Adapting Digital Approaches in Logistics

Major Challenges and Trends Impacting the Logistics Industry

The logistics industry is indeed in the midst of a transformative phase. Here, you can highlight, in my opinion, three areas – digitalization of services, including AI usage, decarbonization of transport and drivers. But let me focus on the first area – digitalization.

Digitalization of services is foremost, setting a new standard in the industry. Companies are adopting digital platforms that provide real-time updates and streamlined service delivery to meet the demands of tech-savvy customers. For instance, Girteka is utilizing digital solutions, including RTV, to offer customers transparency and control over their logistics processes, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.

Another perspective within digitalization is optimizing internal processes., aiming to enhance efficiency and productivity. Organizations are adopting methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to facilitate this and also implementing solutions to optimize and automatize internal processes. For example, we at Girteka have been recently adapting SAP solutions that define completely different approaches and possibilities.

Lastly, AI usage in planning is becoming a cornerstone in the industry, helping in optimizing routes and predicting potential disruptions in the supply chain before they happen. And here, to be honest, we are far ahead of our competitors. We are already using in practice AI tools to manage the fleet and plan routes.

Major Predicaments in the Logistics Industry

A significant concern in the logistics industry today is the shortage of drivers, a situation exacerbated by increasing demands in e-commerce and transport services. Many industry leaders, including Girteka, are taking significant steps to address this, not just through attractive benefits packages but also by focusing on different geographies to attract new drivers.

In terms of decarbonization and usage of alternative fuels and trucks, the main concern is infrastructure. It is about evolving to support the surge in demands while maintaining efficiency and reliability – those discussions are now going on. We, as Girteka, are proactively part of this transformation, testing and finding the best solutions that combine sustainable goals with a business perspective.

In sum, the logistics industry is navigating through a phase where it is about harmonizing efficiency and growth with sustainability and responsibility, fostering a path that ensures profitability while honouring a commitment to a greener and sustainable future. This complex yet vital balancing act is indeed a central theme in shaping the future trajectories of the logistics industry.

Latest Project Some of the Technological and Process Elements Leveraged to Make the Project Successful

The latest project I have been involved in is deeply reflective of the industry’s rapidly evolving landscape, where technology and strategic collaboration are central.

To start off, AI usage in planning routes has been a game changer. We’ve leveraged AI technology to optimize route planning, ensuring not just efficiency in terms of time and fuel consumption but also reducing the environmental footprint and minimizing errors. For instance, by analyzing vast arrays of data, we are able to predict traffic patterns and adjust routes in real time, a strategy that has proven to be both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

An essential part of the project was giving due importance to estimations and their relevance compared to the real situation. It was about aligning predictions with on-ground realities, which involved close monitoring of various metrics and continually adapting the solution based on real-time feedback.

A vital component that facilitated the success of the project is constant cooperation with the provider and flexibility in adapting solutions to meet the business needs.

Lastly, the constant verification based on data gathered, thanks to the scale of the fleet, stood as the backbone of our strategy. Leveraging the extensive fleet, we were able to continually verify and validate our solution, ensuring that it is not just theoretically sound but proven to be effective in real-world scenarios, hence ensuring a process that was grounded in reality and effectiveness.

Exciting Technological Trends in the Logistics Industry

Certainly, the trajectory of technological advancements in the logistics industry presents a future that is both exciting and promising.

"Digitalization of services is foremost, setting a new standard in the industry"

One of the most compelling developments is the emergence of fully automated planning solutions. This evolution towards automation promises a scenario where logistics operations are optimized to levels previously unimaginable. Leveraging deep learning and AI, these solutions could potentially forecast disruptions and automatically reroute shipments, ensuring efficiency and timely deliveries. Moreover, they create a system that is not just responsive but anticipatory, setting a new standard in logistical planning.

The second area that interests me is autonomous trucks. While we are still in the early stages, the potential impact it holds for the industry is colossal. It presents an opportunity to significantly reduce operational costs and enhance safety measures. Especially when we are facing a drivers’ shortage; moreover, it signifies a future where logistics is not just about transport but synchronized technology and sustainability, a vision that we, as Girteka, are with hope watching.

A Brief Overview of Your Career Path

I started at Girteka as a trainee, and within two months, I was already handling export planning. I stayed in the planning division for seven years, moving up from a planner to a division manager. During that time, we started using Lean methods to make our work more efficient, which I really enjoyed.

My work caught the eye of the transport process division, and they asked me to join them. I started as a process manager and later became a group manager. Now, I’ve been running the division for three years, managing all transport processes. Soon, I’ll hit my 14-year mark at Girteka. It’s been a straightforward but rewarding climb, and I’m focused on what comes next.

Adapting to the Industry

In the 14 years I’ve been here, a lot has changed. We’ve gone from Euro 3 to Euro 6 emissions standards, introduced smart tachographs, dealt with the mobility package, and integrated RPA and telematics. We’ve even moved on to AI for planning and routing. Both Girteka and I have been focused on working more efficiently and meeting these new demands. I’ve grown personally, improved my skills, and become a better leader. As our CEO says, the company only grows if the employees grow, so I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon.