Within the shipping and logistics industry, several processes are essential to proper operations. Autonomous logistics management is an integral part of the process and includes many use cases applied to practically any niche within the market today. With the healthy growth of e-commerce, industrial automation processes are essential. Here are five such use cases that managers need to be aware of heading into 2021 as they embrace automation.
Digital freight matching and load management.
When managing freight mechanics and shipping logistics, especially for larger fleets, supply chain leaders need to embrace autonomous logistics management practices for digital freight matching and end-to-end load management. One of the great benefits of automation and digitization is how these practices help improve freight matching and load creations. Consolidated loads, less travel time, fewer wasted trips, better fuel and shipping efficiency, and faster shipments are all benefits of logistic automation.
There will always be opportunities for improvement along the supply chain. And it continues through data applications. Ongoing data collection and analysis provide a road map to help freight and logistic managers make the most of every order, every load, and every truck. In a sense, that’s the real value of digital freight matching itself.
Automated exception management for more advanced problems
Another way the power of automation can help with shipping platforms is through faster and more informed responses to problems and issues using exception management algorithms. Autonomous logistics management practices make it easier to spot and react to situations without interfering in actual work. Of course, it is essential to remember that an immediate move to full automation is not always required. Making moves now to use the combined forces of human and machine power will make it easier to adapt to the industry’s changes.
Decreased denial of freight damage claims
There will always be the occasional issue and the random problem that comes about, despite the best efforts to keep things running smoothly. By embracing use cases and taking autonomous logistics management seriously, managers can help reduce damage claims and lower the fees and costs associated with them. Saving money with automated processes and agile supply chain service can make transportations more profitable. When claims do arise, automated reporting and filing of claims save time and money.
Faster freight settlement when issues arise during shipping
Delays will happen regardless of the best attempts to streamline operations. Dealing with shipping delays, dwell time issues, and load and offload issues need to be addressed as soon as possible. Autonomous logistics management can make a world of difference when it comes to freight settlement. Faster, more data-driven settlement processes result in a shortening of the payment clock and build additional rapport with B2B partners. That can save time and money in the short-term and long-term.
Push notifications to avoid miscommunications/delays
Using the data collected using autonomous logistics management practices will be influential and beneficial for logistic managers in the coming year. It is all about clear communication and fast response times by using the data that is collected efficiently. According to Inbound Logistics, “You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Implement processes and telematics solutions that provide measurable data and consistent utilization, including performance metrics and scheduled maintenance. Collecting data and implementing intelligent warehouse solutions connect your entire fleet and identify issues such as hidden costs.”
When those costs occur, it’s imperative to see and act upon the data. An example of this practical use case for automation within the supply chain and logistics system is push notifications. This simple, powerful application can help avoid miscommunications, reduce delays, and improve collaborations. No matter how big or small the chain or network, autonomous logistics management that uses push notifications will be a significant force in 2021.
Source: https://cerasis.com/autonomous-logistics-management/