical components, as highlighted in the 33rd Annual State of Logistics (SoL) report.

Conclusion

Long before the holiday season, shippers and carriers must be prepared to build deeper relationships and drive collaboration with other industry stakeholders within one connected network. They must work together to realise the economic gains available. It’s also clear that only through the implementation of digital tools, automation of the decision-making processes, and the harnessing of real-time insights, can the necessary steps be taken to establish the connectivity and interoperability required to bring logistics businesses together.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Staci – Multichannel logistics powered by experts

Staci provides UK and global multichannel logistics services to some of the worlds best loved and fastest growing brands and retailers. With 78 fulfilment centres across UK, US, Europe and Asia, Staci offers eCommerce fulfilment, multichannel logistics and spare parts fulfilment.

Staci’s strengths of flexibility and expertise creates custom built logistics solutions for every client, ensuring each set of requirements has a purpose built model designed to achieve its unique objectives – not a one size fits all stock model.

Your business is one of a kind – your logistics should be too.

Our 3,000+ experts include our strategic account management team to ensure your logistics continues improving, in house IT development team, and PRINCE2 qualified Project Managers to help integrate your business.

If you’re looking for a futureproofed, seamless peak, multichannel logistics expert to handle your UK or global fulfilment requirements, talk to Staci.

www.staciuk.com

Data, data everywhere: The future of AI in logistics transportation

Most shippers, carriers and logistics service providers understand the importance of data collection and data-driven decision-making. Data collected over time provides intelligence, enabling companies to enhance long-term decision-making. Meanwhile, real-time data can be used to make smart split-second decisions – like how to correct or replan when problems occur. 

Artificial intelligence is a potent tool that helps companies get the most from their data. This takes several forms. “Statistical AI” enables users to analyse huge quantities of information to find hidden patterns and make smart decisions. Meanwhile, companies can use past data to programme “symbolic AI” models, which can be used for “purpose-seeking” applications, such as process optimisation. Jonah Mcintire (pictured, above), Chief Network Officer at Transporeon, A Trimble Company, explores further…

Automation vs. AI – understanding the difference

Automation and AI are often spoken about in the same breath, as if they are synonymous. However, though they’re interlinked, there’s an important distinction between the two. Automation involves delegating mundane, often administrative, tasks to software. It’s clerical. On the other hand, true AI involves handing over decision-making power. Software is given set parameters, but it will use them to draw unexpected conclusions. Users can give AI varying degrees of freedom. A more cautious approach is to allow software to calculate options and make recommendations for a human to approve. However, it’s also possible for it to reach conclusions and make decisions autonomously, without even informing a human.

So, where can AI in logistics transportation have the most impact? The short answer is “everywhere”. In fact, forward-thinking shippers, carriers and logistics service providers are already integrating AI into their tech stacks.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. AI is best used for decisions with concrete financial values that are easy to score and have discrete, well-known variables. Fast decision-making cycles are also important. Like humans, AI learns from experimentation. So, if a decision is only made annually, it will take decades for the software to gather enough data to get feedback. Realistically, you want AI models to analyse thousands of decisions per day. Ideally, players would use models trained not just with their own data, but with data gathered from across the industry. This collaborative (also known as “platform”) approach enables everyone to get ahead.

So, how AI can transform how companies utilise their data through autonomous procurement, real-time ETA tools and decarbonisation?

Real-time ETA tools 

The disconnect between shippers and carriers has long been a challenge in the logistics transportation industry. To enhance visibility, transparency and efficiency, we need to connect load receivers and load givers.

For example, predicting arrival times for loads has traditionally been a pain point for both shippers and carriers. Common causes of delay – like strikes, traffic jams and mechanical difficulties – can seem completely random to the human eye. But when an AI model analyses years’ worth of this data, hidden patterns do emerge. Typically – unless circumstances are truly unprecedented – AI is much better at predicting ETAs and with the help of an AI-assisted real-time ETA tool, companies can ensure they’re prepared to receive loads whenever they arrive.

Automating procurement and quotation

Spot buying is a perfect use case for symbolic AI, as companies have a set budget and clear constraints around lead times and carrier types. Beyond this, the structure of negotiations is relatively simple – participants can make an offer, wait for a response, make a counteroffer, accept an offer, or end a negotiation. This makes it easy for software to pursue its goals independently, saving thousands of manual administrative hours.

