That said, what elements do packaging and logistics software have in common to improve the supply chain? How can they be combined to be more efficient and provide better customer service?

The following points will explain how packaging and logistics software can become great allies in improving profitability and customer satisfaction.

Load optimization

Load optimization is one of the key aspects in the improvement of freight transport, as non-optimized planning can lead to loss of profitability due to the costs involved in transport. Both logistics software and packaging play an important role in this improvement.

It is known that one of the most common bad practices is the inappropriate use of larger packaging than necessary, which leads to more space being taken up in the load and has an impact on optimal load planning. Therefore, the application of more packaging types that cover the usual order range is indispensable for optimal load planning.

In addition, properly sized packaging gives a true picture of the capacity of the vehicle fleet, avoiding empty spaces that could be used. As a result, logistics software focused on route optimization and fleet management does a better job of planning the transportation of goods, helping to reduce costs and resources.

Applying sustainability in logistics operations

Nowadays, there is greater awareness on the part of companies regarding the environmental impact generated by the logistics sector, such as waste generation and CO₂ emissions. As a result, innovative solutions have been created in packaging and logistics software that aim to be sustainable.

For example, in the case of packaging, apart from using the right size, the aim is to use recycled and/or biodegradable materials and reduce the use of plastic in packaging in order to generate less waste. On the other hand, logistics software can have built-in modules specialized in emissions control that help calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and make better decisions to reduce them.

Optimization of logistics nodes and production control

Within the optimization of the supply chain, the management of the production of goods to adjust it to the distribution capacity and demand prediction stands out. In this case, the function of logistics nodes can be improved through the application of new technologies and packaging decisions.

It should be noted that packaging is an essential element of the product in several aspects, both for the marketing of the product and for its safety when it is transported. Controlling the production of your packaging must go hand in hand with the production of the product itself to avoid bottlenecks in the supply chain.

That said, there are several logistics software that have the ability to manage the production of factories for subsequent distribution, such as the Supply Chain simulator. In this way, you can compare the usual scenarios with optimized scenarios to optimize production and distribution at a strategic level.

Traceability

It is well known that traceability is achieved by means of a labeling system, either a barcode or RFID label, which is usually affixed on top of the packaging. However, there are new methods that allow cost savings in materials without leaving the packaging labeled, such as direct printing on the boxes, as they eliminate part of the complexity of the coding system on the production line.

Also, most logistics software has traceability systems that allow real-time tracking of the status and location of orders. Therefore, traceability proves to be vital for order planning and customer troubleshooting. 

Conclusion

Both packaging and logistics software are components that can be combined at the operational level and at the strategic level to optimize the supply chain and achieve better results. In addition, some aspects are interrelated and can achieve the same goal, such as optimizing vehicle loading and being more sustainable.

This week part of the Hedyla team will be present at Pick&Pack, the event that brings together professionals looking for packaging and logistics solutions in Madrid, showing how our solutions can be combined with the needs and constraints of the supply chain to optimize logistics operations.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

These are the steps to follow in order to be able to measure CO₂ emissions in transportation within the logistics sector:

Calculating the carbon footprint

The first step in calculating carbon emissions is to identify the specific activities that generate the carbon footprint. In the particular case of transportation, these actions focus on vehicle fuel consumption and the parameters that follow are as follows:

• fuel type
• the amount of fuel used
• the number of active vehicles

For this purpose, there are several methods to calculate the amount of emissions generated by each vehicle. For example, one of them is to install devices in vehicles that make an approximate estimate based on various parameters such as distance traveled, idling time, among others. Another way to measure these values is to make estimates using a database.

Analyze transportation routes

It is undoubtedly one of the most important steps to start measuring CO2 emissions in transportation. This is because transportation routes are one of the factors that have the greatest impact on fuel consumption and, therefore, on the increase in emissions.

In this case, when analyzing delivery routes, several fuel-saving opportunities can be found, such as minimizing unnecessary kilometers, optimizing vehicle loading and being more efficient in orders to avoid empty kilometers. Today, such analyses can be performed easily thanks to logistics software, in particular route optimizers.

Promoting good driving

En la conducción de los vehículos existen hábitos no recomendables que aumentan el consumo del combustible, causando más impacto en la huella de carbono. Además de que dichas acciones no solamente gastan más combustible, sino que pueden reducir considerablemente la vida útil de los vehículos, necesitando más inspecciones y mantenimiento en el proceso.

One of the essential tips for good vehicle management is to drive at the right speed consistently, avoiding acceleration and hard braking. In addition, training can be provided to carriers on such practices to assist in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Switching to fuel-efficient vehicles

There is no doubt that upgrading the vehicle fleet to other more sustainable models is a more direct and effective way to greatly reduce CO₂ emissions. Even more so when vehicles exceed a certain age and no longer operate effectively, causing more fuel consumption.

Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are two of the most effective options for reducing the carbon footprint. However, there are also alternatives that are less polluting than gasoline, such as natural gas or biodiesel.

Use emission tracking technology

Finally, the amount of emissions generated by the transport vehicle fleet must continue to be monitored if the main objective is to reduce them. To this end, there are emission tracking devices and technology that make it possible to observe the amount of emissions in real time and monitor transport performance.

