Belgian logistics sector still works very traditionally The causes: fragmentation on the market and low margins. There are very many small players on the market who cannot invest in new work processes.
This is ING's finding in a report on digital logistics in Belgium. Digitalisation offers the sector numerous opportunities, the bank writes. "Co-innovation, open innovation and data exchange with respect for the necessary confidentiality are key concepts here. Only in this way can logistics companies reap the benefits of digitisation."
Fragmented market
However, reaping those benefits requires internal funding. That is a challenge in a highly fragmented market. The large integrated transport companies control less than 25 per cent of the market. The sector has very many small and medium-sized players. ING: "Partly due to the fragmentation and small margins, the sector still operates very traditionally. Paper is still the usual carrier and remains mandatory for many official documents. The small margins prevent companies from investing in new work processes."
The will to share data is lacking
According to the bank, companies also lack the will to share their own data with those of competing companies. Therefore, co-innovation and data sharing are lacking. Yet these are requirements for a future-proof sector. "Transport and logistics companies must also be careful that technological developments - such as the self-driving car - do not cause their services to become mere 'commodities'."
