With 43% of supply chains using smart sensors, the industry must continue to integrate IoT tools to ensure efficiency and agility.

Last week, Morai Logistics presented the benefits of implementing smart manufacturing into supply chains. The integration of technology into factory level operations, ‘helps to create opportunities that improve efficiencies, productivity and operations on the ground floor’. By smartening up manufacturing, supply chains can ensure a high level of visibility across the shipment lifecycle. In addition, there is less reliance on manual shipment processes and more focus on automation.

If we trace smart manufacturing back to its root technology, we will find the Internet of Things (IoT). Industry experts have been integrating IoT theories and technologies into a variety of ‘machine to machine (M2M) communication’. Smart sensors, or instance is a new technology that is ‘supporting supply chain innovation and the smart factory’.

The global market share of smart sensors will grow to USD $21.5 billion by this year and USD $39 billion by 2022. Their advanced ability to uncover insightful information from data position smart sensors as a valuable technology tool to supply chains. In fact, 83% of supply chain leaders believe sensors, robotics and inventory optimization tools, are beneficial for competitive differentiation.

This week Morai Logistics will discuss how IoT technologies such as smart sensors, help the supply chain and logistics industry become more efficient and agile.

Smart Thinking with Smart Sensing

It was forecasted that by this year, the global IoT market will generate over USD $1.7 trillion. Statistic also show that the number of connected devices will be 20.35 billion. The Internet and technology continue to create opportunities for greater connection and communication. In order for supply chains to keep up with demand, supply chains must adopt and implement these tools.

There are many factors to consider when developing a comprehensive smart supply chain. The advancement toward smart manufacturing helps the industry develop efficiencies in operations and productivity. Furthermore, the use of smart technologies and tools is a huge part of smartening up the journey of products throughout the shipment life cycle.

Smart sensors, for instance, has the ability to harness complex data sets and translate them into actionable and insightful information. Sensors have been used to execute traditional operations, which included tracking orders and maintaining inventory. However, there are notable differences in new smart sensors. According to Deloitte,

Smart sensors are advanced platforms with onboard technologies such as microprocessors, storage, diagnostics, and connectivity tools that transform traditional feedback signals into true digital insights.

It’s an innovative way of extracting data to enable supply chains to make smarter decisions. Statistics show that 43% of supply chain leaders stated their companies ‘use sensor technology’. Furthermore, experts say that smart sensors enable ‘always-on supply chains’. By integrating smart technologies such as sensors, supply chains can benefit in many ways.

Benefits of Smart Sensors

To keep up with an upward movement in consumer demand and expectation, supply chains must look at current barriers. Common focus has been on improving visibility, productivity and operational efficiencies. Research shows that the integration of IoT technologies help in the following areas:

  • Efficiency
  • Responsiveness
  • Business Interuption

Smart sensors aid in collecting data and using it to help organizations with improved decision making. Furthermore, this enables management to reduce certain interferences that may include ‘missed handoffs, cold chain exceptions or theft’. The benefit of integrating smart sensors also includes ‘informed scenario-based contingency planning’. In addition, supply chains can improve their agility, ensure customer satisfaction and dodge unnecessary costs.


Smart manufacturing is a new advancement in supply chains that will help optimize the customer experience and meet consumer demands.

Joined forces of the Internet and digital technologies have provided the world with easier and faster ways to buy products and services. The Global ecommerce market has seen an incredible increase in market value over the last 5 years as a result. Statistics show that in 2014, the global ecommerce market generated USD $1.3 trillion in sales. Last year this amount increased to US$2.8 trillion. By 2021, sales are forecasted to increase by 276.9%, which will generate an estimated USD $4.9 trillion.

Although these figures are positive from a global wealth standpoint, they also translate into an impressive level of output from a supply chain perspective. An increase in sales means an increase in expectations, which also can cause many industries to feel constant pressure to keep up with customer demands. Therefore, supply chains must think of ways to leverage digital tools to help.

From autonomous trucking to machine learning, technology has provided endless opportunities for organizations to remain competitive. However, we often hear of these digital tools from a data and insight or a predictive analytic perspective. Smart manufacturing is a concept making headway in the supply chain and logistics industry because of the many benefits it can help the shipment life cycle. It helps to create opportunities that improve efficiencies, productivity and operations on the ground floor. This week, Morai Logistics looks into the innovative characteristics of smart factories and discusses expert opinions on how supply chains will benefit.