This is just one example. In the procurement space, statistical AI can also revolutionise tendering by using huge quantities of data to predict pricing. For example, instead of asking carriers to bid on a load tender, AI can present said tender – and a pricing offer – to a select number of carriers. If no carrier accepts the tendered load at the offered price, the AI can initiate additional tendering rounds as needed.

AI can also have a transformative effect for sellers of logistics services, enabling them to automatically serve customers with instant, accurate pricing for spot transports based on predicted market rates. With this ability, load takers can increase the volume of opportunities they quote for and ultimately win more new business.

Decarbonisation

The logistics transportation sector is under pressure to slash its carbon emissions. End-user customers are leaning on shippers to decarbonise. Meanwhile, shippers are putting the same pressure on carriers by contracting them based on their sustainability practices, offering longer freight contracts to environmentally responsible carriers, and even paying a premium for lower carbon transport.

With sustainability now affecting the bottom line, it’s no surprise that decarbonisation is rising to the top of the agenda for both shippers and carriers. So, how can AI help with all this?

The first thing to emphasise is that – unlike procurement – there’s often no single “right” answer when it comes to sustainability. Companies may have differing ideas of the optimum strategy, carefully balancing “cost vs. emissions” or “certainty vs. emissions”. However, once shippers, carriers and logistics service providers have decided on their risk appetite, AI can play a crucial role in helping them stick to their goals.

Companies typically adopt one of two mentalities. The first is a cap-and-trade strategy, where the company decides that it won’t tolerate more than X emissions. The second is a carbon tax, where a company decides to offset its emissions. For both of these strategies, shippers and carriers can factor “price per ton of emissions” into procurement events. Statistical AI can be a helpful decision-making tool. For example, when deciding which mode of transportation should be used for each shipment.

The future of AI in logistics transportation is collaborative

We’re at an important inflection point in the use of AI in logistics transportation. It’s poised to slash administrative work and help companies become more efficient and sustainable. But achieving this depends on effective data gathering and sharing. This is where cooperation between industry players comes in. To maximise positive outcomes for everyone, shippers, carriers and logistics service providers need collaborative digital platforms to share data to feed AI models. Looking ahead with this approach, we can significantly accelerate our progress towards reaching the industry’s digitalisation and decarbonisation goals.

Volatile transport costs impacting logistics throughout August

Data from the TEG Road Transport Price Index reveals that road transport prices fell 2.13% during July, with haulage prices dropping just under 4%.

However, prices have been relatively stable so far this year, marching slowly upwards since February. The combined haulage and courier index had risen by less than 8 points up to July. And the courier price-per-mile has remained almost unchanged since April 2023 – a continuing trend with no change from June 2023 to July 2023.

But now, with the HGV levy back and ULEZ in force later in August, operators will face higher costs and may have to raise their prices.

At the same time, with the Tories winning the Uxbridge and South Ruislip byelection on an anti-ULEZ ticket, the government has started rethinking its green vehicles policy and has turned back to fossil fuels. This may mean electric vehicle investment suddenly becomes less necessary – as will road transport price hikes.

ULEZ frustrations – and knock-on effects

The price Index asserts that the High Court’s decision to rubber-stamp the ULEZ expansion was met with dismay in some quarters.

Most diesel vans registered before September 2015 will have to pay the charge, as well as most petrol vans produced before January 2006. Transport for London estimates that more than 200,000 drivers of non-compliant vehicles will be affected. Greater London and the surrounding counties are home to a collective 33% of the UK’s vans.

It says those least able to adapt, such as small businesses, will bear the brunt of this change – and the returning HGV levy.

Green policy u-turns

In its finding, the Index says that encouraged by their success in winning the Uxbridge and South Ruislip byelection by campaigning against ULEZ, the Tories have since announced plans to revisit their environmental policies.

Rishi Sunak has just confirmed he’ll seek to ‘max out’ the UK fossil fuel reserves, while Downing Street previously said the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car production is being reexamined.

Now, many in the road transport industry are questioning whether the government will actually ban production of new small diesel trucks (by 2035) and new 26-tonne-plus trucks (by 2040).

This means uncertainty for operators considering switching to an electric fleet – and those who’ve made the switch in the hope of infrastructure improvements.

Some hauliers and couriers might follow the example of Royal Mail and PepsiCo, who’ve introduced hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel. It’s a less expensive and time-consuming switch than going to EVs, and every HVO mile creates 80% less greenhouse gases than diesel.

