The digital revolution in the logistics sector

The Trend Radar of 2018/19 predicts that innovation will be more important than ever. Digitization is the driver of innovation and causes the major changes in the coming years. This edition focuses on the digital revolution and its effect on customer focus, sustainability, technology and people. The Trend Radar provides an overview of 28 key trends that we expect to influence the logistics sector over the next five to ten years. More than 10,000 logistics professionals and technology experts contributed to the report.

Innovations in customer focus

More and more products, especially in the B2B market, are for sale online and with this the demand for B2B omnichannel solutions is growing. Consumers increasingly need time- and temperature-sensitive products. This requires innovations in the packaging, storage and delivery of goods (such as groceries and medicines). A major innovation will be the integration of logistics services into smart home environments, described as the 'Connected Life' trend.

Green logistics

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a requirement to be active in logistics. Governments, cities and suppliers make agreements to reduce CO2 emissions and waste. DHL has set itself the goal of emission-free transport by 2050. Green Energy Logistics offers enormous opportunities for logistics to become more environmentally friendly. Smart Containerization in transport will contribute to the development of environmentally friendly delivery in busy cities.

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO THINK AHEAD. THE TREND RADAR SHOWS THAT INNOVATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER.
Katja Busch - Chief Commercial Officer, DHL

Technological innovations in logistics

If it becomes more cost-effective to adopt important trends such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, technology will play an even greater role in logistics. One trend that can accelerate this is the proliferation of next generation wireless networks that support these technological innovations.

Changes for logistics employees 

People will remain at the heart of logistics, even if trends such as robotization and automation will change the operations of logistics workers. Highly repeated, physically intensive tasks are supported by technology. People can then do more meaningful tasks that require management, analysis, and innovation. New work concepts are needed to attract and retain millennials in logistics and to support existing logistics employees.   

About this report

The DHL Logistics Trend Radar was developed by analyzing mega- and microtrends and the input of partners, including research institutes, tech players, start-ups and customers. Most insights are gathered by more than 10,000 logistics professionals and technology experts who visit the DHL Innovation Centers annually. We have combined the findings in the Trend Radar and is therefore a dynamic and strategic forecasting tool for logistics professionals.

Download de DHL Trend Radar 2018-2019. Het rapport is beschikbaar in het Engels.

Download de DHL Logistics Trend Radar 2018/19