Smart Manufacturing 101

From mobile to wearable technology, there are a variety of gadgets that are classified as ‘smart’ devices. When applying this term to supply chains, one could assume this describes automation of processes and operations. There are a variety of definitions that have been created to define smart manufacturing, or smart factories as some experts have coined. According to Deloitte,


This digital phenomenon is one of the many examples of how digital maturity extends throughout the entire shipment life cycle.

Why does manufacturing need to be ‘smart’?

As mentioned above,supply chains  are under pressure to remain agile, efficient and offer affordable services in today’s competitive market. Especially with outsourcing becoming more and more mainstream, differentiation is integral. Therefore, it’s important to look at the different ways smart digital tools can help.

According to Industry Week, there are five top challenges facing supply chain manufacturing. We’ve narrowed down the top three that relate to smart manufacturing. They include:

  • Lack of inventory visibility
  • Poor productivity
  • Reliance on manual shipment processes

Smart manufacturing can help solve these challenges by creating a streamlined and consolidated process based on a singular operating platform. Furthermore, the sharing of insights and data will create ‘instant decision-making’ opportunities and will help supply chains overcome challenges of changing markets.

As with any digital transformation, the process of moving to a smart way of manufacturing is progressive. Supply chains must jump over a few hurdles including a change in workforce culture, leveraging useful data and the most common, security. However, there are considerable reasons this will improve the way supply chains run. Let’s take a look at the benefits smart manufacturing provides supply chains.

What are the benefits of Smart Manufacturing?

Finally, to keep up with increased demands, supply chains must devise optimized solutions to produce necessary output efficiently and with agility. Furthermore, it’s important that supply chains recognize the improvement in productivity, in addition to instant decision making. According to their extensive research on the implementation of smart technologies, Oracle also attests that ‘smart factories increase output, quality, and consistency’.

Smart digital tools such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), can help supply chains improve the following areas:

  • Data automation
  • Improved visibility and ‘product-quality’
  • ‘Cost reduction’
  • Real-time data
  • ‘Enhance productivity’

Therefore, the move toward smart manufacturing is a solution for meeting the needs of booming global markets. This will also help supply chains digitally mature from a central area and improve efficiency, agility and productivity.


Experts say that supply chain management is one of the top industries that will benefit from the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) this year.

In February, Morai Logistics discussed the positive impact Artificial Intelligence is forecasted to have on our industry. From robotics and machine learning to delivery optimization to maintenance consistency, the possibilities are endless.

According to Statista, in 2025 the global AI market is expected to generate approximately 89, 847.26 billion U.S dollars. This technology has gained considerable global interest for the heightened efficiency, productivity and innovation it provides many industries. The AI market is also forecasted to contribute ‘$15.7 trillion to the global economy’ by 2030.

There is no denying the positive impact Artificial Intelligence will have on industries that help propel our world forward. Supply chain management is considered one of the top three industries to benefit from the advancements of AI technology. From the manufacturing floor, to inventory and logistics, AI is a catalyst for efficiency, agility and accuracy.

In part two of Artificial Intellignece, Morai Logistics discusses the current impact of AI in the supply chain industry in 2019. It also outlines the valued benefits of integrating AI technology into supply chain management.

Artificial Intelligence at a Glance

To understand the global impact of AI, Microsoft commissioned a survey that included 400 senior executives working within eight various markets. Their findings indicated that 94% of executives ‘describe AI as important to solving their organizations strategic challenges’. Digital maturity has been a slow and progressive movement across a variety of industries. However, more than 27% of executives stated they have already incorporated AI into their organizations.

From a supply chain standpoint, a recent study by global research leader, McKinsey, found adoption to be significantly high. Their global survey indicated that 76% of supply chain respondents found ‘moderate to significant value from deploying AI’. Their research indicated that supply chain management is one of the top three industries to benefit from this technology. Thus, confirming that this technology has made its way into the industry, with positive feedback from top level professionals.

Benefits of AI in Supply Chains

Before we outline the extended benefits of AI in supply chains, it’s important to first recognize the challenges with implementation. If the process of integration of technologies was simple, many industries would be at the higher end of the spectrum of digital maturity. Forbes indicates that the most significant challenge is acquiring the right talent pool. However, they also followed with optimism that many organizations place importance on ‘building in-house AI capabilities’. Therefore, as supply chains evolves, employees are also encouraged to develop their skills.

