By Felipe Fernandez
Viva Aerobus’s Logistics director
2022 began in the midst of an environment full of eventualities, therefore, it is necessary to prepare with a good supply chain strategy.
Considering, among other global variables that impact the industry, the increase in demand, the container crisis, chip shortages, low productivity, and low labor force, stand out due to the complexity they add when defining the strategy.
A modern supply chain is about more than the efficient movement of optimized inventory to meet predicted customer demand.
Technology, the optimization of delivery routes, and the use of transport fleets will set the logistics trends this year.
Six areas to support the development of the industry are listed below:
1.- Sustainable transport
The ways in which transportation problems are addressed today seek to solve the mobilization of goods and human capital in a more responsible way.
In order to successfully implement sustainable transportation systems, it is first necessary to invest in technology to reduce costs in vehicle fleet management.
2.- Use of software for route calculation and transport fleet management
It focuses on IT solutions and the different ways and configurations in which they can be implemented.
3.- Electronic commerce
E-commerce is a market sector that gained great importance during the pandemic. This gave the last great boost that electronic commerce needed to stand out definitively.
The above results in an increase in the use of electronic means of payment, a reduction in the use of cash, and significant changes in the logistics of the last mile.
4.- The use of the internet of things (IoT) in modern logistics
This tool is capable of offering solutions aimed at improving productivity in the supply chain and increasing the competitiveness of companies.
The IoT application areas where a great impact is also evident can be divided into Warehouse management and merchandise loading.
5.- The role of on-demand services
The essential characteristic of these systems is that they offer temporary hiring services. This means paying for said service only when it is used.
6.- Machine learning
It is about the implementation of algorithms based on neural networks or fuzzy logic that allows “learning” in the most current organizational systems.
Artificial intelligence in conjunction with machine learning allows systems to perform cognitive functions at a level almost as advanced as the human mind.
Faced with a disruption in supply chains, what should be done?
A key action is to fine-tune your supply chain strategy, which requires:
- Assess what the current supply network looks like, including a review of processes, tools, and systems.
- Check where there are points of friction or failure, how much they cost the business, and what can be done to minimize their impact.
- Analyze how accurate the demand forecast is.
- Refine how the selection of suppliers is carried out and what processes are followed for their performance.
- Optimize inventory levels within the four walls of the distribution center.
- Question about whether you have full control of shipments, as well as flexibility and efficiency, whether they are from third parties or your own resources.