Disruptive Logistics Methods: What Can Mexican Companies Learn?

The logistics sector is a key element in the world economy, and the adoption of new methods and technologies has allowed greater efficiency and competitiveness. However, to move forward, it is important to explore disruptive methods that can lead to radical changes in the supply chain.

The logistics sector has evolved over the years and has faced various challenges, from the need to reduce costs, improve efficiency and speed in the delivery of goods, to environmental sustainability. However, many companies continue to use traditional and outdated methods to carry out their operations. The adoption of disruptive methods, which seek to radically change the way logistics is carried out, is becoming a necessity to remain competitive in the market.

In this article, we will explore some of the disruptive methods that are being adopted in the global logistics sector, and what Mexican companies can learn from them.

Disruptive methods in the global logistics sector, include:

Drones and robots: The use of drones and robots in logistics can improve efficiency in the delivery of goods and reduce labor costs. Companies like Amazon have already begun using drones for deliveries, and the use of robots to sort and transport packages is expected to become more common. The use should not be limited only in delivery, but also in daily processes, such as cycle inventories or W2W, which brings benefits of time and personnel reduction.

Reverse logistics: Reverse logistics is a strategy used to manage the supply chain of products returned by customers. Rather than considering them a cost or a loss, reverse logistics seeks to reuse or recycle these products to minimize waste and costs.

Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in logistics to optimize planning and scheduling processes. Advanced algorithms can help predict product demand, determine the most efficient route for delivery, and optimize loading and unloading times.

Blockchain: Blockchain technology offers a high level of security and transparency in the supply chain, allowing detailed tracking of merchandise from its origin to its final destination. This can improve efficiency and reduce errors in the supply chain. While any conventional database can store this type of information, the blockchain is unique in that it is completely decentralized and does not depend on any agency. Instead of being kept in one location by a centralized manager (such as an Excel spreadsheet or bank database), many identical copies of a blockchain database are kept on multiple computers called nodes that are distributed across a net.

Collaborative logistics: Collaborative logistics involves collaboration between companies to share resources and reduce costs. This may include consolidating shipments, sharing storage space, and using shared fleets.

It is simply the traditional idea of ​​"unity is strength" applied to logistics and used to obtain the highest possible performance in the supply chain, adding the individual potential of each partner.

Collaborative logistics brings stability. In times when everything moves at great speed and changes are the order of the day, solid business relationships become increasingly valuable.

All in all, cooperative logistics is a tool that is used far below its possibilities, perhaps because all collaboration requires an effort of understanding and a similar willingness by all parties.

What can companies in Mexico learn from these disruptive methods?

Companies in Mexico can learn a lot from these disruptive methods in the global logistics sector. First, they must be willing to adopt new technologies and innovative methods to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The adoption of drones and robots, for example, can reduce labor costs and improve delivery times.

Artificial intelligence and blockchain technology can also improve efficiency and reduce errors in the supply chain. Companies in Mexico can also explore the possibility of collaborating with other companies to share resources and reduce costs, which can improve efficiency and sustainability.

In conclusion, the global logistics sector is undergoing a radical change due to the adoption of disruptive methods. Companies in Mexico must be willing to adopt new technologies and innovative methods to improve their efficiency and competitiveness. The adoption of drones, reverse logistics, robots, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology as well as collaboration between companies can have a significant impact on the supply chain, and can help Mexican companies to remain competitive in an increasingly global market that is also more demanding.

Although Mexico has begun to adopt some of these disruptive methods in the logistics sector, there is still a long way to go. The lack of infrastructure and resistance to change are some of the challenges that must be faced.

However, companies like Dicka Logistics, which has implemented drones for processes like cycle counts or inventory verification, are leading the way in the adoption of disruptive technologies in Mexico. In addition, the Mexican government is working on the implementation of policies to promote the adoption of clean and sustainable technologies in the logistics sector.