In February, Morai Logistics looked at robotics and machine learning, delivery optimization and maintenance consistency. According to Microsoft,

There is tremendous opportunity for AI to augment human abilities across industries while capitalizing on unique human capacities for creativity and agility – human characteristics that are difficult for computers to mimic.

This supports the fundamental reality that AI heightens employee performance, as AI technologies enable them to focus on their core skills. Furthermore, research has also found positive results from the integration of predictive capabilities. The reality is that AI continues to evolve and learn which also enables supply chains to learn and adapt to change. This is especially helpful when developing processes that enable ‘demand forecasting and capacity planning’.

Big Data is also an incredible tool that helps technologies such as AI advance. Research indicates that 81% of shippers and 86% of third-party logistics (3PLs) providers believe in using Big Data. In fact, they believe that ‘using Big Data effectively will become “a core competency of their supply chain organizations.

AI will cause considerable change and provide opportunities to the supply chain and logistics industry in the upcoming years. As organizations continue to diversify their labour force and integrate and develop various tools using AI, supply chains will see positive growth.

How Supply Chain Orchestration Improves the Customer Experience (1)


Advancements in technology have created many opportunities for transportation supply chains to develop game changing digital tools. Emerging platforms such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have enabled supply chains to improve efficiencies and visibility. However, there is still an unceasing level of innovation yet to be explored, with initiatives such as mobile apps setting the stage.

Last year, Morai Logistics discussed the Uberization of supply chains, and touched on the impact of autonomous freight. According to Supply Chain Times,

The new year also provides many opportunities for shippers to turn to technologies and digital transformation to improve their operations, efficiencies and bottomline profits.

Digital freight matching, or ‘on-demand load-matching’, is an industry technology that experts believe will be a game changer for carriers and shippers. In fact, the on-demand supply chain market is gaining considerable attention this year as a top trend to watch out for.

This week Morai Logistics will examine the forward thinking theories surrounding digital fright matching and the role of the Sharing Economy in adoption.

Digital Freight Matching

On January 17th, 2019, Morai Logistics discussed the current capacity crunch impacting transportation supply chains. It causes a variety of setback for shippers, as a decrease in drivers means an increase in freight rates and inefficient delivery. Two of the most common reasons for this nationwide shortage is a shortage of drivers and Electronic Logging Devices (ELD).

Logistics Solution Providers (LSPs) have now turned to technology to push through the crunch, and develop solutions to find capacity that meet consumer demands. Digital freight matching, or ‘Intelligent freight matching’, automates the traditional forms of communication between carrier and shipper. According to Descartes, a leader in SAAS solutions for logistics, states that,

Freight matching solutions leverage new technology such as ELD and real-time tracking to know the location of carriers’ trucks with capacity and help determine which carrier wants the available load the most.

Furthermore, there are two main goals that freight matching aims to achieve:

  • Utilize capacity and ‘decrease empty miles’
  • Make the matching between shipper and carrier more efficient

Therefore, the outcome is a robust, smart and strategic supply chain. Third party logistics providers (3PLs) are able to integrate this into their solutions to help improve efficiencies and utilize insightful data.

Leading Freight-Matching Apps

A mobile-app that has changed the way we travel and live is Uber. This app is used in over 65 countries, with 3 million drivers. Research indicates that out of the total number of drivers worldwide, ‘750,000 are based in the US’. Over the course of the last year, Uber has also recognized an area of expansion, advancement and profit. It has also expanded its scope and delivered Uber Freight to the world of transportation.

Uber Freight is a good example of how technology is being utilized to create freight matching efforts. From a usability perspective, this platform enables drivers to do the following:

  • Access ‘upfront load pricing’ and a network of shippers and carriers
  • Tender a load with only a few clicks
  • Provide tracking throughout the entire shipment life cycle
  • Organized and real-time access to document management

Technologies, such as Uber Freight, are an example of mobility on demand (MOD). This concept describes a ‘user focused’ initiative that offers ‘integrated transit networks and operations, emerging mobility services, connected travelers, co-operative intelligent transportation system and real time data’.

The integration of digital freight matching is another example of how technology can improve efficiency and visibility. These emerging platforms offer shippers and carriers the opportunity to expand their networks, acquire real time data and survive the industry capacity crunch.


