How fast is evolution progressing?

Geurt de Groot - Managing Director, Motrac

In the dynamic world of warehousing and logistics, change is the only constant. As I look back on my long career in this industry, spanning more than three decades, one overarching theme stands out: the relentless pace of transformation. From the early years to my current role at Motrac, I have witnessed up close the sweeping changes in our industry. Today, we are on the cusp of another significant evolution, driven by technological advances and the ever-increasing demands of a 24/7 economy.

The transformation of logistics is not just a trend, but a necessity. The shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles was just the beginning. Now we are moving toward a fully automated and connected logistics ecosystem. The question on my mind is: How fast will this evolution take place?

Our logistics chains today must run nonstop to meet customer expectations. The rise of e-commerce has changed the rules of the game. Consumers order products with a few mouse clicks and expect them to arrive at their doorstep the very next morning. This means the supply chain must adapt to a 24-hour operation, leading to a growing demand for automation, robotization and mechanization.

At Motrac, we are busy with this transformation. We are investing heavily in internal logistics and automation, such as telemetry, consulting and data analytics. However, the challenge remains to determine how quickly and to what extent we should implement these changes. This depends heavily on macroeconomic conditions and labor availability. The tight labor market is already forcing us to innovate, such as the deployment of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and other automated systems.

Another important aspect is the shift in the role of service delivery. Where we used to supply only products, customers now expect a complete service, including 24/7 support and advanced telemetry. At Motrac, for example, we have 160 service technicians working daily on site at customers' premises. This model will have to evolve further into more remotely managed services and data-driven decisions.

The future of logistics is complex and full of challenges, but also full of opportunities. The pace of change will be determined by both technological innovations and economic forces. What is certain is that we must remain flexible and forward-looking to navigate this highway of transformation.

At Motrac, we are ready to meet these challenges. We continue to invest in technology and people to provide our customers with the best solutions. Because in the world of logistics, standing still is going backwards.