Digital innovations is changing the logistics landscape at a faster rate than ever before. The prospects are particularly exciting in logistics. An industry that values process and precision has been ripe for developments such as the utilisation of robotics and proficient use of big data. As the world embraces this change, the logistics industry are seeking to enable their customers as they seek to continuously build and maintain a competitive advantage in their markets. This is will benefits the industry as well as the customers.New technologies will inspire an entrepreneurial culture, that opens a space for start-ups to put forward disruptive ideas with the potential to redefine the way of work.

The Organisation, Wincanton has launched W2 Labs, a programme for start-ups to pitch their innovative solutions to supply chain challenges, with an opportunity to reach commercial agreement and see them implemented across the business. Wincanton ideas will be scaled up and used within the business where appropriate, in order to increase efficiency, and pass the benefits on to our customers.

There are clearly a broad range of areas that could be pioritised, and as a first step they are focusing into following areas:

Asset Utilisation – Ensuring the assets works effectively , such as trucks and warehouses.This will allows to maximise ROI

Optimisation of capacity -Tackling the issue of operating with spare space in logistics, whether that be for shippers or road hauliers

Connected cab and driver – A further increase in vehicle and driver interaction, including autonomous vehicles and platooning, can unlock supply chain efficiencies

Collection of data – Finding the best way to collating, analysing and utilising data from supply chains to improve efficiency across the company.

Wildcard – Recognising that logistics is a broad and varied sector, new unprompted ideas to improve our operations are also welcome . We hope that innovative designers can bring our attention to issues that we may have overlooked.

Technology can be used to benefit the customers, and ultimately the broader logistics sector.Digital innovations leads to new and exciting opportunities in the industry.