This year, artificial intelligence (AI) remains one of the top advancements in supply chains and an integral solution toward improving efficiency.

Artificial intelligence generated major buzz as a revolutionary technology for supply chains in 2018. Early last year, Morai Logistics discussed how AI improved transparency with customers, in addition to optimizing transport management systems. In fact, the success of the market in 2018 generated ‘USD 730.6 billion’.

The latest forecast on Artificial Intelligence in supply chain indicates that by 2025 this figure is ‘expected to reach ‘USD 10,110.2 million’. This increase is based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45.55%.

These findings indicate a significant global investment into AI technology, in addition to a lucrative future from integrating AI into supply chains. In addition, research on AI adoption found that,


Gartner, a leading global research and advisory firm, believes that over the next four years, the presence of AI in warehouses will also increase. In fact, by 2023 collaborative robotics will supplement ‘over 30% of operational warehouse workers’.

The goal of integrating AI into supply chains is to support high demand with greater visibility and efficiency. Experts also link the integration of AI enhanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), with ‘revenue increase or cost savings’. Let’s take a deeper look at the top ways this technology will impact the industry this year.

Robotics & Machine Learning

Robotics will play a significant role in improving warehouse performance. There has been skepticism in the past that advanced robotics will replace human labour, however, this is not the case. On the contrary, robots and workers will work in a collaborative working environment.

Research indicates that these ‘intelligent and aware’ machines are best suited for ‘complex motor control’. Furthermore, to enable workers to focus on their strengths and core responsibilities, robotics can independently help move goods around.

Maintenance Consistency

The connection between AI and efficiency is also shown through the use of data automation. Experts on the integration of AI into supply chains believe that by implementing this technology into equipment, a company will save. According to SupplyChain247,

Artificial intelligence collects information from sensors on equipment, which combines with maintenance records.

This efficient, streamlined process will ensure transparency on maintenance and improved productivity is achieved. For instance, extended research found that integrating AI could improve ‘productivity by 20% and cut maintenance costs by 10%’.

Delivery Optimization

The advanced learning of AI also provides the added benefit of improving efficiencies throughout the shipment life cycle. This includes Omni-channel modes of transport such as tracks, rail, ocean and air. In the fall of 2018, Forbes spoke to the integration of ORION, an ‘AI-powered GPS tool’ that UPS had adopted. This technology removed barriers caused by traffic and back-tracking, by collecting and transmitting data by customers, drivers and vehicles. The insight generated from this data would be utilized to pin point ‘the most optimal routes’. This is a great example of how AI can contribute to improving efficiencies while also improving cost-savings across the organization.

Based on the above findings, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will equip supply chains with the support and optimized solutions they require to improve efficiencies. From warehouse and robotics, to improving maintenance consistency and delivery optimization, AI will continue to drive the market forward.


To deliver exceptional E-Commerce fulfillment, third party logistics (3PLs) providers must ensure they have a comprehensive end to end customer experience.

In 2018, online sales of physical goods amounted to 504.6 billion US dollars and are projected to surpass 735 billion US dollars in 2023.

According to the above statistic, e-commerce sales in the United States are generating incredible success. As the convenience of online shopping continues to increase the amount of orders, there is a greater need for businesses to move quickly and efficiently. On a global scale, the total revenue generated from retail e-Commerce is forecasted to exceed ‘4.88 trillion US dollars by 2021’. This will involve a tremendous amount of complex distribution, while also requiring businesses to position e-Commerce fulfillment as a top priority.

Experts believe that focusing on the customer experience is crucial to help e-commerce businesses grow and prosper. In 2018, same-day or next-day delivery was a significant online shopping trend. Consumers are now willing to pay more for prompt service, and consider these delivery options when choosing through competitors. However, they still look for fast and efficient service that’s free!

To address the growing expectations of e-commerce markets, 3PL prioritize e-commerce fulfillment objectives. This week Morai Logistics discusses the importance of e-commerce fulfillment and what areas logistics providers should look at to deliver superior customer service.

E-Commerce Fulfillment at a Glance

The definition of fulfillment involves the ‘process of receiving, packaging and shipping orders for goods’. There is a wide checklist of steps that must happen in order for a shipment lifecycle to meet and exceed customer expectations. Put it simply by Logistics Management, ‘e-commerce and multi-channel distribution have increased the complexity of distribution exponentially’.

