Multi-channel retailing, predictive purchasing, and transacting through universal payment models are among the most significant logistics trends to watch out for, according to a new logistics report.
DHL’s second edition of its “Logistics Trend Radar” introduces upcoming trends and sketches a future landscape that can help logistics professionals prepare better for what lies ahead.
“The logistics industry is undergoing rapid and profound changes,” said Matthias Heutger, senior vice president for strategy, marketing, and development at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “With the Logistics Trend Radar, we created a dynamic tool, inspiring us and others to derive innovative solutions in the world of logistics.”
The new trends the report highlights include “omni-channel logistics,” where different offline and online shopping channels are integrated using interactive eTags and where social media and mobile devices converge.
Another emerging practice is “anticipatory logistics,” which uses big data analysis of customer product searches, shopping histories, wish-lists, and even cursor movements in order to send a shipment even before the customer places an order.
A third big development is “crypto payment.” This involves using universal payment systems that allow global cross-currency payments to clear in seconds, support any unit of value (frequent flyer miles, mobile minutes, etc.), and make room for new pricing models, such as via micropayments.
The Trend Radar report serves as a “panoramic 360-degree view” across the whole breadth of the logistics landscape. “We combine our comprehensive expertise with input from academia and other partners,” said Markus Kückelhaus, director of trend research at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “The Logistics Trend Radar is the ideal starting point for logistics professionals wanting to prepare their business for future challenges.”
Photo: Intel Free Press
