It is obvious: the logistics market keeps on developing. But companies are increasingly having to make an effort to keep up. Because these developments are also accelerating. It was only 2020 when we became acquainted with logistics 4.0, part of the fourth industrial revolution. The market has gained momentum and we are about to enter a new era. Logistics 5.0. But what does this new era mean? And how can you keep up with the accelerated developments in the market?

Logistics is nothing new. The origin of logistics lies in the military. The Romans already organized supplies for their armies. The term "logistics" came from Napoleon. There the “Maréchal de Logis” (Marshal) was the man who sought shelter for the troops. Since the 1960s, the importance of transport has only increased, nationally and internationally.
Today, logistics is all about anticipating the future and improvements and innovations are still being implemented.

Logistics 4.0: Innovation, connectivity and the future

Earlier we wrote a blog about logistics 4.0 combined with industry 4.0. Then we only half knew what to expect. Logistics 4.0 was a connected industry of different digital technologies. Think about Business Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Big Data.
The industry struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. From a lack of materials and raw materials to a shortage of personnel. But it was precisely these limitations that forced the industry to use resources more economically. To look for alternatives. To be able to do more with fewer people. Technology and the use of data proved to be a bull's eye. Logistics 4.0 was a fact.
Meanwhile, the digital transformation of logistics 4.0 is already coming to an end. The COVID-19 pandemic helped fuel a number of Industry 4.0 implementation initiatives. The industry struggled to overcome supply chain constraints: doing more with fewer people and improving automation.

Logistics 5.0 picks up where 4.0 stops, and takes digitization further. Together with knowledge and sustainability.

Logistics 5.0: Human factor, resilience and durability

Logistics 4.0 is complemented by the three characteristics of logistics 5.0: the human factor, resilience and sustainability. 5.0 brings 4.0 together, all digital ecosystems are combined with human power. Priority is given to integrating the environment with technological innovations.
The collaboration of robots with human workers in warehouses is an example of this: where robotization was central in 4.0, collaboration with the human factor is central in 5.0. Employees are a long-term investment, and their well-being and education play an important role. We go one step further: technology is being adapted to the needs and demands of employees. In 4.0 the step was made to technology, and now we are taking it a step further.
But artificial intelligence and big data are not forgotten either. In your warehouse you collect a lot of invaluable data. Learn how to use and analyze this data and find the bottlenecks in your own supply chain process. Find your improvements based on your own data.

“Logistics is changing. Nobody knows what these changes will look like, but you have to make sure you can join. Otherwise you will be sidelined pretty quickly.” - Tom Lems, project manager IT at Hudig & Veder

How you can make logistics 5.0 a success

A complete transition to a new era is not something that just happen. The first step is knowing what to expect. The second step is determining where you want to go. You can choose to discover and defy logistics 5.0 for yourself. But you can also choose to participate in the Boltrics peloton. With the industry standard, you are always up-to-date and assured that you are provided with the right industry-specific tools to help you grow. Think of the right tools to analyze data. Or take Hudig&Veder, who work with the industry standard within their global organization, but with their own twist. This makes them future-proof and always ready for developments.

With Elevate-IT you are ready for the future, and for logistics 5.0. But also for 6.0 and 7.0.

Would you like to know more about how 3PL Dynamics can help you move forward? Mail to info@elevate-it.be.