August 2018CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM8MICHAEL LÜTJANN, CIO, IMPERIAL LOGISTICS he rapid progress being made in information technology (IT) and the process of digital transformation emerging from this, are having an effect on every department at logistics companies. Using IT has long since become a feature that logistics specialists use to set themselves apart from their rivals. Digital processes in networking and linking those involved in supply chains will become even more important in the value-creation networks of the future and they will make a major contribution to the success of logistics services. However, digitalising logistics processes does not just involve integrating those involved to a greater degree, i.e. networking, but it is more about mapping business processes in IT-managed workflows right across the company. Customers require valid data about individual logistics processes or transport stages so as to be able to derive key business management performance indicators.Digitalisation is much more than just transferring analogue data into a digital format, a process that started many years ago­for example, in the case of an electronic file for individual consignments and transport operations. An electronic file allows automated quality checks when it replaces paper documents. It maps business processes for each individual consignment in a workflow that is completely digital.The second example of the earlier digital generation involves apps; they are used so that all those involved in a logistics project can manage complex processes. Just imagine that a fashion store commissions a service provider to completely furnish an outlet­ranging from the carpet to the mannequins in the shop window and even the shelves. The supplier knows that it must not supply the shelves before the carpet. The individual stages for those involved­i.e. the transport company, the tradesmen, the suppliers­are all synchronised with the help of an app. Photos can be taken of any damaged furniture items on a smartphone when they are delivered and sent to the claims adjuster via the app. These are examples where IT tools increase efficiency and the speed of service, reduce error rates and simplify communications.However, the latest version of digitalisation has set in motion a more radical process of change in the world of logistics than the digitalisation of what were formerly analogue procedures, as mentioned above. Established models, process and value-added structures are undergoing a fundamental change. Enormous TMichael Lütjannin my opinionHow Recent Technology Developments and Transformations in the Logistics and Supply Chain Industry are Impacting your Business Environment
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