Logistics 4.0 is one of the digital changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and is fundamental to raising the level of logistics in a business.
With customers increasingly demanding of the product delivery process, it is necessary to implement logistics strategies that take advantage of the benefits of technology to offer a high-performance service.
In this article, we explain the concept of logistics 4.0, its evolution, the impact it has on your business, the main advantages of implementing it, the most commonly used technologies and the role of ERP in this process. Check it out!
What is Logistics 4.0?
Logistics 4.0 represents an advance on the traditional method, modified to improve productivity, efficiency, profitability and convenience. It helps to optimize logistics processes (transport, warehousing and stock) and, with this, it is possible to increase operational performance.
Through computerization, automated systems replace outdated tools and begin to operate in an integrated and interconnected manner, simplifying the company's daily activities and improving operations.
In short, Logistics 4.0 combines the fundamental principles of traditional logistics, but with different components, such as containers, vehicles, pallets and intelligent transportation systems. These elements build an automated supply flow, operating in an interconnected way and creating a modern and practical operating environment.
Fourth Industrial Revolution and Logistics 4.0
The Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 uses concepts of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing. The focus is on improving the efficiency and productivity of processes.
This is the age of information and super-connected data, which, leveraged by new technologies, has brought about transformations in the most diverse sectors of industry.
And finally, Logistics 4.0, which began in 1980 and is still around. Its main points are: supply chain management, logistics strategies to gain market prominence and process integration through technology.
What impact does Logistics 4.0 have on your company?
The primary objective of Logistics 4.0 is to modernize the entire business operation, from strategic planning to inventory management, through the use of technologies that improve the supply flow of raw materials, products in process and end products to meet customer demands.
This concept applies to small, medium and large companies. By implementing Logistics 4.0, process automation becomes more agile, simple and practical and the organization enjoys benefits such as:
The advantages of Logistics 4.0
It's a fact that technology offers numerous advantages for the company and, consequently, for all organizational sectors. It's no different with Logistics 4.0. Implementing it is an excellent competitive strategy and its main benefits are:
Real-time data
Through a management system, the company can monitor data from all phases of the logistics process in real time, with the help of performance indicators. This information can be integrated into the organizational strategy so that managers can maintain continuous improvements.
This data can also be used to optimize planning, resulting in significant cost savings and increased operational efficiency.
Customer satisfaction
By implementing Logistics 4.0, the company is able to raise the level of operational efficiency and quality. This is due to investments in tools and technologies that optimize logistics processes, resulting in a reduction in the time needed for production, loading and distribution.
As a result, the product arrives more quickly, generating greater customer satisfaction, which is increasingly demanding with regard to the delivery time of a purchase.
Reduction in losses
By automating the entire logistics process, it is possible to reduce rework, losses, lost transport, damage and any other type of operational failure, which leads to increased organizational costs and customer dissatisfaction.
Efficiency
Logistics 4.0 generates operational efficiency in logistics processes, ensuring that goods reach retail shelves or customers' hands quickly. This is achieved by automating processes and integrating data, which allows managers to analyze each stage of the logistics chain in greater detail.
This makes it easier to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, helping to make the operation increasingly efficient.
Logistics 4.0's main technologies
As we mentioned earlier, Logistics 4.0 goes hand in hand with technological innovation, which improves the performance of all stages of the logistics process. The main technologies that can be implemented are listed below.
Internet of Things (IoT)
This aims to connect devices that are used via the internet. Some of them are already capable of operating in an automated way, following instructions defined by the systems.
Machine Learning
This is a technique that analyzes information automatically to create analytical models, allowing machines to learn and act completely autonomously.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI enables machines to make automatic decisions during processes, predict behavior and identify bottlenecks quickly, allowing corrective action to be taken without disrupting the process.
Big Data
This technology deals with large volumes of information and diverse data sets relevant to the logistics sector in order to provide a comprehensive strategic vision of the entire production chain.
Cloud computing
This is the virtualization of services through cloud technology, facilitating information management and enabling data to be collected, stored and made available more quickly and securely, regardless of location.
Sensors
Machines, production lines, internal conveyors and shelves are equipped with sensors that record product consumption data both on the production line and in stock. This information is sent instantly to a control center which monitors the entire system.
