Companies still only know how to find their way to logistics platforms sparsely. Only 16 per cent of trade and manufacturing companies use platforms like Uber Freights to ship goods.
This is according to research by evofenedex, Beurtvaartadres and TLN on data and digitalisation in logistics. The consumer market is brimming with platforms such as bol.com, Marktplaats.nl, AirBnB and Uber. In the B2B logistics market, platform integration is slower. For instance, 72 per cent of entrepreneurs do not expect to use platforms in the coming year, while five per cent do expect to use platforms for transport within the next year.
'Delve into the possibilities'
According to evofenedex, this reluctance can largely be attributed to a lack of clarity around platforms and a lack of knowledge. Nanne Schriek, project manager Supply Chain Management at evofenedex: "Because the organisation does not know how to smoothly incorporate it into its operations or because of doubts in terms of liability in case of incidents or delays. In fact, it is not always clear what role a platform plays: is it a carrier or freight forwarder? Or does the platform merely bring supply and demand together? But there is also a lack of knowledge about the capabilities of platforms. And that is a missed opportunity. Meanwhile, digital developments in logistics are moving so fast that we urge companies to take a stand on platform use. At least immerse yourself in the possibilities, where you can still ultimately make a conscious choice not to enter."
Seminar on online platforms
To make trade and production companies more familiar with the possibilities of the platform economy, evofenedex is organising the session 'Online platforms: without complex implementation always grip the supply chain' during ICT & Logistiek. You can register for this session here.