When a customer purchases a product online, a business must go through many steps before they receive their order. Full-service fulfillment involves an ‘end-to-end solution’, which goes beyond packaging and delivery. Businesses who ensure a comprehensive service, also offer transparency with shipments and updates, management of inventory and personalization.

Trends in Fulfillment

There are a variety of trends in regard to order fulfillment, which are driven by the boom in online shopping. Let’s take a closer look at how 3PLs can help businesses move forward and deliver a positive customer experience.

Omni-Channel Distribution

E-commerce has broken down global borders, which means businesses, especially those who offer product internationally, must create expansive networks. This is also known as Omni-channel distribution. To meet consumer demands, 3PLs offer different modes of transportation. Furthermore, distribution centres and warehouses equip businesses with support to deliver same-day or next-day consumer requests.

Relationship Management

Also known as networking, 3PLs must build on their local and extended network of carriers, shippers and distribution personnel. According to SupplyChain247, ‘delivery partners are a crucial part of your fulfillment chain’.

Supply Chain Experience

A supply chain functions efficiently and effectively only if personnel throughout the entire chain are working together. In order to deliver exceptional customer service, it’s important for 3PLs to integrate optimized solutions that connect ‘supplier, warehouses and delivery partners’.


In addition to providing a faster and on-time delivery service, customers also want to see transparency throughout the entire journey. This involves providing customers with information on their orders including shipping time, delays and updates to drop-off or pick-up.

Mass Inventory & Technology

As companies work toward producing and delivering high volumes of product, there is a greater need for inventory space. 3PLs offer solutions that improve the overall inventory of goods. With their network relationships and distribution centers, they can offer businesses a cost-effective solution for managing products.

The Shift Toward a Demand Chain Model

Experts say demand-chain models are an effective solution for supply chains to meet the increased need for immediacy and improve the customer experience.

Today, consumers crave instant gratification when searching for products and services online. They want access to information and results in an immediate time frame, and this transcends throughout the buying funnel. It especially includes delivery. To meet consumer demands, there are high expectations on companies to offer same-day shipping options to their customers.

While companies work hard to get packages and goods to consumers efficiently, Forbes states,

…there comes a point where supply chain simply can’t get a package to you any faster.

This puts pressure on supply chains to evolve their strategies and execute efficient and effective solutions to meet these expectations. Distribution centers (DC) have been an integral component to a supply chain, and provide many benefits with respect to meeting these expectations. In 2017, the United States warehousing market, accounted for $148.7 billion. The total number of warehouses accounted reported in the same year was 17,353. There is a growing need for companies to expand their distribution capacity to meet the output requirements for consumers.

However, while expanding DC’s provides improved delivery solutions, experts believe a shift toward a holistic demand-chain would take it one step further. This article by Morai Logistics discusses the fundamentals of the demand-chain and the beneficial outcomes it could have as a supply chain model.

What’s a Demand-Chain?

According to Forbes, a demand-chain is ‘a state where production is localized and immediate’. It represents a shift from relying on centralized manufacturers, to autonomous machines. Supply Chain Market describes this migration as ‘the next generation in fulfillment’. It further responds to the extensive growth of ‘net economy’ or e-commerce, which has been fueling a high level of demand for immediacy.

To compete into this high-performance global market place, companies must follow a model that considers the following key metrics:

  • Product assortment
  • Fulfillment and execution
  • Visibility
  • Customer loyalty and retention

The overall added benefit of focusing on demand and pull, is that customers will get their products on demand. Simply put by Forbes, ‘there is a fast, on-demand creation of goods in the exact amount necessary’.

Top Reasons to Consider Demand

Demand-Chain models are a step toward meeting customer needs through the application of technology and demand-focused strategy. There are many reasons why this model is favourable for high-performance industries, such as supply chain and logistics.

Improves Customer Experience

Developing optimized solutions to improve on-time delivery and immediacy, has been primarily motivated by the objective of carrying out a positive customer experience. Thus, by improving visibility and leveraging technology to create more efficient modes of production and delivery, immediacy can be met.

Reduces Wasted Inventory

Businesses may run into various challenges when trying to produce and deliver large outputs, which can ultimately waste inventory. Possible reasons could be overproduction, delays or order defects. As a result, unnecessary inventory leads to a waste in product and money for the business. A demand-chain enables businesses to follow a just-in-time model where products are produced and delivered when needed.