Simulators
The use of logistics simulators offers a number of advantages in both the planning and analysis of supply chains. Due to the high costs associated with logistics operations, simulators make it possible to evaluate different alternatives without causing negative impacts on the continuity of operations.
3D printers
3D printing technology is capable of manufacturing various types of parts in a short period of time and has various applications in the logistics area. This technology is an important tool for reducing costs and optimizing processes, resulting in an efficient chain that has a direct impact on the bottom line.
Robotics
Robotics quickly and accurately performs the most common tasks, such as product handling, boxing, palletizing and stacking. Robots are extremely useful for dealing with repetitive movements, which helps to optimize operations.
What role does ERP play in Logistics 4.0?
According to research carried out by IDG Research Services, companies that use the management system grow 35% faster and are 10% more productive than organizations that don't implement this technology.
For this reason, a management system is an essential technology for companies that want to be more efficient and optimize time in their organizational processes. It is also an excellent strategy in an increasingly competitive market.
ERP, Enterprise Resource Planning, unifies a company's various processes online and in the cloud, i.e. on remote servers. It doesn't need to be installed on a computer, which guarantees mobility, since it can be accessed from anywhere using any device connected to the internet.
ERP is already part of Industry 4.0, process intelligence and Logistics 4.0 itself. All the data collected in the company is grouped together and translated into a simple dashboard view.
This feature allows management to make quick and more strategic decisions, which facilitates the entire logistics process for a company, since the connection between employees, machinery and the network is immediate.
Sankhya's WMS
To help deal with the high volume of processes involved in managing a wholesale distributor, Sankhya developed its WMS (Warehouse Management System).
With it, you can monitor the entry and exit of products, depreciation and shelf life, storage space, operating costs, logistics, team management and other various company controls and indicators, such as branch, location, series, date, batch, size, color and others.
Sankhya's WMS supports managers and business owners in increasing staff productivity, improving performance in the use of equipment, making the whole process more agile, faster and integrating all warehouse activities, such as:
With customers increasingly demanding of the product delivery process, it is necessary to implement logistics strategies that take advantage of the benefits of technology to offer a high-performance service.
In this article, we explain the concept of logistics 4.0, its evolution, the impact it has on your business, the main advantages of implementing it, the most commonly used technologies and the role of ERP in this process. Check it out!
What is Logistics 4.0?
Logistics 4.0 represents an advance on the traditional method, modified to improve productivity, efficiency, profitability and convenience. It helps to optimize logistics processes (transport, warehousing and stock) and, with this, it is possible to increase operational performance.
Through computerization, automated systems replace outdated tools and begin to operate in an integrated and interconnected manner, simplifying the company's daily activities and improving operations.
In short, Logistics 4.0 combines the fundamental principles of traditional logistics, but with different components, such as containers, vehicles, pallets and intelligent transportation systems. These elements build an automated supply flow, operating in an interconnected way and creating a modern and practical operating environment.
Fourth Industrial Revolution and Logistics 4.0
The Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 uses concepts of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing. The focus is on improving the efficiency and productivity of processes.
This is the age of information and super-connected data, which, leveraged by new technologies, has brought about transformations in the most diverse sectors of industry.
And finally, Logistics 4.0, which began in 1980 and is still around. Its main points are: supply chain management, logistics strategies to gain market prominence and process integration through technology.
What impact does Logistics 4.0 have on your company?
The primary objective of Logistics 4.0 is to modernize the entire business operation, from strategic planning to inventory management, through the use of technologies that improve the supply flow of raw materials, products in process and end products to meet customer demands.
This concept applies to small, medium and large companies. By implementing Logistics 4.0, process automation becomes more agile, simple and practical and the organization enjoys benefits such as:
- Cost reduction;
- Digitalization of the logistics ecosystem;
- Creation of new business models and partnerships;
- Greater security, transparency and visibility in internal and external processes.
The advantages of Logistics 4.0
It's a fact that technology offers numerous advantages for the company and, consequently, for all organizational sectors. It's no different with Logistics 4.0. Implementing it is an excellent competitive strategy and its main benefits are:
Real-time data
Through a management system, the company can monitor data from all phases of the logistics process in real time, with the help of performance indicators. This information can be integrated into the organizational strategy so that managers can maintain continuous improvements.
