Logistics must accelerate digitization

Digitization is seen as one of the biggest challenges facing companies. The vast majority of German companies that transport goods see numerous advantages of digital applications in logistics, and many are already using them in practice.

But only a minority are already using the latest technologies such as 3D printing, blockchain or AI. This is the result of a representative survey of more than 500 companies with logistics processes commissioned by the digital association Bitkom.

According to the survey, four out of five of these companies say that the digitization of logistics presents them with challenges. Only tolls (80 percent) and fuel and energy prices (91 percent) are cited more frequently as challenges.

Digitization is thus ahead of high personnel costs (72 percent) and a lack of skilled workers (70 percent), and is also mentioned significantly more frequently than location disadvantages compared to foreign competitors.

Many companies with logistics processes already rely on digital technologies, especially in the warehouse. For example, four out of five companies with logistics processes (80 percent) use warehouse management systems or are currently planning to use them, and three quarters (72 percent) use sensor technologies such as RFID chips or plan to do so, for example to be able to take inventory quickly.

One in two companies has introduced or is planning to introduce electronic freight documents or tablet computers and smartphones instead of slips of paper and clipboards in the warehouse. And around one in three companies already has driverless forklift systems, devices with augmented reality or warehouse robots in use or in planning.

Above all, technologies that have been on the market for several years are in practical use in the warehouses. Among other things, companies are showing a great deal of interest in electronic freight accompanying documents. It's not the companies that are slowing down, it's the politicians. According to the law, it is mandatory for logistics companies to carry analog freight documents.