Digital strategies, sustainability, securing the workforce rank as top issues

Global logistics and transport firm DHL ranks digital strategies, sustainability, and a push to train and develop workers for a technologically sophisticated work environment as some of the top issues facing the companies in the logistics industry over the next few years, according to the recently released fifth edition of its Logistics Trend Radar.

The report analyzes insights from more than 20,000 logistics professionals and technology experts that have visited DHL’s Innovations Centers over the last two years, the company said. Published in late September, the report identifies 29 technology and social/business trends that will shape what DHL calls the “transformative decade” ahead.

Preparing workers for a changing work environment is at the top of the list.

“The next big challenge will be future proofing the logistics workforce through training and upskilling in increasingly technologically sophisticated operations. This will take center stage on the strategic agendas of supply chain organizations in the years to come,” Matthias Heutger, senior vice president, global head of innovation & commercial development at DHL, said in a statement announcing the report’s findings. 

Digital transformation ranks high as well, an issue that has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, the authors said. 

“Covid-19 has driven changes regarding recent logistics innovation, automation, and digital work rapidly and has accelerated industry digitalization by years,” according to the report.

Sustainability is another top trend to watch.

“With governments, cities and solution providers [committed to cutting] down on CO2 emissions and waste, sustainability now is an imperative for the logistics industry,” the authors said. “Indicated by the increasing demand on sustainable solutions to reduce waste, leverage new propulsion techniques and optimize facilities, it is also on top of the supply chain agendas.”

The fifth edition DHL Logistics Trend Radar is available for free download.