Due to the fast transition of the global supply chain sector to a digital platform, the conventional freight forwarder has lately been overtaken. This leads to the so-called digital freight forwarders, which use their own designed platform to instantly link shippers and carriers, facilitating the connection between a carrier and a shipper.
Furthermore, for a more customer-centric approach, this platform allows clients to book deliveries or shipments directly via mobile devices. In today's article, we'll look at the function of digital freight forwarders and why it is the future of the whole supply chain.
1. What precisely is digital freight forwarding?
A digital freight forwarder, by definition, utilizes digital tools to facilitate easy communication and provide status updates on each shipment on a timely basis. A digital freight forwarder uses a totally transparent system to compare numerous shippers and deliver the best rate to clients. It attempts to eliminate paperwork by producing, uploading, and distributing all documents on the online platform, allowing all stakeholders fast access.
2. The current status of the digital freight forwarding platform
While digital freight forwarders are rather new, the notion of a business that directly communicates to a service provider, such as apartment rent, or temporary housing, is nothing strange. Such firms, whether it is Airbnb or Uber, have effectively established themselves in their respective areas and attracted significant investor interest in public markets.
When digital freight forwarders joined the logistics market and began competing against traditional logistics providers, the story did not change much. With its Uber Freight endeavor, Uber also moved into the logistics business, not just in the United States, but also in Canada and Europe, pushing the digital freight forwarder movement into what appeared to be overdrive.
Investment in logistics start-ups, especially digital freight forwarders, has increased dramatically in recent years.
Same to the way Uber and Grab has invaded the transportation industry, the digital freight forwarder is forecasted to dominate the logistic industry soon.
3. Why digital freight forwarder is the future of logistics?
As competition drives innovation, the emergence of digital freight forwarders prompted and gave a convincing cause for traditional freight forwarders to digitalize. Here are some reasons why digital freight forwarder is the future of logistics.
A. Process automation
First, the technology enables the increase of data analysis and its systematization. It simplifies the process of paperwork and automates logistics activities. This is especially crucial when 67.4% of supply chain managers already use Excel spreadsheets as their primary data-management tool. When working with big arrays and many deliveries, this raises the potential for computation mistakes. Additionally, the delivery of several stock-keeping units (SKUs), particularly on busy days, can dramatically alter the delivery schedule and cost. Digital freight forwarders enhance data and record management by employing AI to handle and analyze massive data volumes. Intelligent neural networks optimize delivery by determining the most effective routes and taking traffic and other variables into consideration. Automated package management using auto-dispatch systems permits optimal, on-time, and cost-effective organization of shipments.
B. Enhanced data analysis
The second benefit is a direct result of the first since Big Data analysis in Logistics and freight enables such systems to do predictive analytics and maintenance. AI algorithms monitor the present status of supply chain systems, the loading of transport lines, and the condition of delivery service equipment, in addition to assessing data on cargo transit and consumer activity peaks. Thus, they are able to anticipate potential difficulties, the timing of essential infrastructure repairs and maintenance, and a spike in demand for transportation services. Then, businesses amass transport resources in points of highest load and recruit extra professionals for freight transportation. This is accomplished mostly via the use of technology like Telematics and ELD software.
C. Improved final-mile delivery
The most important benefit of freight forwarding solutions is that they aid in resolving last-mile delivery issues. Even the most advanced algorithms are incapable of precisely calculating the resources required to transport items to consumers' homes, particularly in rural locations. Due to the inefficiencies of supply chains in the final mile, delivery times and expenses are significantly increased. AI systems enable the calculation of the most efficient routes for vehicles, the cost reduction, and the efficient use of extra instruments, such as bots and delivery drones. This synchronizes the efforts of big carriers with those of local delivery services and automated centers, creating an efficient framework for the quickest, and most profitable cargo transportation.
Final thoughts
Digital freight forwarding solutions significantly optimize logistics supply chains, enhance the effectiveness of delivery services, cut costs, and guarantee optimal infrastructure usage. The technology enhances processes for dealing with data, using predicted analytics to aid in the prevention of issues. In addition, it offers maximum data security and delivery workflow transparency. If you like to maximize your potential in the sector of Logistics, please contact VNEXT Global - an expert in the creation of digital transformation solutions in logistics for further consultation.
If you are looking for a trusted IT partner, VNEXT Global is the ideal choice. With 14+ years of experience, we surely can help you to optimize your business digitalization within a small budget and short time. Currently, we have 400+ IT consultants and developers in Mobile App, Web App, System Development, Blockchain Development and Testing Services. We have provided solutions to 600+ projects in several industries for clients worldwide. We are willing to become a companion on your way to success. Please tell us when is convenient for you to have an online meeting to discuss this further. Have a nice day!
Author: Chi Vo - Content Marketing Executive
