With governments issuing stay-at-home orders, countries are on a compulsive lockdown, aeroplanes industry grounded, the logistics and transportation industry undoubtedly has been one of the primary victims of COVID-19. From busses to airlines, the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a deadly blow on this sector.
Ironically, the logistics industry’s importance and the role have been more prevalent and it’s taking centre stage during this pandemic. The need to support the front liners, the urgent requirements of essential commodities, request for COVID-19 test kits, have all but emphasized their roles in supporting people in need in this period of crisis. This has made many businesses in the industry rethink their models in order to drive efficiencies, productivity and meet up with the demand. How have logistics companies played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19?
MTL Companies, a shipping and trucking company, dig deeper into how the logistics sector have been transformed during this COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 no doubt comes with service disruptions globally. Increased border controls, price increases, customs regulations, service delays and interruptions say experts of MTL Companies. Tech-enabled logistics companies have had to tackle these challenges by leveraging emerging technologies and the power of AI. Technologies like AI, big data, internet of things, automation, have been the core of investment required to automate and optimize operations. Therefore, there has been an increase in efficiency and continuity amidst uncertainties and disruptions. A few ways they are working with technology for work efficiencies include:
Real-time tracking and analysis which have been a game-changer in logistics. Knowing every step of a product and the location it is from the takeover to the point of the destination is a big bonus for both the buyer and the company. The fact that one has access to the best possible information as quickly as possible to increase satisfaction and prevent theft and delays, makes this technology more appealing.
Another thing is Artificial Intelligence (AI). At every level of logistics, AI has always got a role to play. It plays a crucial role in the automation and interconnections of digital processes. Processes such as answering questions relating to product availability, pricing, or issuing of tickets have been made easy, thanks to AI.
Another way in which technology has played a huge role is in data analysis and predictive analytics. Companies have been able to make informed decisions through the loading of data, gaining insights and many more. Plus, problems could detect and solve easily.
The importance of building partnerships and collaboration to orchestrate smart services cannot be overemphasized. The supply chain function has to communicate or collaborate more than ever before during this period of crisis. The tasks get completed and transferred seamlessly without delays. With the well-being of customers and beneficiaries at stake, companies need to adopt a customer-centric approach and do away with a do-it-alone mentality. While strict movement regulations are put in place, a close corporation with regulatory bodies is also important in order to transfer goods from one point to the other and facilitate the smooth export of essential commodities.
Uncertainties, fears, tensions crippled the whole world, yet logistics companies brave it all to serve businesses and communities. The supply of medical equipment, gloves, thermometers, vaccines (to mention a few) could be easily provided. MTL Companies is one of the many logistics companies whose services cannot go unrecognized. Logistics expertise and services is simply a key to effective humanitarian response to the pandemic.
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