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

Looking at this panorama, it can be stated that it is an industry that employs more than 950,000 people, a very attractive figure for people who wish to start or change their professional career. But, specifically, what are the professional profiles in logistics, and is any specific training required to be able to exercise these professions?

If you are interested in knowing the details of the most in-demand logistics professional profiles, take a look!

Warehouse handler

Undoubtedly, this is the most sought-after profile in the logistics sector. Their tasks are based on assisting in the loading and unloading of trucks, checking and ordering merchandise, controlling the stock of products, preparing them and keeping the warehouse register up to date.

These professional logistics profiles require a minimum of compulsory secondary education. However, there are specialized training courses such as forklift or warehouse handler that help to have a solid foundation for the job performance and improve the curriculum. Not to mention the physical ability to move heavy objects from one place to another. cursos de formación especializados como la de carretillero o la de mozo de almacén que ayuda a tener una base sólida para el desempeño del trabajo y mejoran el currículum. Sin olvidar que se debe poseer la capacidad física para mover objetos pesados de un lugar a otro.

Forklift operator

The second most sought-after profile in the sector is the warehouse foreman. These are people who handle forklifts and are responsible for receiving, placing heavy packages on pallets and preparing orders and packaging.

Despite what the name suggests, the professional is not only focused on a specific task. In the case of forklift operators, they perform other complementary tasks such as reviewing delivery notes. In order to access this position, it is required to have passed the ESO and to undergo forklift training to be able to handle the machinery.

Delivery person

This is probably one of the professional logistics profiles that has gained much relevance in recent years due to the considerable growth of e-commerce. The delivery driver is in charge of getting the goods to their destination, as well as planning the most efficient schedules and routes. This task can be much easier if a route optimizer is used.

In addition to that, he also organizes the merchandise in his van and communicates directly with customers, having a certain profile of a salesman. To be able to work as such, you need a type B driver's license, own your own van and have all the documentation in order to be self-employed.

Warehouse Manager

Within management positions, this is one of the most sought-after professional profiles in logistics. Typical tasks include coordinating incoming and outgoing goods, controlling warehousing and supervising the preparation and loading of vehicles.

As you can see, this is a responsible position where the main objective is to minimize errors and maintain inventory control. A degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or similar is usually required for this job. In addition to having technical knowledge of warehouse management software and databases.

Logistics Administrator

This is one of the logistics professional profiles most influenced by the digital transformation of the industry due to their ability to manage and plan various logistics processes. Their tasks include organizing packages, monitoring stock, scheduling shifts for vehicles and carriers, preparing shipment documentation and accurate order tracking.

As you have seen, a logistics administrator needs to have knowledge of logistics and transportation management software. Not to mention the usual administrator skills such as office automation and basic accounting. For this, a degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or similar is required.

Procurement Manager

This is a key member of the team to make logistics operations profitable, because its main mission is to choose and negotiate the best prices with the company's suppliers, agree on supply conditions, control inventory and have the necessary documentation ready.

This profession undoubtedly has a business profile with some administrative tasks and acts in accordance with the company's values and for the benefit of the company. For example, if they are committed to sustainability, their tasks will consist of finding green suppliers. To be able to access this position they recommend having a degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or similar, apart from knowing how to handle supplier and third party management software.

Supply Chain Manager

This is a somewhat unknown profession until now, as it stands out for having the highest professional projection and being well remunerated. These specialists are in charge of managing and organizing all the procurement, production and distribution of goods of a company for its customers.

This is one of the most important professional profiles in the sector because they are in charge of managing the company's entire supply chain, from raw materials to last-mile distribution to the end customer.  Another of their functions is to supervise and train personnel, especially when it comes to implementing new management software.

The requirements to become a Supply Chain Manager are to have a degree in Logistics, Supply Chain or similar and to have technical knowledge of software such as SAP and ERP. It is possible that in some cases a master's degree in Supply Chain Management is required.

Conclusions

It is clear that the logistics and transportation sector is booming and hence more and more specialized profiles are required in each of the supply chain functions. In addition to the fact that knowledge of various specific software is often requested due to the increasing digitization of the industry, which turns out to be very necessary.

At Hedyla, we are attentive to the changes and demands of the logistics industry, therefore, we offer advice on the application of such digital tools.

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