The goal: Automation and optimization of material flows and resource utilization in inbound and outbound logistics.

The goal: Automation and optimization of material flows and resource utilization in inbound and outbound logistics.

In line with Industry 4.0, there is also talk of Production 4.0 and Logistics 4.0. The so-called “Internet of Things & Services” (IoT) has already arrived. The digital revolution is connecting people, machines and data on a single platform. The results are: more speed, more flexibility and more control.

But what do these terms actually mean?

In the case of logistics and production:

  • Networking
  • Decentralization
  • Service orientation
  • Real-time capability

Processes that are assigned the buzzword Logistics 4.0 are direct results of Industry 4.0. Only that here it is about the special peculiarities of the industry. It is thus the digitization of the transport and supply sector.

The field of activity becomes more concrete if we define the term in a narrower sense. Then, Logistics 4.0 means the networking of logistical processes inside and outside of companies and production facilities, all the way to decentralized real-time control.

The goal: automation and optimization of material flows and resource utilization in inbound and outbound logistics.

The advantages of digital logistics 4.0

Companies that rely on digitalization secure unbeatable competitive advantages.

Effective cost reduction, error reduction and higher customer satisfaction, are just some of the benefits:

Protecting data quality and strengthening attractiveness as a cooperation partner
Better negotiating positions
Worldwide access to raw materials and suppliers (also for SMEs)
Opening up new sales markets
What will the logistics of the future look like?
The main task of Logistics 4.0 lies in the introduction of innovative technologies, for example, to optimize logistics key figures such as delivery reliability, delivery quality and delivery flexibility.

The range of suitable technologies is now large. Which systems and software for digitalization are suitable for one’s own business purposes always depends on the individual case. Investing in a technical management consultancy makes perfect sense here.

1) On-demand deliveries

This concept provides for the delivery of goods exactly according to customer demand – completely independent of the logistics company’s opening hours. This will result in new competitor models on the market that will revolve around the first and last kilometers. Successful examples of these enterprise models include Uber, MyTaxi, and Same Day Delivery offerings.

2) Multi-channel models

More and more companies are nowadays present on multiple channels to boost their sales. The crux here is to use all sales channels according to their respective requirements. This process can be implemented efficiently using newly developed procedures with a modular structure.

This allows them to be tailored to each individual channel and specific need.

3) New ways in e-commerce & B2C

Online retail is always growing, as are B2C market appearances. This is good for the logistics industry, because orders are increasing while the volume of orders is decreasing. Dealers can now also maintain direct contact with customers via logistics platforms and delivery services.