Survival of the digitalized

Digitalization in logistics – new technologies and a paradigm shift

By 2030, the whole of operational logistics will be handled in an open and interconnected global logistics system based on the “Physical Internet” that connects physical, digital, and operational aspects of logistics says Dr. Ingrid Göpfert in her look at future fields of logistics.  Dr, Göpfert teaches logistics at Philipps-University Marburg.

• The flow of materials and the use of resources within and between companies will be increasingly automated.
  
• Transport vehicles and infrastructures enhanced with artificial intelligence will make it possible to optimize utilization and traffic flow.
  
• Delivery options such as drones, robots, and e-transporters will become increasingly popular to allow for delivery exactly when and where the customers need it.
  
• With the boom in e-commerce, the frequency and quantity of shipments will continue to increase. Technologies such as 3D printing and the optimization of resources with predictive analytics and models of the sharing economy may slightly dampen this effect. But overall, the success of e-commerce will lead to an increased shipping volume in 2030 compared to today.
  

In this era of digitalized logistics, flexible business models, processes, and partnership networks will be the basis of success. Established patterns of economic development and proven business models will be shaken as new flexible and innovative players enter the markets.

The balance of power will shift from owners of the infrastructure to those who can react flexibly, are open to change, and can create the greatest value out of the data they collect and work with.

Mid-sized companies are lagging but will have to step up their digitalization game

This is a particular challenge for long-established small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Europe whose strengths often lie in highly-specialized products for niche markets. Many of these companies still rely heavily on longstanding business models, processes, and organizational structures. They are lagging behind when it comes to digitalization.

In Germany, for example, approximately 99.7% of companies are categorized as a particular form of SME called “Mittelstand”. These companies are often described as the backbone of industrial value creation. Only one third of them see digitalization as an important factor for their business success, but this number is increasing. They fear that digitalization will lead to a loss of jobs due to international competition and a loss of market position due to new customer needs. One fourth even think that digitalization is unnecessary.

What smaller companies often fail to understand is that digitalization means much more than a technology-related issue. Creating the technical basis for complete computerization, automation, and data exchange is just a necessary precondition. The overall goal should be to become a learning, agile company that is capable of questioning and adapting existing processes, systems, and even business models.

For one thing is certain: “German Mittelstand in 2030 will have nothing in common anymore with German Mittelstand in 2017,” says futurologist Sven Gábor Jánszky in a recent trend report.

If small and medium-sized companies in logistics want to keep their international competitiveness and be a part of the digital future, they will have to overcome their fear and act. Before looking at their overall business model, they must cover their digitalization basics:

• Handling and quality of data.
  
• Skills of the workforce and human-machine interaction.
  
• Individualization trends.
  
• Communication and interaction in networks.
  
• Tools and methods to handle an unpredictable, fast-changing environment.
  

Lack of understanding, skills, and vision – why mid-sized companies are hesitant to act

The term “digitalization” is used so widely and has so many meanings that it is hard for small and medium-sized enterprises to even get a clear understanding of what it could mean to them. This causes confusion and uncertainty. Many companies do not have a vision of what their objectives in the area of digitalization should be and how they should go about in implementing them.

What are some of the most acute practical digitalization challenges that make mid-sized companies hesitant to act?

• Lack of understanding what digitalization means.
  
• Lack of skills: it is becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified personnel.
  
• No clear picture of the challenges of the digital future for the company.
  
• No structured action plan to implement adequate tools and processes.
  
• Wanting too much at once.
  
• Unmanageable investment risks.
  

My take: how small and medium-sized companies in logistics can tackle the challenges of digitalization and make it a success

The most important thing to keep in mind is that it will not be possible to do it all at once. Trying to digitalize processes, close data gaps, increase data density,… all in one giant project is a recipe for disaster. The sheer size and complexity of the task would paralyze your company and make it inflexible – achieving the exact opposite of what is needed. Rather, take an iterative step-by-step approach.