How is technology used in logistics?
Alcoholic beverage logistics is in the middle of a paradigm shift, with new digital solutions transforming everything from data exchange to inventory management. The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics are just some of the new tech in logistics that is creating a more streamlined, efficient and resilient supply chains for beverage shippers.
Technology that is still being piloted, such as the use of autonomous vehicles and drones for last-mile delivery, are promising to strengthen logistics networks to remote areas while cutting environmental footprints.
Real-time Tracking and Visibility
One of the key areas where tech in logistics is making a significant impact. Real-time tracking gives wine, beer and spirits importers full visibility of their shipments, allowing for better planning, reduced uncertainty and greater confidence in the supply chain.
But all of that data could be useless without the tools to access and interpret it. brings together all of this information, from stock levels per SKU to each shipment’s carbon footprint. myHillebrandGori can also monitor and provide real-time tracking information on the location and status of shipments.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of real-time tracking for wine, beer and spirits importers, who rely on carefully timed shipments and a precise understanding of inventory levels. Beverage importers can now track each product, vessel and journey, which allows them to allocate resources with more precision.
Enhanced visibility also helps logistics companies optimize routes, manage fleets, forecast demand, and make informed decisions that improve efficiency for shippers.
APIs and EDI
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has been a hero of the logistics industry for decades and continues to be essential for modern supply chain management. EDI standardizes methods for exchanging business documents between companies electronically. This can include purchase orders, invoices and shipping notices, helping to minimize errors and speed up transaction times.
APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are a similar type of tech in logistics that reduce the need for manual admin and the risk of errors. Whereas EDIs allow business data to be exchanged between trading partners, APIs integrate software applications in real-time.
APIs act as a bridge, allowing the different software systems used by parties in the supply chain to communicate and work together seamlessly without human intervention.
APIs allow logistics companies and importers to automate:
- tracking shipments
- managing inventory
- processing orders
- optimizing delivery routes
- calculating shipping rates and quotes,
- order processing
This allows wine, beer and spirits’ importers to streamline their operations, with automated data exchange and simpler order management.
Temperature monitoring
Temperature control is a sensitive subject for wine and beer importers. Wine is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Its aroma, appearance and taste can be spoiled by changes that take place when exposed to light, high temperatures or humidity.
Temperature loggers record data on temperature and humidity during shipping, providing insight into whether a shipment may have been damaged, before it reaches the consumer. Analysing this data alongside shipment routes can help importers make informed and cost-effective choices about the types of container they need and on what routes.
At Hillebrand Gori we also use data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to predict the temperature and humidity on your shipment’s planned route. On the myHillebrand platform, we combine meteorological data with a database of 110,000 sea-shipping routes, 3,300 alternative sea routings, and 2,500 cities. As a wine, beer and spirits’ shipper, this allows you to understand the thermal risks facing your products in transit. All this information is available, which makes planning shipments that protect the quality of the beverage easier..
Combined with predictive planning, temperature logger technology is a useful tool in the wine, beer or spirits’ importer’s kit to better manage their shipments and take the guesswork out of the shipping process.
Automation tech in logistics warehousing
Warehouse automation promises to deliver faster processing times, simpler inventory management, reduced costs and more accurate picking and order fulfillment. With companies holding more buffer inventory in warehouses in the post-pandemic logistics landscape, this is invaluable for large-scale distributors of wine, beer and spirits.
Sensors, GPS trackers and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags can also provide real-time data on the location and condition of a beverage shipment throughout the supply chain. Once a shipment reaches the warehouse, smart sensors can monitor warehouse stock levels in real-time, allowing for better inventory planning and optimization.
This not only reduces costs but also improves customer satisfaction by ensuring products are always available when needed. Warehouse Management Systems that can plug-in to myHillebrandGori puts even more critical information at your fingertips, adding another layer of insight for importers, powered by tech.
Automated picking systems and smart shelving tech in logistics operations are helping importers to make the most of their storage space and fulfill orders faster. This enhanced visibility empowers businesses to manage their assets more proactively, reduce losses, and ensure shipments reach customers precisely when they are needed.
Smart shelves and storage, as well as AI-powered warehouse algorithms are also on the horizon. AI can be used to identify patterns in data and make demand predictions, empowering businesses to optimize their supply chain processes, make smarter decisions and respond quickly to changing market conditions.
The future of alcoholic beverage logistics
As the future of tech in logistics continues to evolve, it’s clear that wine, beer and spirits’ importers stand to benefit from these changes. Improved efficiency, cost-benefits and enhanced customer experience means importers can look forward to more resilient, agile supply chain operations. At Hillebrand Gori we can help you get ready for the future of logistics and make the most of the opportunities available for beverage distributors.
Reviewed by Hillebrand Gori
