*Per Angela Gheller
In recent years, the logistics segment has been showing a very positive economic performance, gaining relevance in the national economy. According to the Brazilian Association of Logistics Operations (ABOL), the sector generated R＄166 billion in 2022 and generated more than 2 million jobs, direct and indirect. And still in 2022, 42% of companies increased their revenue and 82% of operators saw an increase in the number of customers, according to the Association. In 2023, logistics also achieved excellent results and therefore expectations are quite optimistic for 2024, taking into account a series of factors such as the leading role of deliveries in the new post-pandemic economy; more positive economic scenario; interest reduction etc. We see a very heated sector and the question arises: what is the key to such a positive performance?
The fact is that part of the strategy of logistics companies necessarily involves investing in technology. The segment, which has been experiencing the digitalization process for some years, today considers the adoption of technology to be increasingly essential for its evolution. It's not a perfect world, of course, and there is still room for the adoption of technologies in day-to-day operations. Therefore, in 2024 technology should remain in focus, driving short and long-term transformations in the sector.
When we talk about innovation in the logistics operator sector, one of the biggest trends is the use of Artificial Intelligence in business. But for the use of AI to become truly effective in companies, it is necessary to have a management data driven, that is, based on data – and quality data. When combined, the use of data and AI can bring important differences, such as improving decision-making, building a real-time data panorama to optimize routes, manage inventories and predict demands more accurately, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Artificial intelligence also plays a key role in predictive analysis, providing companies with strategic insights and preventing unexpected problems from arising.
Among the main themes that will move the logistics sector next year, I cannot fail to address the ESG agenda. In addition to environmental and sustainability concerns, initiatives focused on social and governance aspects also need to be on the segment's agenda. It is important to look carefully at your surroundings, promoting initiatives that benefit the entire surrounding community, going beyond your main activity.
In this context, technology is once again a great ally, allowing better control of impact indicators, which can support the adoption of practices to reduce the emission of polluting residues and waste. Among the ESG actions that can be adopted by the sector, we highlight, for example, the adoption of more efficient vehicles in terms of energy consumption, implementation of more effective delivery routes, use of tracking technologies and fleet management to reduce fuel consumption, provide safe working conditions, and more.
In 2024, another topic that should be the focus of managers in the area is the optimization of last mile operations, mainly with the advancement of 5G in the country, which allows better connectivity for the use of real-time tracking systems in a more accurate and reliable way. 5G also facilitates communication with drivers and the transfer of large volumes of data in record time, enabling more strategic decision-making, as well as contributing to the development and adoption of innovations, such as the use of drones and even autonomous vehicles.
Another highlight for the sector next year is the advanced inventory management. This is because, with the digitalization of the supply chain, it is necessary to have more rigorous control of storage processes, ensuring greater speed and efficiency in operations. Therefore, warehouse management systems (WMS) should become even more essential for companies' routines. In addition to improving inventory management and visibility, and automating processes, WMS solutions provide timely data, minimizing losses and improving customer satisfaction.
Having said all that, for me the big movement that the logistics sector should take in 2024, integrating several of the trends mentioned previously, are the digital ecosystems in logistics companies. What I mean: the adoption of different technological tools that add intelligence and connectivity to operations, contributing to the construction of a revolutionary way of managing and optimizing logistics operations. Through the use of sensors, IoT (internet of things), trackers, advanced data analysis tools, management systems and task automation, companies are already developing important ecosystems in their operations, helping to evolve the supply chain as a all.
The Brazilian logistics sector has expanded its operations, innovating in the creation of services and serving different segments of the economy. We see an environment where achieving efficiency, optimizing processes and cost management becomes increasingly fundamental. And technology must play an even more central role in companies, supporting their growth, productivity and their results-oriented business strategy. Therefore, studying the market and finding the ideal solutions for your business – according to its level of maturity – is the key to remaining relevant in the market. Don't leave it for later, and don't get left behind.
*Angela Gheller, Logistics product director at TOTVS
*The material was originally published on the Tecnologística portal.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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