Lyall Cresswell, CEO at Transport Exchange Group and new platform Integra, says: “While it could feel like a reprieve for some, the government’s u-turn on green policy will leave many road transport firms disappointed. Those who’ve invested in electric fleets might feel they’ve been left high and dry. They may now have doubts about whether any improvements in EV infrastructure will be forthcoming.

“For years, the government has been encouraging operators to go electric. And, of course, the most effective way to encourage EV adoption is the upcoming ban on new diesel vehicles. If the government scraps that ban, years of planning could go out of the window for some companies.

“HVO fuel will now play an even more important role in helping the road freight industry decarbonise much of its activity, before true net zero is feasible for many companies. The good news — particularly for smaller firms – is that HVO fuel is cheaper and quicker to introduce, allowing companies to become greener sooner.”

Kirsten Tisdale, Director of Logistics Consultants Aricia Limited and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, says: “The Bank of England has just put the rate of interest up for the fourteenth time to continue to fight inflation. However, the Courier element of the TEG Road Transport Index is deflationary for the first time in over 30 months and the haulage element has been showing year-on-year deflation for fourteen months. The price of fuel has come down from its high a while back, and there’s a bit less pressure for many on the staffing side at the moment, although that pressure will change as we approach peak. But I can’t be the only one asking: is that interest rate increase one too many?”

Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay

Mammoet trumpets electrified heavy transport

A new zero emission heavy transport vehicle that can remove the carbon impact of installing large infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines and power station components is being touted by its creator Mammoet.

It works by converting existing Self-propelled Modular Transporters – or SPMTs – from diesel to electric power. SPMTs are the workhorse of heavy industry, used in almost every large energy and construction project worldwide.

Mammoet developed a retrofit kit to replace diesel engines in the vehicles with electric motors. Once converted, each SPMT works in the same way as before: transporting objects up to thousands of tonnes at walking pace, using a remote control.

Mammoet says fitting new engines in existing SPMT fleets cuts down on both waste and additional construction, compared to purchasing new zero emission equipment.

The company says its new SPMT can eliminate the carbon footprint of site transports and reduces noise levels at project sites, making working conditions quieter and safer. Communication between staff is clearer, while work can take place for longer at sites with sound restrictions.

This solution was part-financed by the DKTI, a Dutch government programme to develop climate technologies and innovations in logistics. Mammoet worked with an unnamed provider of zero emission powertrains for heavy industry to bring the electric power pack solution to market.

Road freight prices stable, despite inflationary pressures

The latest data from the TEG Road Transport Price Index shows that year-on-year haulage and courier prices remain stable, despite inflation pushing prices up elsewhere. However, the reintroduction of the HGV levy and staff shortages on the horizon means that stability might not last long.

The overall price-per-mile in June 2022 was 121.9 and is now 122.3 – a marginal 0.3% change. In the last month, courier prices rose 1.2%, while haulage prices increased by over 3%.

But if some economic forecasts are to be believed, even small increments like these could soon be behind us.  By the end of the year, the Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates to a 19-year-high of 6.25%. This might then lead to recession, reducing road transport demand and prices.

In the past few years, UK logistics companies have been focusing on cutting the well-publicised driver shortage. One tactic in this fight is tempting people into becoming drivers with greatly increased salaries and signing-on bonuses.

This led many HGV mechanics to make the switch to driving jobs, which means hauliers have traded one skill gap for another. Over half of the businesses surveyed by Logistics UK have struggled with hiring enough fitters, technicians and mechanics.

Unfortunately, the end result here could be out-of-action vehicles impacting a supply chain just re-finding its feet.

From August 2020, HGV operators benefitted from the suspension of the HGV levy as they recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the levy is set to return on 31 July, with a new focus on emissions, weight and time spent in the UK.

Even as diesel prices have fallen to a quarter of July 2022 prices, the reinstatement of the levy will be a challenge to many operators. It’s another factor that may cause some to reevaluate their pricing strategy.

Lyall Cresswell, CEO of Integra, said: “It is, perhaps, surprising that prices have remained so stable given the multiple challenges facing the industry right now. In addition to ongoing inflation, they now have to contend with the return of the HGV levy and mechanic shortages.

“The problem for the industry is that many operators have paid mechanics higher salaries to become drivers and they’ll now struggle to attract new mechanics – particularly if they can’t afford those high salaries.

“All told, it might be difficult for logistics companies to keep absorbing costs, particularly if demand is affected by slow economic growth.

