Logistics 4.0 trends, needs, changes, and the future of logistics. We identify the needs. Prilo provides the solutions.

Logistics 4.0 is a concept that has been around for over 10 years in areas related to transport and the economy. Technological progress affects various aspects of our lives. Solutions that not so long ago seemed to be literary fiction straight from sci-fi books are now becoming reality. What is the future of logistics? What is a logistics centre and why should there be one in your company? Read on to find out.

What is logistics 4.0?

Logistics 4.0 is a new chapter in the history of the development of transport companies, based on digitization and the use of new technologies. But let’s start from the beginning. In 2011, during the IAA trade fair in Hanover, the fourth industrial revolution was announced and was based on two pillars: the Internet of Things and the Industrial Internet of Things. It was about global access to data, the use of information exchange systems and process autonomy. Technology and scientific knowledge are now focused on saving resources and energy, while creating intelligent systems that adapt to changing requirements and situations. In other words, technological progress has made such a leap that there are now new ways to use the systems and software created in various industries and businesses. This is how logistics 4.0 was born, i.e. a vision of development and progress in the logistics industry. An intelligent network of vehicles communicating with each other, autonomous trucks, transport drones, and advanced logistics systems are just a few of the solutions that are already being used by companies around the world.

Examples of new solutions in logistics

The possibilities of using new technologies in logistics are unlimited. Logistics 4.0 saves time, money and human resources. Individual supply chain processes can be automated or even interconnected. Let’s look at some specific examples:

• Sythos, a chemical company from Oświęcim, has automated its packaging system through automatic packing machines. Now, packing 100 tons of goods does not require the physical involvement of several dozen employees.
• Amica, a manufacturer of household appliances, has fully automated its warehouse. The entire system is managed by one employee, thanks to which the risk of dangerous situations is minimized. This solutions means that 1,600 products can be placed on the racks in one hour.
• Amazon has been testing the delivery of parcels using drones for several years. The company has already received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, performed many tests and is constantly improving its systems. For now, it does not have approval to test in major cities and the current control group is made up of residents of Lockeford, with a population of 4,000.

Prilo – a modern logistics system

The Prilo platform is a great way to implement logistics 4.0. This innovative logistics system gives access to the tools required in car logistics. The development of logistics is based on automation, or combining various processes. Thanks to Prilo, you can manage the entire process in one place – from choosing an offer, through entering into a contract, to continuous monitoring of the order. It is an ideal way to gain new business contacts, negotiate offers, or even keep documentation in one place. Do you want logistics 4.0 to be a part of your company? Opt for the Prilo logistics system.

Automation and the role of technology – logistics 4.0

Technology constitutes the foundation for the further development of logistics. Collecting and sending information as well as proper analysis and interpretation of data are elements that facilitate process automation. Logistics infrastructure is a chain that includes: transport, warehousing, value-added services and IT support (e.g. in supply chain management). Automation can apply to any of these areas. Nowadays, it is most visible in warehouses, packaging processes and IT systems. More and more warehouse systems are based on at least partial automation. IT support enables all links of the logistics infrastructure to be controlled and connected with each other. Manufacturers rely on machine packaging whenever possible. Thus, automation is becoming logistical bread and butter. However, this involves significant investment costs in software, machinery and company transformation.

Modern solutions in planning deliveries

Modern technologies provide an opportunity to increase the range of activities of logistics and transport companies. An appropriate logistics system makes it possible to organize an optimal supply chain, determine the fastest routes, or even anticipate potential complications. Logistics 4.0 is about ensuring digital communication and data exchange between all elements of supply chains – people, devices, machines, products, and processes. Appropriate planning of deliveries and automation of logistics processes aims to:

• shorten the order fulfilment time
• effectively anticipate periods of increased demand
• digitize the supply chain, including monitoring and control
• save time and material resources

Proper implementation of transport services is important. However, planning it in the most optimal and beneficial way allows you to shorten the delivery time and reduce indirect costs.

The future of logistics

Global giants such as Ford Motor Company, Amazon, or UPS have been creating their visions of smart cities and communication networks for years. They believe that the future of logistics lies in new technologies and the creation of a global network of connections. All cars, drones, and autonomous trucks should be connected to the network and transmit information about their distance from other objects as well as their speed and direction in real time. All this to eliminate the possibility of collisions or other dangerous situations. It is quite possible that in a dozen or so years automatic courier vehicles that will deliver parcels to designated places on balconies or in home gardens will become the norm. Logistics 4.0 is a process of which we are all eyewitnesses. Warehouse problems can be solved by automatic robots controlled in unmanned forklifts. Trucks connected to the network could transfer part of a load to each other, creating complex and optimized logistics routes. And this is just a fraction of the possibilities that the development of technology could bring.

Logistics 4.0: Is the pilot flying with us?

In spite of the great opportunities that logistics 4.0 brings, we cannot overlook the threats. Process automation reduces the role of the human factor, which may translate into an increase in unemployment. Vehicles and other devices connected in one network are vulnerable to cyberattacks and hackers. Every owner of a computer or phone is well aware that technology can fail us. Various types of malfunctions and failures are inevitable. Investing in new technologies is a future-oriented approach. However, one cannot forget about common sense and the dangers of new leaps. As such, use proven technologies, such as our Prilo logistics system.