#ThinkDifferent

Is logistics boring?

When dealing with the management of the various steps in the logistics-distribution chain, we are confronted every day with a number of false myths. When analysing the logistics sector in detail, one realises that there are a number of false assumptions within it. One of these is the perception of the processes behind the actual distribution of packages, which is usually perceived as tedious.

According to the definition given by the Italian Association of Logistics (AILOG) the latter is:

“the set of organisational, managerial and strategic activities that govern in the company the flow of materials and related information from the origins at suppliers to the delivery of finished products to customers and after-sales service”.

Usually when people think of this topic, they imagine a big truck driving down roads, even in traffic, or a huge container being transported by cargo ships in the middle of the ocean. All this happens while impatiently waiting at the window for the parcel to arrive at any moment.

In reality, the process is much more complex and dynamic. The logistics machine works just like an anthill where everyone cooperates at every stage in an organised and proactive way. The process is very fast, vans are constantly whizzing around the city and it is also accompanied by technological innovations and managed by Logistics 4.0. For example, smart forklifts are being used in warehouses to simplify work and support employees in optimising their time.

This whole process, although perceived as heavy and slow, is actually very innovative and constantly evolving. The aim is to improve the experience of the end consumer and to make them an active part of the process.

Women in logistics

Women working in logistics account for only 1.6% of all employees in Italy and only 22% in Europe. The reduced number of women in the transport and logistics sector is nothing more than the reflection of an excessively stereotyped vision that still permeates the sector.

We are moving from muscular logistics to cerebral logistics,” explained Massimo Marciani, President of the Freight Leaders Council, “the future lies in innovation. Finally, thanks to technological innovation, something is changing. Women, with the advent of digital, have the opportunity to innovate and transform the sector, qualifying it more and also bringing their own, more inclusive way of doing business.

Companies in the logistics sector should also open their doors to women and make themselves more attractive to them. It is important to make them see logistics as a career option that they can pursue as much as men. The line that should be taken is more training and flexibility for all-round involvement.

We at San Marino Mail recognise the added value that women bring to the world of logistics. In fact, Giovanni Papagno, Director of the Transport, Logistics and Infrastructure Group of Assolombarda, with the Aslam project supports the development of professional paths designed also for the inclusion of women in this sector.

How do couriers handle parcels?

Final transport is an important part of the work processes of a company that needs to distribute a product.

A company that relies on carriers for its transport needs must be able to make a choice based on experience and knowledge and not just on cost, since the paradoxically cheapest choice is almost always not the cheapest one in the end.

Why is it important for companies to have the expertise to make an appropriate choice of courier?

• To choose the best compromise between efficiency and economy
• To avoid disappointing expectations
• To avoid damage or delays in shipments
• To avoid surprises on the invoice
• To have a service that meets your needs
• To be sure that you can count on adequate and dedicated assistance.

Basically, when you start a negotiation with a courier, you need to know who you are dealing with, how they do their job and above all whether they are able to manage transport and delivery activities according to your operational needs.

Can logistics go green?

Logistics is one of the sectors that are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact. In particular, the main objective of many young companies, especially start-ups, is to reduce the environmental impact of the entire supply chain, taking into account the challenge launched by the European Union with the Green New Deal to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50% by 2050.

Between 2009 and 2018, CO2 emissions in the logistics sector fell by almost 100,000 tonnes, despite an increase in goods handled from 2.9 to 3.2 billion.

Investing in green logistics means investing in the future, which would be impossible without the development of these new technologies.

In the last few days, the city of Milan has been awarded the international call for tenders “Zero Emission Urban Goods Transportation technical assistance programme” launched by the #C40 global network of cities to promote urban logistics and zero emission last mile delivery of goods. The project is committed to improving the distribution model for goods by deploying electric vehicles and cargo-bikes and exploiting the use of automated city hubs strategically located in city centres.

This great achievement has also been made possible thanks to the involvement of numerous expert bodies in the sector, including Assolombarda with its observatories on sustainable urban mobility. As operators in the sector, we are delighted that the world of logistics is moving towards a more sustainable approach!