Such monitoring technology includes certain logistics software such as a TMS that has a specific module to monitor the CO2 emissions generated by the active vehicle fleet. In addition, there are also other devices and modules that analyze vehicle and route performance.

Conclusion

Measuring and reducing CO2 emissions in freight transport is essential if carbon footprint reduction targets have been set, for example, to gain access to low-emission zones in a city. However, there are steps where the initial investment is very high, such as purchasing new vehicles, but there are other measures that are easier to implement and control, such as route analysis.

At Hedyla we develop our logistics tools adapted to the needs of each customer depending on the sector they operate in and the restrictions applied, with CO2 emissions reduction as an option.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

One of the most relevant solutions is the use of bicycles for last mile distribution or known as Cyclologistics. Cyclologistics consists of strategies that seek to promote the use of bicycles and other sustainable mobility vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint. However, in order to be successfully applied to cities, certain requirements must be met to facilitate its implementation and use.

If you want to learn more about the keys needed to boost cycling, read on:

Identify areas with high delivery density

It is one of the first steps to be taken before implementing other strategies that promote cycling and involve changes in the city's infrastructure. To do so, it is necessary to have information that can be provided by logistics operators or parcel services.

From residential neighborhoods to commercial districts, any of these areas can fall within the delivery "heat map". This will make it much easier to design efficient delivery routes for sustainable mobility vehicles using a route optimizer.

Installing Urban Hubs

It is undoubtedly one of the most indispensable elements for the promotion of cycling, since, without them, delivery with bicycles and other light vehicles is not possible. This is because most last-mile distribution starts from logistics centers located in industrial parks on the outskirts of large cities. Therefore, without the presence of logistics hubs, heavier vehicles such as vans are needed for deliveries.

But it is not only a matter of installing urban hubs per se, but also of carefully studying the strategic points of the city where an urban hub and its fleet of bicycles would reach their maximum potential. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the volume of deliveries by zones, the traffic on the roads, other streets that are difficult to access for larger vehicles, etc. 

Collaboration between public entities and private companies

In recent years, several companies and startups have emerged with very interesting proposals to promote cycling in last mile distribution, such as Washa Logistics. However, in order to carry out their proposals, it is essential to have the collaboration of public entities.

From municipalities to certain institutions focused on urban mobility, close collaborations should be established to give the green light to cycling projects. Particularly, if the initiative requires some changes in public infrastructures, such as more parking places for light vehicles.

Improving cycling infrastructure

It is common for larger cities to have several circulation zones with approximately bike lanes. However, there are cities that lag a bit behind in the number of lanes, so cyclists are obliged, according to Spanish regulations, to ride on the right side of the traffic lanes. This lack of adaptation of roads for cycling can slow down distribution and make the roads more unsafe for delivery drivers.

To do this, it is necessary to identify the areas with the highest bicycle traffic and analyze the best ways to implement the lanes without affecting the circulation of other vehicles. With such improvements, delivery vehicles will circulate on safer and more efficient roads, enhancing cycling.

In addition to more bike lanes, there are also parking spaces for bicycles and other light vehicles. This means that delivery drivers will have more parking spaces at their disposal to deliver orders.

Establishing incentives and public policies

In recent years, authorities are starting to establish low-emission zones and limiting the entry of heavier or polluting vehicles with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It is therefore essential that they also establish incentives and public policies to facilitate the promotion of cycling.

Such incentives may include subsidies, economic bonuses or tax reductions that facilitate the transition from the use of fuel vehicles to the acquisition of light vehicles for sustainable mobility. In addition, in order to strengthen the use of bicycles for both delivery and personal use, it is advisable to promote the use of this type of vehicles with road safety education campaigns and programs.

Conclusion

Cycling is becoming a very attractive trend for urban logistics and last mile distribution because of the many advantages it offers: reduced emissions and more efficient delivery routes. However, it needs to form a close collaboration with municipalities and other public entities to, if necessary, adapt public roads and facilitate as much as possible the delivery with sustainable mobility vehicles.  

At Hedyla we work with customers with use cases focused on parcel and delivery to focus delivery routes by zones in order to save time and deliver excellent quality of service.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

This year in particular, the logistics sector has been the focus of public attention, due to the numerous challenges it has faced: the shipping crisis, the lack of vehicles, the shortage of certain basic necessities, the calls for strikes by carriers in Spain, among others.

What are going to be the key points that will mark the logistics for the next year? If you want to know the logistics trends for 2023, take a look!

Green logistics

It is well known that sustainability is the order of the day in the logistics sector due to its considerable impact on CO₂ emissions, which account for 8% of global emissions. Initiatives are already being put in place to reduce the environmental impact of this industry.

Among the solutions that will continue to be relevant to emissions reduction are software that assists in improving planning and operations, such as the route optimizer. However, there is a growing trend towards the circular supply chain, which aims to encourage companies to reuse certain waste and products returned by customers to recondition them and bring them back to the market.

While reverse logistics is costly because of the resources that have to be invested in returning the product to the warehouse, refurbishing merchandise contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. This is because it reduces the production of new items and gives a second life to refurbished products.

