Who Are Parts of the Connected Logistics Network?

But today, logistics has ceased to be just a process of storing and transporting goods.

More often than not, when we speak of logistics we tend to associate the word with storage of goods and their movement from location A to B. But today, logistics has ceased to be just that. It’s no longer limited to transport and storage facilities. Apart from road, rail, air, and sea transport and warehouse operators, the term connected logistics also includes customer service teams, manufacturing, production planners, inventory planners, and the sales team. All these groups are responsible for processes necessary to deliver the final product to the end consumer.

IT companies, software and hardware providers enable these teams to stay connected and support them to deliver a superior customer experience through cutting-edge technology. This is how evolved logistics has become.

It is now not only a crucial part of the supply chain, but also an essential element of an organization’s product and customer service strategy.

In fact, it will not be remiss to say that logistics is often a key differentiator — a USP for certain consumer products. In addition to businesses and technology providers, connected logistics also includes lawmakers, cybersecurity monitoring agencies, and government authorities — especially transport, IT, and infrastructure departments across the globe. This group is responsible for creating a framework that can accommodate variations in rules and regulations across countries and ensure that trade across borders is carried out efficiently.

What Are the Features of a Connected Logistics Network?

Real-time data:
With the use of advanced analytics and technology, the connected logistics network provides real-time data and market insights, making it simpler for organizations to make informed business decisions.

Now shippers can track their shipments from the time it leaves their warehouse or factory till it reaches the final place of delivery right on the platform where they booked the transport.

Increased shipment visibility:
Gone are the days when one had to call customer service to find a shipment’s location. Digitalization, RFID tags, and GPS trackers have dramatically improved visibility. Now shippers can track shipments in real time, from pickup through delivery — a major advantage for planning intermodal transportation.

Inventory management:
Imagine a large warehouse with stacks of boxes of different SKUs. Previously, warehouses maintained physical records and manual processes such as FIFO and order picking. Even after initial ERP systems were introduced, challenges remained. With technologies like RFID and improved ERP systems, warehousing operations have become easier, faster, and more efficient.

Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory:
Both manufacturing and retail organizations are working to leverage JIT inventory management to reduce holding and storage costs. This can be more effectively managed with a well-connected logistics network, which can trigger alerts for when inventory should be reordered so it arrives just in time.

Global compliance management:
Global trade involves varying regulations, rules, and legal requirements. Tracking those changes and maintaining compliance across countries is difficult. New connected systems store legal checkpoints and can raise alerts when requirements aren’t being met, easing the compliance burden across borders.

This not only reduces cost on systems and software, but also ensures seamless flow of information from one process to another in a standard format, which limits data loss.

Integrated systems:
System integration is a major facet of connected logistics. Organizations no longer need separate systems for different departments. Transport management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), sales and billing, production planning, and finance management can all be integrated into one unified platform with modular access. This reduces software costs and ensures seamless information flow across departments.

Document management:
System integration also improves documentation management and storage. Documents related to shipments or sales can be stored digitally, reducing the need for physical paperwork. Authorized personnel can access digital records when needed, offering benefits such as:

• Easy access to delivery signatures and Bills of Lading

• Fast proofs of delivery (PODs) for invoicing

• Clear views of delivery receipts and customer notes

• Clean and organized shipping documentation

While the initial investment in such technology and equipment might seem large, the returns are equally attractive.

Since these systems have become essential in today’s global trade environment, it is imperative for organizations seeking global market share to upgrade their systems and stay connected via their logistics networks — especially for 3PL and 4PL providers.

Get Connected

At BlueGrace, we offer a proprietary transportation management system (BlueShip® 4.0) designed to empower companies with easy supply chain management and optimization tools. Many customers integrate their systems or ERPs (e.g., SAP, NetSuite) directly with the BlueShip platform. Our IT integrations team works closely with your staff to complete system connections, keeping you connected every step of the way.

To request a BlueShip demo, call 800.MYSHIPPING or fill out the form on the page to speak with one of our experts.