The role of AR and other Modern Technologies in Logistics Security

In the last year, digitization has seeped into every small and big industry around the world. The use of reliable IT landscapes and software solutions helps businesses operating at all scales streamline their processes.

The mainstream advent of digitization has fared really well for the logistics industry. Logistics businesses are required to perform a range of different processes on a daily basis, none of which can be messed up even the slightest! With the ever-increasing demands of customers, logistics businesses can no longer rely on traditional ways of performing their processes.

Under such circumstances, implementing digital solutions is the only way out. Over time, logistics businesses have started implementing software equipped with modern technologies for streamlining their tasks and enhancing their productivity. These technologies relieve employees from putting in unwanted time and effort for performing repetitive processes.

Along with streamlining business processes, logistics security also plays an important role in using tech-based solutions for your logistics business. As almost every logistics process involves recording, storing, tracking, and analyzing valuable business records, you cannot compromise the security of your data and the software you use for handling the same.

Gone are the days when technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) were considered too niche to be incorporated by everyone. These modern technologies have now found applications in mainstream logistics processes, helping businesses enhance their performance.

Today, technology plays a major role in logistics security. Platforms driven by modern technologies help you keep your business records secure and private, giving the assurance of safety to your customers.

Before understanding how different technologies help you enhance logistics security, let us understand the need for tech-based solutions in the sector.

Why is there a need for Tech-based Solutions in the Logistics Industry?

Logistics businesses have always been associated with long working hours and continuous hard work. Right from procurement and warehousing to inventory management and delivery, the logistics industry comprises a range of different processes that have been performed manually for several decades.

However, it is no longer possible for modern businesses to continue performing such processes if they want to thrive in the market they operate in. Logistics businesses need tech-based solutions to get an edge over their competitors and stay ahead of the curve.

The use of AR, VR, and other modern technologies lets you optimize your processes and reduce the time and effort going behind the same. This way, the use of technology works as your ally to help you streamline your logistics processes across the board. By incorporating personalized software solutions that facilitate process automation, forecasting, and data analytics, you can enhance the services offered to your customers, suppliers, dealers, and every stakeholder involved throughout your supply chain.

Moreover, the use of technology in your logistics business allows you to increase employee productivity and engagement within your organization. As the repetitive processes carried out by your team members are automated, they can focus on the core matters affecting your business.

The role of Modern Technologies in Logistics Security

Now that we have understood the importance of technology in the realm of logistics, let us have a look at the role played by modern technologies in logistics security:

1. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) has made us all enter a new world, quite literally! AR-driven tools enhance the accuracy of the processes carried out at all stages by a logistics business.

Arguably, the need for logistics security is the most during the warehousing stage. It is important for businesses to ensure that all the data pertaining to the goods stored is accurate and protected. AR-driven devices like smart glasses help you enhance your warehousing process by scanning barcodes and confirming details of the goods stored before they are shipped.

When such tools backed by augmented reality are linked to management systems, they help you boost the overall productivity of your logistics business. Along with smart glasses, the use of space-optimization prompts while loading goods and object-recognition software during transportation would further ensure logistics security.

2. Process Automation

Especially after the two years of the catastrophic COVID crisis, the importance of automation in the logistics industry has significantly increased. The use of custom software applications for automating traditional processes helps you enhance the efficiency of your workers and ease their labor-intensive tasks.

To enhance logistics security, businesses often incorporate automation for performing an array of different tasks, right from advanced package labelling to warehouse sorting systems. The port of Rotterdam in Holland is a prime example of using automation to the fullest. The port has installed fully automated container terminals that use computer-programmed stacking cranes for unloading cargo.

Such applications of seamless process automation enhance handling performance, control labor costs, and add to the productivity of your logistics business.

3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Unlike conventional process automation, robotics can be used to perform multiple processes simultaneously, making it an ideal technology for the logistics industry. In most cases, applications built using RPA help logistics businesses increase the speed and efficiency of their processes, especially while processing orders and carrying out deliveries.

Moreover, robotics can be used for guarding your warehouses, software applications, and goods. RPA-backed applications help you authenticate the identity of users accessing specific datasets, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data leaks, and other major cyberattacks.

4. Self-driving Vehicles

The logistics industry has welcomed self-driving technology with open arms. It combines the benefits of RPA and conventional automation to get the work done with little to no involvement of humans. This reduces the risk factor involving the handling of valuables and makes warehousing processes more secure.

While the use of self-driving vehicles is limited to enclosed areas and designated locations as of now, they are likely to find applications in transporting goods from one location to another by taking the road.

5. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has found a plethora of different applications in the logistics sector, especially for enhancing logistics security. Businesses implement cloud-based CRM platforms for keeping track of all their business records on a centralized platform. This provides users with a 360-degree view of their processes, the status of every deal, and a complete picture of the organization.

Cloud-based applications also provide employees working across multiple departments with interactive dashboards. These dashboards ensure that everyone is on the same page and help you maintain the consistency of your processes.

Moreover, cloud-based platforms are used for ensuring complete security and privacy of your business data. From setting security protocols to ensuring data compliance, these platforms help you keep your data protected at all costs. Modern CRM platforms have aced secure user management and allow administrators to restrict access and permissions at all stages. This helps you ensure that your data is protected and safe from unauthorized users.

6. Internet Of Things (IoT)

Along with virtual reality and augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most widely incorporated modern technologies in the logistics industry. It allows you to blend physical devices with internet-enabled software and services to obtain the desired results.

IoT applications are commonly used for making temperature checks, implementing humidity sensors, incorporating wearables, and more. The technology can also be used to check if the packages have been tampered with during their tenure in warehouses. This helps you ensure the security of your goods and notify you about any potential damages to them before they are dispatched to reach the end-users.

7. Blockchain

Blockchain technology has become highly popular off-late because of its application in cryptocurrencies. However, it is interesting how the same technology can be used in the logistics industry to ensure transparency of processes.

The decentralized ledger of blockchain technology allows your customers to track the entire journey of their products from the moment an order is placed until it is delivered to their doorsteps. As it facilitates 100% transparency, blockchain helps customers feel more secure about their orders and the route they take to reach them.
Another important application of blockchain technology in logistics security is in the form of smart contracts. Smart contracts help distribution firms get rid of red tape and automate the entire procurement process. They also help businesses reduce human error and enhance the accuracy of the tasks performed.

Moreover, as the use of blockchain in the logistics industry reduces tedious paperwork, it makes tasks simpler and more cost-effective. With better coordination of documents, the technology facilitates seamless collaboration between different departments throughout the supply chain.

8. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) help logistics businesses analyze large volumes of data, analyze important trends, and provide valuable insights into the same. They facilitate seamless data analytics, allowing users to perceive, identify, and tackle threats at all stages of the supply chain.

The Final Word

These were some of the most important modern technologies that play an important role in enhancing logistics security. In 2023, it is important for all firms operating in the sector to embrace digitization for streamlining their processes and obtaining the desired results.