Logistics facilities are bustling hubs of activity, and tracking and accounting for all of that movement—from trucks to people to materials—is no small feat. To keep operations running smoothly, there are systems and processes you can put in place that save time and resources. It’s likely that you’re already using some, if not all, of these tools.
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for day-to-day operations
- Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for route planning, scheduling, and more
- Inventory Management Systems (IMS) for monitoring stock levels
- Barcoding and RFID Technology for security and inventory
But there are some overlooked areas of the business that could still benefit from a digital overhaul.
Tech Tools That Inspire Innovation
While most tools are designed to get you through your day-to-day operations, there are many different options available to you that will help you expand your business, possibly in different ways than you have previously imagined. Consider how many processes within your organization still rely on manual, pen-and-paper data entry, for example. This can leave your data vulnerable to confusion, errors, and loss, not to mention possible compliance frustrations when auditors come calling and information is not readily available. Try out some of these emerging or expanding tech tools to maximize operational performance.
Artificial Intelligence
No matter where you go or what kind of media you consume, you’ll likely encounter mentions of artificial intelligence (AI) and how experts expect it to revolutionize various industries. 
Because it’s advancing at such a rapid pace, it’s somewhat jarring to realize that this is the worst version of AI we will ever live with. We won’t always be able to identify an AI image simply because the people in it have way too many fingers. It will only continue to get better and more capable of innovation—and mimicry. While there are certainly reasons to be wary of AI, there are also just as many reasons to embrace it:
- It can automate mundane tasks like data aggregation and analysis, creating more efficiency.
- Implementation has already led to advancements in the healthcare field, making us less vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses.
- Using AI-generated models can prepare us for potential safety issues.
- Businesses that leverage AI can more easily streamline operations, allowing them to strategize better.
- And, of course, the advent of AI will inevitably lead to new and different kinds of jobs.
While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, it builds on the previously implemented AI processes in various industries, showcasing some much-anticipated innovations. In a 2024 trends report, DHL forecasts that AI, and its responsible and ethical use, will be a major topic of discussion in logistics due to its crucial role in supply chain operations.
Experts at MIT Sloan detail the challenges AI can solve specifically in your industry:
“AI technologies are poised to solve many challenges faced in logistics…These include:
- Fragmented supply chains and the need to connect networks to optimize and drive better outcomes.
- Market volatility, particularly changes in pricing and disruptions in services.
- Safety concerns, including those related to COVID-19, driver safety, and digital fraud.
- The impact that trucking and freight have on climate change.”
Internet of Things
If your facility has a higher security posture, you’re likely already using RFID technology—possibly from our partner, Radiant—to authorize users to enter certain areas of the building. However, if you’re not also utilizing other devices in the Internet of Things (IoT), you’re missing key opportunities for automation and security. 
The IoT plays an ever-expanding role in business, especially in logistics. It allows sellers to provide real-time tracking information to customers, helps monitor fuel levels and engine performance in delivery vehicles, and improves supply chain visibility. There are sensors, GPS trackers, cameras, and more. All of these devices are designed to connect to different software and to each other, improving and streamlining operations across the board.
Robots!
There’s a persistent human fascination with robots in the media (movies, television, and music). We’ve long been promised they would be able to automate thousands of human tasks, like cooking us dinner, cleaning the house, and easily bringing us to our destinations. 
While this Jetson-esque dream has yet to become a reality, we do use robots in all kinds of ways:
- In healthcare, robots can dispense medications, perform certain medical procedures, and help rehabilitate patients.
- In the service industry, robots can bring food to guests, clean, and even cook.
- The military has been using armed drones since 2001.
In the logistics industry, robots can stock shelves, pull merchandise, conduct inventory, and more.
So, while robots don’t do our laundry (yet!), their contribution to the logistics industry, in particular, has made operations more efficient and cost-effective despite the initial investment required to get up and running.
These types of tech are the foundation for many other solutions out there: Automatic retrieval systems, data analytics, predictive maintenance systems, and more all use at least one of these three building blocks. If AI, robots, and drones seem a little out of reach for your operation, that’s okay! You can still run a successful operation without them.
Visitor Management in Logistics
Many logistics facilities must adhere to strict regulations, and any visitors you might receive must go through certain procedures to help you maintain compliance. For example, OSHA has many safety requirements for workplaces, especially ones that use heavy machinery. To ensure your facility is always in compliance, a visitor management system like The Receptionist for iPad can help you:
- Have visitors watch safety training videos when they check in
- Send urgent communications to everyone in the building at once
- Maintain a digital visit log for specific visitor information
- Receive deliveries and loads from other facilities and record bills of lading
- Ensure drivers perform the necessary safety steps when they arrive
- And more
To learn how The Receptionist for iPad can help you streamline your operations, check out our product tour.
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