Like many other business processes, logistics is now supported by various technologies. This helps teams manage shipments at the speed modern customers demand, even at scale. From automations to booking platforms and oversight platforms, logistics tech can complete basic tasks and track key performance metrics.
However, no matter how helpful technology is in increasing the efficiency and consistency of logistics processes, there are some limits to its capabilities. The expertise and real-life experience of a human team still has lots of value to bring to these processes. Here we’ll outline where the line is drawn.
Benefits of technology in logistics
In 2023, 87% of shippers reported that they had maintained or increased their technology spend in the previous three years, and were planning to do so up to 2026. There’s a reason for this rising spend: it can bring huge benefits to their business.
Efficiency
There are two ways that technology can increase the efficiency of logistics: it can help speed up customer tasks and deliveries, and increase the productivity of each employee.
When it comes to completing specific tasks within the time-critical logistics process, automation software can be particularly powerful. For example, EasyQuote allows colleagues to get an instant price and book express transport in less than a minute. Similarly, EasyClear can create consistent, compliant customs documentation in less than two minutes.
Although they might seem like small gains, they can add up when multiple shipments are being sent a day. As a result, this can significantly speed up deliveries for customers.
Also, if teams use one software to complete a specific task, all the information is kept in one place and the process is standardised. This helps minimise errors and reduce duplication, giving employees confidence that they’re completing tasks correctly, with no need to repeat work.
Reducing manual work
Automation also helps reduce teams’ manual labour, meaning they have more time to focus on more complex tasks such as customer service. For example, our Drop & Book system allows teams to complete customs clearance simply by uploading their documents. Processed securely by an expert team 24/7, it can also speed up clearance time to as little as ten minutes.
This takes customs clearance tasks entirely out of a team’s hands, meaning they don’t need to worry about submitting several requests to gain proof of clearance. It also helps to reduce stress, as they no longer need to worry about being compliant or linking clearance to bookings, as this is done automatically.
Consistent delivery
Achieving consistency is essential in time-critical logistics processes. Particularly with customs documentation and clearance, tasks need to be completed in line with specific requirements. Features such as AI validation and built-in reporting mean teams can easily meet compliance requirements, even if they’re sending shipments across different jurisdictions.
This consistency doesn’t just help organisations maintain their corporate responsibilities, but ensure their processes are running as smoothly as possible. This helps teams meet even tight delivery targets for customers.
Are there any limits or risks with logistics tech?
Although logistics tech can bring huge benefits to a team, there are some restrictions to their capabilities.
Human decision making
Even the most advanced technologies like AI can’t build relationships or make complex decisions in certain situations. This means they’re unable to help with particular logistics tasks such as:
- Negotiating with customs teams at the border in the case of disruption or misunderstandings
- Serving customers, whether it’s reassuring them that their deliveries are on track, or dealing with unusual shipments
- Escalation management, where a problem needs to be dealt with quickly by someone with significant experience
Technologies don’t have the people skills and real-life context to be able to apply to these situations. Although they can help speed up more basic tasks, leaving human colleagues with more time to deal with these issues.
User adoption
If technologies are introduced by a business but aren’t adopted correctly, then users may not use them at all or misuse them due to a lack of understanding. It’s not enough for organisations to pick a software and plug it into their processes. They need to choose the right tools, which are straightforward to colleagues to use, and run thorough platform training.
Making sure every colleague understands a technology’s capabilities and role in a process also helps standardise systems. When combined with the right tool selection and training, this will raise user adoption and help businesses get maximum benefits from these technologies.
Outages and security
Most technologies are dependent on an internet and power connection to be able to run. So if there is an outage, this can stop them working altogether. Cybersecurity issues can also bring down platforms and put confidential data at risk. Mitigations such as the right infrastructure can be put in place to minimise this risk, but it’s important to be realistic about these possibilities.
How can C4 Logistics technology support you?
Our tools can boost teams’ productivity and improve the efficiency of their logistics processes. Just like our services, they combine powerful technologies with expert human oversight to support businesses with their time-critical transport and customs management. We’re also constantly improving our portals to better meet organisations’ needs.
Find out more about our digital platforms here.