The global supply chain is like a lifeline for businesses. It supports everything from the products we buy to the services we use.
However, challenges raised in recent years have shown how fragile it can be. With the rise of technology, customers want more, and a pandemic like COVID-19 shifted things the way they were.
Now, every business, especially transportation companies in Australia, is putting more effort into being more flexible and overcoming the challenges that come the way of the supply chain.
Top Trends Shaping the Global Supply Chain
Digital Transformation
Digital technologies are entirely changing the way the supply chain operates. Take a look at a few modern-day technologies in the Global Supply Chain.
IoT: IoT– Internet of Things. Shipment tracking is not a new technology, but accurate shipment tracking is indeed a new technology. No more lags and problems of delay tracking. With advanced technology, businesses and customers can know the exact location of their shipments. For example, a reputed interstate transport company in Brisbane uses IoT to track precise shipment locations across the country.
AL & ML: AL– Artificial intelligence & ML — Machine Learning. These technologies are like super smart assistance for your businesses. These technologies can help in route planning, predicting upcoming demand for products, and keeping inventory track records.
AI-powered softwares allows companies to make quick and smart decisions. It saves time and reduces overall costs.
Blockchain: Consider blockchain as a digital ledger. It keeps a record of every transaction secure in the supply chain. It enhances transparency, and transparency builds trust, especially in food and pharmaceutical companies.
These technological advancements are making the supply chain more efficient and transparent.
Automation & Robotics
Automation is no longer a choice, as labour costs are rising and demand for speed is increasing. Following is the breakdown of how we are handling goods.
Automated Warehouses: Automated robots are used to move items around the warehouse quickly and safely. For example, Amazon’s Kiva robot helped the rapid picking process and ensured seamless, faster deliveries.
If you are looking for a cheap warehouse in Australia, automation can make these spaces more efficient.
Drones & Autonomous Vehicles: Some reputable product delivery companies are testing advanced drones, robots and self-driving vehicles for autonomous delivery. This technology can make delivery possible in hard-to-reach areas without impacting human lives.
Sustainability & Green Supply Chain
Now, more and more businesses are becoming aware of how important it is to save our planet. This shift is encouraging businesses to make their production and delivery of each process environment-friendly.
It starts with cutting carbon emissions and utilising eco-friendly packaging.
Green Logistics: Green logistics is all about encouraging smarter and cleaner transportation. Companies are investing more in electric vehicles and rethinking delivery routes. So they can cut the use of fuel and make less of an impact on the environment.
Solar-powered warehouses are another step businesses take to make the supply chain environment-friendly.
Circular Supply Chain: This supply chain focuses on giving products a new life. Instead of increasing waste by throwing it, businesses can give a new life to it. More focus is given to the reuse and recycling concept. This not only eliminates waste but also saves money in the long run.
If you are searching for a warehouse for rent in Brisbane, then consider one that’s built with sustainability objectives.
Resilience and Risk Management
In the past few years, businesses have faced many challenges, including the pandemic, political conflict and natural disasters. These unexpected and uncontrollable events have shown how important it is to build a flexible and stronger supply chain.
Now, businesses are more focused on keeping themself diversifying and staying adaptable.
Diversifying Suppliers: Diversifying suppliers is like having a backup plan. Companies are eliminating their dependency on one supplier. They are expanding their sourcing network by contacting various suppliers in different regions. It not only helps get competitive pricing but also helps get products on time without delay.
Better Supply Chain Visibility: It’s like having a bird’s eye view. With real-time data and advanced tools, businesses can see and resolve problems before they create any trouble in the supply chain. Better visibility allows them to address the problem early and reduces the chances of potential damage.
On top of that, finding an affordable warehouse for lease in Sydney can be a smart move for companies.
E-Commerce & Customer-Centric Supply Chain
We all get used to quicker and more convenient delivery with the rise of online shopping trends. This shift is forcing companies to make their product delivery more convenient and secure.
Flexible Delivery Options: Businesses are moving one step ahead. Nowadays, people can choose whether they want their product delivered to their doorstep, picked up from a store or any locker. Customer’s choices are prioritised. This is referred to as Omnichannel Fulfillment.
Faster Delivery: Customers want same-day or next-day delivery. Although this is quite tough, companies are doing their best to make it happen. How? They adopted a simple strategy – look for a small warehouse for rent near the location of their consumer’s residence and use advanced and smart technologies to ensure timely and secure delivery.
Conclusion
There are a number of changes occurring in the global supply chain. To keep up with the changes, businesses need to be flexible and adapt new technologies to meet customer demands. Automation and robots are making material handling more efficient. Businesses are searching for warehouses near their customer’s locations to meet the demand for speedy delivery.
Connect with Aussie Trident Group for big or small warehouses for rent in Australia. We have warehouses for all businesses in major cities.