Numbers and Trends in Logistics

Logistics and e-commerce

Since last year, distribution chains have been challenged by a significant increase in online orders and those companies that have sought to optimize their sales systems with a fast and effective delivery service, have been able to develop their own business more quickly. A 2017 study, drawn up by Geodis, showed that 57% of the entrepreneurs surveyed believed that the increase in the turnover of their companies was due to the advantages offered by the efficiency of the distribution chains. From these data, it is easy to understand how the development of the sector linked to the sale of goods online passes through the synergy between companies and shipping services activities, with significant development prospects for both sectors.

I Advantages of Artificial Intelligence Applied to Logistics

In recent years, the sector has evolved by combining innovative chain automation systems, which are able to optimize the sorting and delivery processes of goods through sophisticated algorithms, with a considerable saving of time and resources. In this sense the reduction of the risk associated with human error is no less important: artificial intelligence will play a key role in the development of the sector in the coming years.Equally significant is the use of Machine Learning, or those machines capable of automatically learning from the operations they are required to perform and therefore capable of acquiring decision-making autonomy. In this way, supply chains will soon be able to improve forecast accuracy by 10-20%, reduce costs by 5% and increase revenues by approximately 2-3%.

Leaner and more flexible companies in the future of logistics

Another fundamental point through which the development of companies passes is linked to the theme of improving and optimizing activities, namely the need for leaner and more flexible structures, capable of intercepting changes, market needs and absorbing their impact. 19.7% of executives operating in distribution chains identify the streamlining of procedures and the flexibility of the company structures as the key turning points for achieving high levels of efficiency in a short time. A solution in this sense seems to be offered by the possibility of entering into agreements with local entrepreneurs to encourage the opening of franchises dedicated to logistics, able to customize services and create a distribution network capable of adapting to local area needs.

Franchising in the logistics sector, between strategic role and business opportunity

In a globalized world strongly oriented towards online purchases, commercial exchanges now concern not only large chains but also private buyers. Goods travel at ever increasing rhythms and volumes, in contexts and areas that are also very different from each other both from a geographical and political point of view. The franchised service centers affiliated with large Logistics companies have been able to play a fundamental role in the growth of national and international markets, intercepting the needs of customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, acting as a reference point for the territory in which they operate.Franchising also represents an interesting opportunity for those local entrepreneurs who want to become part of the sector's growth and development process as protagonists. In fact, becoming a point of reference for distribution chains allows you to start your own business with the support of consulting teams of large groups, capable of guiding new activities with marketing campaigns, training programs and dedicated support in a relationship of collaboration that benefits both parties.

Sustainability and Attention to the Environment

Among the main logistics trends for the next few years, the theme of eco-sustainability is of great importance. Millions of tons of goods traveling from one end of the world to another, in fact, constitute a highly impacting element on the environment. In the race to reach the goal of Zero Emissions by 2050, companies in the sector therefore play a leading role. A recent report by the Boston Consulting Group also highlights how 70% of consumers are willing to pay up to 5% more for their goods as long as they are made with sustainable packaging and procedures.The challenge of the future is increasingly to optimize transport and resources by creating an increasingly widespread distribution network that responds to the needs of local contexts. This is why MBE is at the side of those who want to take this opportunity and start a new business by opening a franchising in the logistics sector, taking advantage of the support of a team of experts and the potential of a rapidly growing global market.