During ICT&Logistics and Logistica Next, Martijn Graat spoke with supply chain expert and CEO of Supply Chain Media, Martijn Lofvers, about AI, technology and the changing role of trade shows in logistics. Lofvers stresses that digitalisation is rapidly changing the sector, but that physical meetings remain essential to make good choices. According to Lofvers, the logistics sector is currently changing faster than ever, especially on the shop floor.
The operation is central
The logistics sector has clearly shifted in focus in recent years, according to Lofvers. Where planning used to be the main focus, it is now increasingly about execution in the operation itself. "Before corona, flat planning was very important," he says. "During corona too, but in recent years you see that execution in logistics is becoming increasingly important." That change comes from increasing pressure on the supply chain. "The horizon for planning has become shorter. Everything has to be faster and more flexible. And at the same time we are facing staff shortages, so mechanisation is becoming increasingly important."
Directors leave the ivory tower
A notable trend is that supply chain directors are increasingly taking to the shop floor. Whereas they used to operate mainly strategically, they are now more actively involved in day-to-day operations. "These are no longer just sitting in the ivory tower," argues Lofvers. "They go to the factories and distribution centres. They talk to operators: what do you need, where are the bottlenecks, what can be done faster?" According to him, this provides immediately useful insights. "Only then do you really see which processes can be improved and where technology can help."
Automation and robots on the rise
In warehouses, Lofvers sees a clear acceleration in automation. Mobile robots and new forms of mechanisation are increasingly being used to relieve pressure on staff and processes. "You see all kinds of mobile robots and variants of them," he says. "But it's not just about the technology itself, it's about how it is linked to existing systems." That integration, he says, is crucial. "Which systems does it talk to? How does it connect to WMS and TMS? You just have to see and understand things like that in practice."
Why physical events remain important
According to Lofvers, this is precisely why trade fairs remain indispensable. They offer the opportunity not only to see technology, but also to get to the bottom of it. "The best thing is still to go to such a stand and ask questions," he says. "Have you already implemented this? What is it linked to? What do you need to get it working?" According to him, that is where the real value lies: direct interaction with experts and testing promises against practice.
With that, his conclusion is clear: the supply chain is becoming increasingly digital and complex, but precisely because of that, the need for physical meetings and hands-on experience is growing.
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