Logistics Trends Report 2023
The analysis prepared by the experts of the LODZistics cluster contains a list of 35 trends, in order of importance as evaluated by respondents, ranging from the most important to the least important. The first place on the list is occupied by cybersecurity, and other points such as identification and tracking of goods in the supply chain, automation, energy efficiency, digitization, artificial intelligence, low-emission technologies, and labor market flexibility are also important. Additionally, the survey results were divided into groups. Female respondents showed more interest in cybersecurity than male respondents, and young people were more interested in artificial intelligence and blockchain.
The logistics report for 2023 shows that e-commerce has become the driving force for logistics, but meeting customer expectations for immediate delivery is becoming increasingly difficult. The delivery time limit is shifting every year, and customers want orders delivered within an hour, without paying more or compromising on quality of service.
Logistics companies, experienced in the pandemic, are securing alternative delivery routes in case of unexpected interruptions. The development of eco-solutions is another trend in the industry, with many companies consistently reducing their carbon dioxide emissions and incorporating sustainable development into their strategies. Systematic process optimizations are being introduced, and new technologies and vehicles are allowing for reduced emissions.
Threats and challenges facing the logistics industry in Poland in 2023
One of the main problems is the energy crisis, which results in rising fuel and electricity prices and unstable power supplies. The rise in fuel costs negatively affects companies' profitability forecasts, especially those with long-term contracts with clients, and the competitive B2C market does not allow for offsetting losses. The small share of electric vehicles in transport is not a solution. Rising electricity and gas prices have also changed the costs of heating warehouse halls.
Another problem is the lack of availability of workers, especially forklift operators, warehouse workers, and logistics center managers. The greatest difficulties in recruiting workers are in the Łódź and Wielkopolska provinces, where many logistics halls are located. Unstable wages, inflation, and the cessation of the influx of workers from the East are additional problems that make it difficult to recruit workers.
A hot topic is the problem of returns in e-commerce handling. This is a difficult and time-consuming process that requires additional trips, packaging, fillers, and transport between warehouses. More and more companies are entrusting the handling of returns to specialized logistics operators. An alternative solution is to reduce returns by improving product descriptions and presenting actual sizes.
New technologies in logistics
Automation and robotics bring hope for the development of the industry, and they are becoming increasingly popular. This year, the goal of many companies will be to combine various solutions into a coherent whole. Among the machines and vehicles, autonomous units will appear that will support each other in the service process. Autonomous forklifts and smaller transport platforms in warehouse halls are no longer considered innovations but as the upcoming standard.
Unfortunately, the report has been published only in Polish. However, we hope that the above summary has at least partially allowed to get to know the key logistics trends for Poland in 2023.