Optimizes Order Fulfillment

Furthermore, a reduction in wasted inventory, a demand-chain model also aligns order fulfillment with delivery performance. When an organization can effectively understand the level of production required, they can better predict how to allocate resources to carry out the shipment life-cycle.

5 Ways RPA Optimizes Supply Chain Management

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an effective solution that helps improve efficiencies, reduce costs and optimize productivity.

Findings on the global RPA market, project a ‘Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 27%’ throughout 2013 to 2024. By 2024, this would amount to over 7, 000 Million (USD).

In a recent survey on RPA adoption, 17% of supply chain professionals believe RPA will be implemented in their organization’s by 2020. Furthermore, two thirds of respondents stated that their organization currently uses or are exploring this technology.

According to McKinsey & Company, RPA is defined as,


Integrating this technology into any organization helps reduce human error and cost, while improving ROI and productivity. However, although skepticism exists in matters of replacing human jobs with automation, RPA actually provides many benefits to supply chains. Therefore, RPA is emerging as an effective technology for many industries, including supply chain and logistics.

This infographic by Morai Logistics outlines the top 5 ways RPA help improve supply chain management processes.

Robotic Process Automation: Supply Chain Optimization

morai-infographic-5-rpa-optimizes-supply-chain-management (3)

That’s it for us this week! If you liked this blog post, why not subscribe to our blog? Interested in what we do as a 3rd party logistics provider? Then don’t hesitate to check out our services (as expressed above, we are very pro finding you the lowest total cost!). We’re also in the twittersphere, so give us a follow to get the latest logistics and supply chain news.

From Adoption to Digital Transformation
Experts say that supply chains must move from adoption to digital transformation if they want to improve efficiencies, operations and take their businesses to scale.

For the North American transportation supply chain and logistics industry, last year saw a widespread adoption of digital technologies. Predictive analytics proved beneficial to providing end-to-end visibility of supply chains, and ensuring efficiency with on-demand deliveries. When applied to operations, cloud-based technologies helped businesses scale, improved workflow productivity and created opportunities for competitive differentiation. Furthermore, robotic and automation armed warehouses with optimized levels of productivity and improved customer service.

Although the adoption of emerging technologies created solutions for transportation supply chains, the industry still faces many significant challenges. The increase in consumer demand for immediacy and personalization, in conjunction with pressures of the nationwide labour shortage, requires more than digital adoption. To further improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs and create opportunity for bottom line profits, supply chains must move from adoption to digital transformation.

According to Supply Chain Management Review,

Digital transformation is perhaps best explained as the implementation of new technologies to accelerate operations, sales and customer service, back office productivity and, ultimately, the growth of the business from end-to-end.

Whether the customer is a shipper, retail wholesaler or vendors, the goal of digital transformation is to ultimately improve the customer experience.

This week Morai Logistics provides an overview of what digital transformation looks like in transportation supply chains. The benefits moving from evolving from simply adopting digital technology to a comprehensive and whole-scale transformation will also be reinforced.

Digital Transformation of Supply Chains

There are many industries across the world recognizing the need to digitally transform. North America ranks at the top of the global market. By 2022, global statistics forecasts that spending on ‘the technologies and service that enable digital transformation’ will reach USD 1.97 trillion. However, in a study on the adoption of digital transformation within five major sectors, supply chains reported the ‘lowest level of digitization’.

Although digital transformation is considered to be a main focus for many, the truth is, this process fails more than it succeeds. According to the found of Supply Chain Insights, there are four common mistakes businesses make:

  • Disconnect with vision and strategy on implementing digital transformation
  • Transformation process does not include ownership from the business
  • Focus is not on meeting the needs of the customer market
  • Lack of partnership with innovative technology companies

Let’s address mistake number one: disconnect with vision and strategy. Before a supply chain executes digital transformation, they must understand the trends shaping the need to transform.

Universal Need for Digital Transformation

There are many reasons why digital transformation can improve the end to end profits of an organization. They may change depending on the industry. For supply chain and logistics, the following three reasons why adoption should move to transformation.

Customer Experience

Today, customer experience is at the top of the board when it comes to strategic priority. From social media to online buying, to smartphones, consumers have the power to connect anywhere at any time. This has changed the buyer’s journey significantly. Consumers expect a heightened level of transparency and personalized and engaging experiences.

