Robotics & Augmented Reality
This is where technology really begins to shine. Autonomous vehicles are already a thing, and are already making waves in the tech world, and we’re just a few steps away from not actually needing humans in vehicles at all in the transport sector.
While companies like Uber and Tesla have already been making strides in the automated truck world, and the expected number of autonomous vehicle sales hitting 12 million by 2035, that’s by no means where automation stops in the transport industry.
While commercial transport is the most thought about part of the transport industry, automation and robotics also make it possible for increased security and safety in hazardous conditions, such as mining operations, or delivering healthcare services in dangerous areas.
Augmented reality is already being used in warehouses, with camera operated systems being used to locate, move and prepare products in warehouses for delivery, without the need for a person to be present in the warehouse, and drone deliveries are around the corner.
While it is true that machines are certainly not a match for human intelligence, the combination of the two can bring about huge positive growth. There are many more technological advances that are making a difference in supply chain management in the transport industry.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as an inventory-tracking method
- Cybersecurity is improving and increasing to keep up with various systems
- Power management solutions, as autonomous vehicles gain popularity
- Data analytics is improving in order to keep up with market trends
How Does This Affect The Transport Supply Chain?
Supply chain management in the transport industry is the same as supply chain management in any other industry. What the rise of technology means, however, is that the links in the chain have changed slightly with the growth of the industry and the implementation of technology in so many areas.
The transport supply chain may always have consisted of auto dealerships, fuel suppliers, telecoms and communication providers, and while these still play an important role, there are other, new industries that come into play in the chain.
Software developers, mobile application vendors, cybersecurity experts, cloud providers, sensor manufacturers, and artificial intelligence specialists – all of these have been added to the supply chain as the transport industry grows with technology.
While this is certainly not a shattering change, supply chain managers need to make sure they are up to date with the latest technology, and are aware of how it affects operations. The supply chain is such an important part of business, and companies cannot afford to fall behind as the industry marches on.
Data is continuously being collected, analysed and used to find solutions, to improve operations and to stay ahead of the market. Supply chain managers will need to keep abreast of the trends, learn how tech and industry fits together and work out how to put the two together in the best way for their own companies.
While the steady momentum of technology is pushing the boundaries and accelerating growth at quite a rate in the transport industry, some might call it a disruptive change.
There is no doubt that some significant changes will need to be made as tech keeps expanding – traditional vehicle sales are likely to drop, certain jobs will be made redundant as artificial intelligence and robotics become more prominent, and compliance requirements will need to be looked at and rewritten as new tech becomes more advanced.
On the other side of the coin, the implementation of technology in supply chain management in the transport industry is keeping costs down, providing faster service, managing time, routes and inventory more effectively, and ensuring that the customer-business relationship is closer than ever.
There are two ways to look at the tech revolution we’re currently experiencing – as a disruptive force, or as an opportunity for growth. Technology is not going away any time soon – so let’s take this opportunity and watch as the industry continues to grow in big ways.