In 2017, the pace of innovation will continue to speed up. Large enterprise organizations will continue to announce strategic partnerships with smaller tech enabled start-ups, which will further increase the speed of adoption.
I recently participated in a roundtable discussion that included some of the largest omni-channel shippers, and was amazed to learn how each and every one of them is deploying or testing “new tech services” in 2017. Great organizations understand the need to continually evolve or be left behind. The fear of becoming the next Blockbuster can be a strong motivator. Moreover, many larger organizations have developed corporate cultures and mandates to ensure they remain thought leaders in their industries.
There is a great desire to be at the helm of the new economy, helping to figure ways to reduce carbon footprint or deliver same day to their consumers. As adoption of these new technologies gains steam in 2017, a select few will become the new norm, part and parcel of most shippers’ tool kits for success. It is evident the tech mantra, "try new things but fail fast,” has found its way into the logisticians’ vernacular. It should be noted that we are still in the first inning of a very long game.
Companies developing these “new tech services” are no longer being funded with a pitch deck and an idea, but instead need to show actual sales and traction in the marketplace. As such, the number of new entrants will level off, and some will fade away as the market’s natural selection process takes effect.