Logistics professionalization

There is a constant evolution occurring in the logistics sector, whether in the implementation of new technologies and the practice of new strategies. This field requires more and more talent capable of understanding how logistics works and its needs in order to implement better strategic and operational processes.

Currently, the most in-demand professions in the logistics sector require specific training in this field, whether it is a course to become a warehouse worker or a university degree or master's degree in Supply Chain for the position of Supply Chain Manager. In other words, the sector is becoming more professionalized with a more specialized educational offer to cover a high demand for personnel.

Transparency through Blockchain

In recent times, the benefits and opportunities that blockchain technology provides in various sectors, especially those with IT, have been on everyone's lips. So advantages have also been found when applying blockchain technology in logistics.

What the blockchain allows is to trace the product from its place of manufacture to delivery to the customer. Thus, the designation of origin of the product can be transparently and securely verified, which is especially important for luxury and high-end items such as wine.

Automation and AI for Flexible Logistics Strategies

These last few years have been marked by a great economic impact due to the pandemic in which the flow of goods and demand forecasts are often difficult to predict due to multiple factors that have affected consumer habits. Therefore, in a landscape of increased uncertainty, the supply chain must gain agility with flexible logistics strategies.

Flexible logistics seeks to see how capable a company or business is in adapting warehouse and transportation processes to unforeseen events and changes with minimal impact on performance. This strategy is becoming increasingly accessible to more companies thanks to automation and the use of artificial intelligence in software such as demand forecasting. 

These trends, which will continue to be relevant in the coming year, prove to be of great help in using time to make better decisions and provide quality service to customers as demand and competition becomes more demanding.

Conclusion

Logistics trends for 2023 remain similar to those of other years in terms of industry digitalization, sustainability and optimization of logistics processes with, for example, AI-enabled software. However, both new and well-known trends aim to make the industry more adaptable in the face of the challenges of today's economy and current demand.

At Hedyla we are aware of the latest trends in the logistics sector, therefore, we have our own engineering team that develops new functionalities and modules that help professionals in their logistics operations.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

However, how is this trend affected in the B2B and industrial sectors? Is it necessary to make many changes in operations to adapt to a different packaging than the traditional one?

If you want to know the key points of sustainable packaging within the B2B industry, take a look!

Overpacking or underpacking of products

When product or e-commerce distribution routes are not well defined, there is a risk of over-packing or under-packing orders. On the one hand, you are not promoting sustainability, wasting more material than necessary and, on the other hand, you would be leaving items too unprotected with the risk of being damaged.

However, there are products that must comply with current regulations that require overpacking, such as dangerous goods. For this reason, in operations involving packaging, picking and route planning, it is advisable to apply new measures to use the required amount of material, paying attention to the routes planned by a route optimizer.

One example that helps to avoid overpacking is cardboard boxes of various heights with adjustable volume to optimize space and material used.

Sustainable materials

It is already known that cardboard boxes are one of the most popular options for packaging orders, especially in e-commerce, in addition to the fact that this type of material is recyclable. But, within the more industrial sectors, what options are there to replace, for example, the plastic boxes in which food is loaded?

To this end, recyclable plastics made from recycled plastic or vegetable biomass have been developed with efficient designs that are resistant, light and space efficient. In addition, the Waste and Contaminated Soil Law has been updated to promote the circularity of materials.

Sustainability in the supply chain

While it is true that sustainable packaging is based on the packaging itself having the lowest possible environmental impact, either by applying the three Rs and being biodegradable, this commitment would be in vain if fossil fuels continue to be used to operate manufacturing, storage and transportation.

For this reason, the carbon footprint generated by the electricity used and the amount of such energy used must be observed. One example is to switch to the use of renewable energies, particularly those that allow the company to be autonomous, such as photovoltaic energy.

Another example is based on the reduction of resources and emissions such as the installation of LED lights in warehouses and switching from air transport to land transport due to its high CO₂ emissions.

Improving the life cycle of pallets

Pallets play a very important role in the storage and transportation of goods, mainly for their use in safely stacking inventory. While some companies give them a second life by repairing the pallets and sending them to appropriate recycling centers, there are others that are used on a "non-returnable" basis, i.e. they are single-use pallets that are kept by customers, who are responsible for their destination.

To do this, it is necessary to take into account the material of which the pallets are composed. Generally, the vast majority of them are made of 90-95% wood. However, it is necessary to take a look at the wood type used because each of them has certain characteristics that make them single-use or have a very short useful life.

Plastic pallets also boost sustainability due to their manufacture from recycled plastic, their greater durability and, of course, their ability to be recyclable. They are also the most widely used in the industrial sector due to their lightness and strength.

Conclusion

Many actions are being taken within many logistics sectors to maintain their commitment to the environment and advances are being made in eco-design to make this a reality. So, yes, sustainable packaging is also applicable for industrial and B2B sectors and more and more research is being done to ensure good service and respect for the planet.

At Hedyla, we are committed to sustainability with the help of logistics solutions that can reduce up to 30% of CO₂ emissions in transportation.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com