Цифровизация логистики: тренды и перспективы 2023 года

Digitalization of logistics is the process that most actively influences the transformation of Russian transport companies today. The introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning by businesses, and the use of blockchain technologies are key solutions that help entrepreneurs minimize costs and improve service quality today. Kirill Rassadkin, CEO of "EuroTransExpedition," spoke about the main trends and prospects for using IT technologies to solve cargo delivery problems.

According to Pitchbook Data statistics, 80% of logistics operators partially or completely switched to a digital business management model in 2021. Of these, 86% of transport company managers in 2021 called information technology the best way to reduce costs. Today, the number of companies that recognize the importance of implementing IT technologies is even higher and is approaching 100% among market leaders. By 2023, smart warehouse management systems, tracking the movement of driver-forwarders, and monitoring the transportation process can increase the efficiency of cargo transportation by up to 30%, reducing delivery time by 20-40% and reducing logistics costs by 15-25%.

Application of Artificial Intelligence

One of the non-obvious trends in the digitalization of logistics is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict demand for cargo transportation and optimize delivery routes. Thanks to more detailed demand forecasting, logistics companies can promptly distribute available mobile equipment or transport to the necessary regions, thereby avoiding their shortage or useless downtime in a particular region. This is especially important in complex global supply chains. In addition, neural networks can help in building or optimizing logistics routes, monitoring the condition of the vehicle fleet, and predicting fuel consumption. Moreover, there are already a number of logistics companies on the market that employ real robot-declarants who are responsible for preparing declarations for goods for customs. In this case, employees only have to double-check the data entered by the robot.

Blockchain for long supply chains and IoT sensors

An equally important trend in the transportation industry is the development of blockchain technologies, which allow ensuring transparency and security of interaction between participants in the logistics chain. According to a Deloitte study, 59% of surveyed companies perceive this innovation as revolutionary, capable of transforming the economy and business processes of the company.

It is the introduction of blockchain technologies that allows logistics operators to increase the level of data storage reliability and transparency of access to it by times, which has become especially relevant with the widespread growth of cybercrime in Russia. The property of an immutable accounting electronic ledger to store all information about customers, goods, and customers without the ability to change or delete records from it - is fundamentally different from previous systems and greatly facilitates the elimination of any disagreements between counterparties.

IoT sensors are another important trend in digitalization. Today, they can be found in a wide variety of applications that contribute to improving quality and customer service - from tracking the location of goods in real time to monitoring temperature conditions and storage conditions.

Transition to electronic document management

The use of an electronic document management system (EDMS) has become a new trend in recent years. According to data from the Government of the Russian Federation, every year more than 50 thousand road freight carriers process about 3 billion transportation documents, and the costs of maintaining paper document management are more than 2% per year of the total logistics costs. At the same time, the cost of sending one paper document is about 100 rubles. It consists of the costs of printing, delivery, salaries of employees involved in document management. Given the total volume of paper waybills, these are huge costs that market participants bear today.

The EDMS system helps market participants reduce costs. However, this is not the only advantage of digital file exchange. Electronic document management is implemented several times faster than paper, which speeds up logistics processes as well. In addition, the use of this format of interaction with customers and partners allows the transport company to reduce the risk associated with the loss or incorrect transfer of documents.

Interaction with state authorities is also moving to EDMS. Since September 1, 2022, the GIS EPD - the state information system of electronic transportation documents - has been launched. In 2023, electronic waybills (e-waybills) can be used at will, and in 2024, the Ministry of Transport will begin the transition to the mandatory use of e-waybills - an industry imperative will be introduced. It will primarily concern the budgetary sphere, but private companies that participate in cargo transportation are also recommended to start switching to EPD in advance.

Prospects and problems

The global digitalization of the industry in the next 3-5 years will lead to a more efficient and transparent logistics chain, faster delivery of goods and lower logistics costs. The active exploitation of new technologies in the market, such as autonomous vehicles and drones for cargo delivery, is also likely. However, with the development of digital technologies, new threats may arise, such as cyberattacks and data leaks, which will require additional measures to ensure security in the logistics chain.

Equally important problems that the market is already facing are the shortage of qualified personnel who can work with new technologies. Of all Russian companies that currently have open IT vacancies, 61% cannot find a suitable specialist for a long time. Incompatibility of various systems and programs is another task that domestic businesses have to solve in 2023. The inconsistency of programs in the current situation makes it difficult to integrate digital technologies into logistics processes. The departure of foreign IT companies from the market also hinders accelerated digitalization, and not only insufficient funding for scientific research, but also the slow pace of development of the domestic IT infrastructure prevents domestic developers from catching up with foreign software.

Overcoming the existing difficulties will help the market to create standards and regulatory frameworks for interaction between participants in the logistics chain, take measures to develop IT infrastructure and improve the skills of personnel. Support for innovative projects and stimulating the development of domestic software manufacturers in this regard becomes an important factor in the digitalization of the logistics industry.