This data can also be used to optimize planning, resulting in significant cost savings and increased operational efficiency.
Customer satisfaction
By implementing Logistics 4.0, the company is able to raise the level of operational efficiency and quality. This is due to investments in tools and technologies that optimize logistics processes, resulting in a reduction in the time needed for production, loading and distribution.
As a result, the product arrives more quickly, generating greater customer satisfaction, which is increasingly demanding with regard to the delivery time of a purchase.
Reduction in losses
By automating the entire logistics process, it is possible to reduce rework, losses, lost transport, damage and any other type of operational failure, which leads to increased organizational costs and customer dissatisfaction.
Efficiency
Logistics 4.0 generates operational efficiency in logistics processes, ensuring that goods reach retail shelves or customers' hands quickly. This is achieved by automating processes and integrating data, which allows managers to analyze each stage of the logistics chain in greater detail.
This makes it easier to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, helping to make the operation increasingly efficient.
Logistics 4.0's main technologies
As we mentioned earlier, Logistics 4.0 goes hand in hand with technological innovation, which improves the performance of all stages of the logistics process. The main technologies that can be implemented are listed below.
Internet of Things (IoT)
This aims to connect devices that are used via the internet. Some of them are already capable of operating in an automated way, following instructions defined by the systems.
Machine Learning
This is a technique that analyzes information automatically to create analytical models, allowing machines to learn and act completely autonomously.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI enables machines to make automatic decisions during processes, predict behavior and identify bottlenecks quickly, allowing corrective action to be taken without disrupting the process.
Big Data
This technology deals with large volumes of information and diverse data sets relevant to the logistics sector in order to provide a comprehensive strategic vision of the entire production chain.
Cloud computing
This is the virtualization of services through cloud technology, facilitating information management and enabling data to be collected, stored and made available more quickly and securely, regardless of location.
Sensors
Machines, production lines, internal conveyors and shelves are equipped with sensors that record product consumption data both on the production line and in stock. This information is sent instantly to a control center which monitors the entire system.
Simulators
The use of logistics simulators offers a number of advantages in both the planning and analysis of supply chains. Due to the high costs associated with logistics operations, simulators make it possible to evaluate different alternatives without causing negative impacts on the continuity of operations.
3D printers
3D printing technology is capable of manufacturing various types of parts in a short period of time and has various applications in the logistics area. This technology is an important tool for reducing costs and optimizing processes, resulting in an efficient chain that has a direct impact on the bottom line.
Robotics
Robotics quickly and accurately performs the most common tasks, such as product handling, boxing, palletizing and stacking. Robots are extremely useful for dealing with repetitive movements, which helps to optimize operations.
What role does ERP play in Logistics 4.0?
According to research carried out by IDG Research Services, companies that use the management system grow 35% faster and are 10% more productive than organizations that don't implement this technology.
For this reason, a management system is an essential technology for companies that want to be more efficient and optimize time in their organizational processes. It is also an excellent strategy in an increasingly competitive market.
ERP, Enterprise Resource Planning, unifies a company's various processes online and in the cloud, i.e. on remote servers. It doesn't need to be installed on a computer, which guarantees mobility, since it can be accessed from anywhere using any device connected to the internet.
ERP is already part of Industry 4.0, process intelligence and Logistics 4.0 itself. All the data collected in the company is grouped together and translated into a simple dashboard view.
This feature allows management to make quick and more strategic decisions, which facilitates the entire logistics process for a company, since the connection between employees, machinery and the network is immediate.
Sankhya's WMS
To help deal with the high volume of processes involved in managing a wholesale distributor, Sankhya developed its WMS (Warehouse Management System).
With it, you can monitor the entry and exit of products, depreciation and shelf life, storage space, operating costs, logistics, team management and other various company controls and indicators, such as branch, location, series, date, batch, size, color and others.
Sankhya's WMS supports managers and business owners in increasing staff productivity, improving performance in the use of equipment, making the whole process more agile, faster and integrating all warehouse activities, such as:
- Warehousing;
- Sorting (Lunging/Picking);
- Conferencing/check-out;
- Resupply;
- Handling;
- Labeling;
- Release for invoicing and much more.