Employee Support

The current capacity crunch and nationwide driver shortage, also requires organizations to look at employee fulfillment. Integrating digital tools throughout the supply chain, will promote efficient methods of productivity and communication. This can have an incredible impact on performance and empowerment, while also giving more time to focus on ‘streamlined decision-making’.

Strategic Insights

The implementation of technologies throughout all facets of a supply chain can help generate large data sets, known as Big Data. Online interactions between shipper and supplier can generate unceasing amounts of data. However, without appropriate tools to translate these numbers into valuable insight, meeting the needs of either party becomes challenging. Therefore, digital transformation ensures that innovative technology solutions are in place to provide strategic data that will ultimately achieve success.

3PLs Offer Optimized Solutions to Nationwide Capacity Crunch

As the nationwide capacity crunch drives into the New Year, third party logistics (3PL) providers offer shippers reliable and cost-effective solutions.

Last year the ‘nationwide truck shortage’, also referred to as the capacity crunch, was a significant challenge for the transportation industry. Carrying over into the New Year, the increase in freight rates and subsequent decrease in drivers continues to impact shippers tremendously. In December it was reported that the ELD mandate was effecting not only trucking, but other modes of transportation. This movement also impacted ‘ocean shipping, intermodal and air freight’. With consumer demands at an all-time high, the outcome of implementing this type of directive has caused a variety of issues. Experts identify increased rates, shipment delays and bottlenecks amongst the most common setbacks shippers face.

In March of 2018, Morai Logistics presented some of the optimized solutions third party logistics (3PL) providers offer shippers. According to Supply Chain Dive,

3PLs can step in and usually save money for the shipper while helping the shipper get a faster route.

While the capacity crunch isn’t expected to go away anytime soon, 3PLs continue to develop optimized solutions to help shippers become proactive to industry demands. This includes a combination of technology integration, networking and Omni-channel opportunities.

This article outlines the various obstacles the transportation industry faces caused by the capacity crunch. Furthermore, it defines why 3PLs remain the prime method to ensure an efficient and cost-effective shipment life cycle.

Impact of Capacity Crunch

The capacity crunch has placed a heavy burden on the transportation supply chain and logistics industry. The Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) mandate that was strongly enforced last year has deterred many drivers from the industry. This creates additional setback for shippers, as a decrease in drivers means an increase in freight rates and inefficient delivery. While strategies to improve driver retention and job satisfaction should be a high priority, the obstacles shippers face is also important.

According to the 2018 Inbound Logistics Annual Survey:

  • 81% of shippers felt their biggest challenge was ‘finding capacity’
  • 78% of shippers experienced rate hikes
  • 94% of shippers stated that ‘driver-related costs’ was important

The capacity crunch forces shippers to seek reliable, alternative transportation methods at cheaper rates. This can be very challenging as competition and a lack of drivers continue to increase costs. However, third party logistics (3PL) provider’s offer optimized solutions to both carriers and shippers that can help alleviate some of this burden.

3PL Solutions

In addition to price and capacity, a nationwide truck shortage can significantly impact the reliability of deliveries and the quality of customer service. Research on the preferences of shippers who choose ‘motor carriers’ found that:

  • 84% say reliability
  • 62% say customer service
  • 73% say price
  • 45% say capacity

3PLs must develop solutions that enable shippers to execute orders efficiently and cost-effectively to meet the increase in consumer demands. The widespread integration of advanced technology has made considerable contributions to the way 3PLs service shippers and carriers. However, below are the most relevant ways these transportation partners can help shippers impact by a capacity crunch.

Cost-Effective Rates Due to their large-scale industry presence, 3PLs are able to offer better rates. They can also negotiate better than small companies or independent drivers, which help offer shippers affordable options.

Network of Carriers Shippers benefit from the substantial relationships that 3PLs have built. This provides access to Omni-channel and intermodal modes of transportation that offer multiple avenues to transport products efficiently.

Digital Maturity The integration of technology will continue to shape the way warehouses operate and communicate. It will also provide companies with the ability to extract data to create insight on forecasts and patterns. 3PLs continue to integrate digital processes to improve the visibility of shipments. In addition, emerging platforms such as predictive analytics also enable shippers to take a proactive, rather than reactive approach, to operations and delivery.

There is no denying that the impact of the ELD mandate and driver shortage has created obstacles for both shippers and carriers. While the capacity crunch remains a top concern to the transportation industry in 2019, 3PLs continue to provide effective solutions.