“However, the silver lining right now is significantly lower diesel prices. The industry has long been calling for lower prices and now they’ve finally come, which will at least help with everyday business costs.”

Kirsten Tisdale, Director of Logistics Consultants Aricia Limited and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, added: “I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: there’s no greedflation in road transport. Yes, both the indices for spot haulage and courier have risen compared to last month, but haulage continues to show year-on-year deflation and courier is only at 0.8% inflation.

“Of course, diesel prices have come down. But until fairly recently, even though the price was coming down, diesel was still inflationary when comparing it with a year previously: because of the speed with which it rose.”

Could the market for automated warehouse storage & retrieval systems hit $15bn by 2030?

Investment in warehouse automation and management systems continues to rise as supply chains look to resolve exposed weaknesses and create greater resilience to macroeconomic headwinds.

According to ABI Research, Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) revenues are expected to surpass $15 billion globally by 2030, and Warehouse Management System (WMS) revenues are expected to exceed $10 billion by the same period.

Ryan Wiggin, Supply Chain Management & Logistics Industry Analyst at ABI Research, said: “Global supply chain challenges over the last three years have highlighted the need for digitalisation and a deeper restructuring of inventory management. Labor constraints, geopolitical trade shifts, and inventory gluts continue to pressure warehouse operations, and the most impacted organisations continue to be those with lower focus on digital transformations.”

AS/RS vendors, including AutoStore, Ocado, and Swisslog, as well as Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) vendors such as inVia Robotics, Locus Robotics, and Vecna Robotics, are leading the structural automation charge, while established and emerging WMS vendors such as Blue Yonder, Manhattan Associates, and Snapfulfil continue to add new functionalities to orchestrate and optimize both the manual and automated workflows.

In addition to the growth in automation and management systems, high investment in hardware and devices is expected to increase worker productivity, as manual worker involvement remains necessary alongside the adoption of automated equipment. Global shipments of handheld devices for warehouse workers will grow at a CAGR of 20% to 2030, led by market leaders such as Zebra and Honeywell.

New warehouse building is expected to drop by as much as 35% in 2023 compared to 2022. It is creating an even greater incentive to invest in the automation of current facilities to ease operational constraints. Disruption to new developments will be short-lived, with steady growth in warehouse construction expected to 2030, led by a much greater CAGR in global e-commerce fulfillment center development at 18%.

“Successful deployments by Tier One organizations continue to spur the adoption of technologies within small-medium enterprises. Solutions providers must continue to offer accessible adoption through as-a-service models and scalable structures, and exploring partnerships with complementary technology will be key to deploying market-leading end-to-end solutions,” concluded Wiggin.

These findings are from ABI Research’s Smart Warehousing market data report.

Image by falco from Pixabay

Navigating the Future: Emerging trends in supply chain and logistics

As the backbone of global commerce, supply chain and logistics sectors are in a constant state of flux, shaped by technological advancements, economic shifts, and consumer behaviours. As we move further into the digital age, several key trends are emerging that promise to redefine these critical industries.

Firstly, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is revolutionising supply chain management and logistics. AI can optimise inventory management by predicting demand based on historical data and market trends, reducing stockouts and overstocks. Meanwhile, ML algorithms can improve route planning for logistics, taking into account traffic patterns and delivery priorities, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing delivery times.

Secondly, sustainability is becoming a crucial factor. Increasing consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly practices is prompting businesses to adopt green supply chain strategies. This can range from sourcing materials responsibly, reducing waste in production processes, to opting for carbon-neutral transportation.

Another key trend is the growth of e-commerce, accelerated by the pandemic. As online shopping becomes the norm, there’s an increasing need for robust last-mile delivery solutions. Companies are exploring innovative options such as drone deliveries, autonomous vehicles, and micro-fulfilment centres to meet this demand.

Supply chain visibility is also gaining importance. Businesses and consumers alike want to know the journey of a product from raw material to final delivery. Advanced tracking systems, blockchain technology, and IoT devices are being leveraged to provide real-time, end-to-end visibility of supply chains.

The concept of Supply Chain as a Service (SCaaS) is another emerging trend. Companies are outsourcing their supply chain operations to third-party specialists who leverage their expertise and advanced tech solutions to manage supply chains effectively. This allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while ensuring efficient supply chain management.

Despite these advancements, the supply chain and logistics sectors face challenges, including cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and the need for skilled professionals who can work with advanced technologies.

