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How datafication is reshaping digital transformation in transport and logistics . By Richard Davies
As we enter the autumn of 2023 , the transport and logistics landscape remain immersed in a prolonged phase of volatility stemming from the enduring aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic . Focused on growth in a time of economic recovery , transport and logistics organizations face a raft of challenges as external factors combine to ensure that the road before us is anything but smooth . Both industries are experiencing a heady combination of disruption and transformation , with exciting innovations starting to deliver on their potential .
We are already seeing the incredible potential of data-focused digital transformation , such as artificial intelligence ( AI ), revolutionizing how transport and logistics companies operate . Being able to change operations in ‘ real-time ’ will be a game changer .
With all this in mind , what are the main trends shaping the movement of people and things ?
Here are five areas where advanced data use is currently shaping transport and logistics companies this year :
Macroeconomic conditions are increasing the pace of transformation in the logistics sector .
Sustained high fuel costs are continuing to have a transformative impact on the logistics sector this year , exacerbating already difficult operating conditions . This will continue to drive a need for greater efficiency across the board and means businesses must seek productivity gains to continue to offset high fuel prices and to remain operating . Investment in digital transformation , in particular solutions that capture and manage real-time , high-quality data from multiple sources , can help businesses unlock efficiencies and adapt operations rapidly to prevailing conditions .
Data dexterity is powering innovation as electrification and automation rollout continues .
As a general trend , the effective collection , analysis , management , and application of data has driven diverse use cases , covering everything from route planning and demand analysis to companies ’ ability to integrate with the wider transport and logistics ecosystem . The sheer amount of data being generated is daunting for most organizations and making this into actionable data is critical . The prolific data spawned by the increase of electrification across road , rail , air , and maritime transportation requires careful handling , analysis , and dissemination to optimize performance and customer service .
Organizations using legacy technology are struggling to extract data from siloes – with some of them unable to access it at all . This will highlight the need for solutions that work with legacy tech but also unlock the power of the data within the business , making it more accessible and agile to power modern use cases and inform decision-making .
The evolution of Mobility-asa-Service ( MaaS ) continues .
MaaS offers new solutions for personal mobility using a mix of public and thirdparty transport options unified into a single
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