Robert Garrison, CEO, Mercado Labs

https://www.mercadolabs.com
Author picture

Robert Garrison

While there are no silver bullets in logistics technology, there are some golden principles. The greatest promise looking forward is the tech-stack with the best combinations of modern technologies focused on user experience, scalability, responsiveness, and human networking.

Shippers are facing a whole new set of responsiveness challenges because of e-commerce. The any time, anywhere nature of on-demand consumer expectation necessitates a new breed of technology that is equally agile.

While this technology is readily available now, technology providers will face adoption challenges as the introduction of these solutions will introduce new paradigms, replacing entrenched tools such as email and Excel. The majority of users’ exposure to new technologies has been through personal experience with network centric models such as Airbnb, LinkedIn, PayPal, and Uber. While these systems have become commonplace for personal use, the application of their communication paradigms are only beginning to penetrate the workplace.

Generally, logistics is highly technical and complex, with dozens of hand-offs on each transaction. Traditional technical approaches have not been sufficient to bridge the gap between operating complexity, usability and the need for heightened communication. New approaches should at minimum include: machine learning, mobile access, voice to text, video, and socialization to increase the efficiency of user interaction, and improved responsiveness.

Presently, the most over-hyped technology in logistics technology is Blockchain. For most challenges facing the industry, using Blockchain is a bit like using an elephant gun to shoot a fly. The computing horsepower, alignments, and human resources required currently to solve basic challenges just aren’t worth it, especially when compared to more nimble alternatives.