The future of supply chain and logistics lies in technological innovation, sustainability, enhanced visibility, and adaptive strategies. As these trends continue to evolve, businesses must remain agile, embracing change and innovation to stay competitive.

hose that successfully navigate these trends will not only optimise their operations but also provide superior value to their customers, laying a strong foundation for success in a rapidly changing commercial landscape.

The transformative impact of AI on the logistics and supply chain sectors

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries worldwide, and its impact on the logistics and supply chain sectors cannot be overstated. From streamlining operations to enhancing efficiency, AI-powered technologies are transforming how goods are transported, stored, and delivered.

This article explores the ways in which AI is impacting the logistics and supply chain sectors, revolutionising the way businesses manage their operations…

  1. Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management

AI algorithms are improving demand forecasting accuracy, enabling businesses to optimise their inventory management. By analysing historical sales data, market trends, and external factors, AI systems can predict future demand patterns with greater precision. This enables businesses to adjust inventory levels, reduce stockouts, minimise excess inventory, and improve supply chain efficiency.

  1. Route Optimisation and Fleet Management

AI-powered logistics systems are enhancing route planning and optimization, improving efficiency and reducing costs. These systems analyse factors such as traffic conditions, weather patterns, and delivery constraints to identify the most efficient routes. AI algorithms can also optimize fleet management by considering factors like vehicle capacity, fuel consumption, and driver availability, ensuring optimal resource utilisation.

  1. Warehouse Automation and Robotics

AI-driven automation and robotics are revolutionising warehouse operations. Autonomous robots equipped with AI algorithms can handle tasks such as inventory picking, packing, and sorting with speed and precision. AI-powered warehouse management systems optimise storage space, monitor inventory levels, and facilitate efficient order fulfillment. This automation improves accuracy, reduces labor costs, and enhances overall productivity in the supply chain.

  1. Supply Chain Visibility and Transparency

AI technologies provide real-time visibility and transparency across the supply chain. Through the integration of data from various sources, such as GPS trackers, sensors, and RFID tags, AI systems can track shipments, monitor conditions, and provide accurate delivery estimates. This visibility enables proactive issue resolution, better customer service, and improved decision-making throughout the supply chain.

  1. Risk Management and Mitigation

AI algorithms help identify potential risks and mitigate disruptions in the logistics and supply chain sectors. By analysing data from multiple sources, such as weather forecasts, social media feeds, and historical patterns, AI systems can predict and proactively address potential risks. This allows businesses to take preventive measures, adjust logistics plans, and minimize the impact of unforeseen events on supply chain operations.

  1. Enhanced Customer Experience

AI-powered technologies enhance the overall customer experience in logistics and supply chain operations. Personalized recommendations, real-time tracking, and delivery notifications improve customer satisfaction. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants provide prompt and accurate customer support, enhancing engagement and resolving queries efficiently. These technologies contribute to building customer loyalty and driving business growth.

The impact of AI on the logistics and supply chain sectors is transformative, revolutionizing traditional practices and improving operational efficiency. From demand forecasting and inventory management to route optimization, warehouse automation, and supply chain visibility, AI technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

As AI continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in the logistics and supply chain sectors, shaping a future where efficiency, speed, and reliability become the hallmarks of successful operations. Embracing AI-powered solutions will be crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of logistics and supply chain management.

Revealed: The solutions supply chain and logistics professionals need in 2023

3PL, Distribution and Logistics Management top the list of services the UK’s leading supply chain and logistics professionals are sourcing in 2023.

The findings have been revealed ahead of next week’s Total Supply Chain Summit and are based on delegate requirements at the first of two events in this year.

Delegates registering to attend were asked which areas they needed to invest in during 2023 and beyond. The top 3 differs from November last year, when the most in-demand services were Forecasting tools, 3PL and Delivery Management.

This spring the Top 5 is rounded out by Cost Reduction tools and End-to-End Supply Chain services.

% of delegates at the Total Supply Chain Summit sourcing certain products & solutions (Top 10):

  • 3PL
  • Distribution
  • Logistics Management
  • Cost Reduction
  • End-to-End Supply Chain
  • Forecasting
  • Inventory Optimisation
  • Supply Chain Software
  • Supply Chain Planning
  • Barcoding

To find out more about the Total Supply Chain Summit, which next takes place on May 15th & 16th, visit https://totalsupplychainsummit.co.uk.