As an experienced professional within the world of transport and logistics, I have now experienced many editions of the ICT&Logistics trade fair. One conviction has remained true all these years: a well-considered use of IT and data substantially contributes to the strength and innovation of companies in our sector.
From basic automation to complex IT ecosystems
The days when companies could function without any form of automation are definitely behind us. The first wave of digitalisation - with the introduction of on-board computers, planning software and other core systems - was certainly not easy. Implementation often required more from organisations than expected: processes had to be revised, employees trained and technical limitations overcome. Nevertheless, this created a relatively uncluttered IT landscape. Suppliers focused on Transport Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Fleet Management Systems (FMS) or accounting software - often obtainable under one roof.
Even then, the promise sounded at the fair: "soon everything will become simpler." New technologies would make systems work better together and increase user convenience. Since then, much of that promise has been fulfilled - but the result has not necessarily become simpler.
Fragmentation and abundance of solutions
Technological developments - from cloud applications and mobile platforms to API links and specialist tools - have led to an explosion of systems and providers. Almost every business process today has a digital counterpart, and multiple IT solutions are available for each. Our analysis through the My Digital Landscape tool shows that an average transport SME now deploys more than 20 different systems from dozens of national and international suppliers.
This increase is logical and positive in itself: after all, companies have become more complex. Think of the continuous data exchange with customers and partners, the use of smart vehicles as mobile data sources, or the growing reporting requirements around sustainability, such as CSRD and carbon footprinting. Digitisation supports all these facets.
AI as a driver of new digital solutions
A recent development is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) within transport and logistics. AI is increasingly applied to optimise operational processes such as order entry but also increasingly to plan predictively, implement real-time optimisations and recognise patterns in transport data. Think of AI algorithms that predict traffic jams, or automatically detect deviations in delivery patterns. AI is also playing an increasing role in workforce planning, inventory management and even regulatory compliance.
At the same time, it raises new questions about data integrity, cybersecurity and ethical use. Companies that want to deploy AI must have robust data foundations as well as an understanding of how the underlying technologies work.
From lost to prepared: today's entrepreneur
Have entrepreneurs lost their grip on their digital landscape? Have they lost the overview in a maze of data, systems and innovations?
Fortunately, it doesn't. But the requirements have changed. More and more logistics companies employ digital specialists or work closely with IT partners. They no longer see digitalisation as a cost item, but as a strategic tool. Interviews with entrepreneurs reveal a clear trend: digitalisation has become a core competence.
That mature approach is crucial. Because only with the right mindset - in which IT and data are not seen as ballast but as catalysts - can entrepreneurs stay on course. Those who embrace digitalisation as a structural precondition will not get lost but find their way: towards an efficient, flexible and future-proof organisation.
Author: Wout van den Heuvel, TLN
