The Role of Shipping Technology in eCommerce

Shipping has always been an effective and efficient mode of transporting products to consumers. And modern tech is pushing the industry a step forward by introducing time-saving and more resourceful tools shippers can incorporate in the shipping process.

However, companies have been reluctant to integrate shipping technology on their 'working' system to avoid interfering with their logistics.

Shipping is Bridging the Gap between the Seller and the Buyer

Luckily, the reluctance is slowly coming to an end as consumers seek better and efficient systems forcing the companies to shift to digital operations and get more productive.

The internet it easy to trade around the world due to the robust commercial connection grid we refer e-commerce.

However, online buyers want the same experience as they would in a face to face trade. The solution to this is improving on your packaging and aiming for short delivery times.

The e-commerce industry is making up for face to face transactions by implementing order processing and shipment of the product to the consumer.

Therefore, the importance of integrating shipping technology in the logistical process cannot be emphasized enough.

Shipping Technology Trends: How Technology is changing the World of Shipping 

Let's take a look how shipping technology is improving the freight industry.

 Environment-friendly Ships

Shipping is a crucial process that ensures a consumer receives his/her product from the online vendor.

It is useful for an online vendor dealing with international consumers to ensure that they have a valid shipping process to ensure that the products reach their recipients, intact and on time.

However, due to the adverse effects of transportation on the environment, campaigns are being organized to create awareness for eco-friendly modes of transport.

Therefore, shipping companies are seeking to ensure that their transport methods are friendly to the environment.

Moreover, recent studies are focusing on developing wind-controlled ships that take advantage of the monsoon and other types of winds to sail across the oceans.

The drawback to this method is that the ships won’t be fast as using fuel-powered ships. Engineers are counteracting this problem by using light materials to build the ship.

It can also help in improving the overall weight carried by ship.

 Automation 

One of the ways the shipping industry is taking advantage of automation is on the use of cranes. The process of loading and off-loading is efficient as ever with the use of automated cranes.

Technology has also led to the development of automated vehicles and trucks that require little human supervision.

Big companies such as Google and Apple are already developing automated vehicles that will have a significant impact on the shipping industry.

The automated system is controlled from a control console by a few experts. This saves a lot of time and resources while boosting productivity.

Using automated systems ensures that there is minimal human error in the process, thus leading to timely-delivery and eventually an increase in profits.

The technology for transforming trucks to use the automated system is also under development, and several companies are already making the shift. An automated truck will not only improve on delivery times but will also be eco-friendly.

Delivery of products becomes easier ever when you integrate tested shipping technology trends.

 Bringing Back the Trains 

Implementing technology does not only apply to the latest technology advances but also old technologies that have maintained their efficiency over the years.

Trains have been in use since the industrial age and have continued to serve effectively as better forms are being developed from the latest technology.

With modern train models and rail infrastructure, transportation of goods by train is smooth, pocket-friendly and also eco-friendly because engines making use of better and clean energy.

 IoT (internet of things) 

Nowadays, the internet grid can be used to connect devices across the world and share or process data in real-time. The devices linked together are referred to as the internet of things (IoT).

Despite the previous efforts to collect and process data, the shipping industry has not been close to more efficient systems than this era of IoT.

The IoT devices are capable of sharing the data across a range of devices across the internet, which can be processed, and the feedback sent back in real-time.

This process can have a significant change in the shipping industry in terms of improved GPS tracking capabilities, automation, and remote control capabilities.

The definite perks of IOT influence the delivery process with the help of GPS. GPS technology makes it possible for drivers to deliver goods on time without having to recall routes. The technology also targets to save time and cut costs by traveling short, precise routes.

Digital Currency 

The financial industry has recently introduced a new currency that works based on a technology known as Blockchain. The technology has revolutionized currency and the trade process.

Blockchain is slowly replacing files, papers, and ledgers in business. The tech relies on the cloud to monitor shipments leading to a transparent shipping process.

The information derived from the blockchain process can also be analyzed to reveal alternative methods that can be used to optimize the shipping process.

Implementing this tech significantly decreases the costs and time taken to deliver products to consumers. It works by making the process of taking inventory and record taking seamless.

Since records are taken and processed in real-time, the results are; less human error, reduced fraudulent activities and an overall reduction of the price of goods, thus favoring consumers too.

 Robotic AI systems 

To replace numerous workers and processes in manufacturing, processing, and packaging, companies are integrating AI-driven robotic arms to automate processes.

Human beings are prone to error, especially when doing multiple activities at once. No wonder these errors are inevitable.

Luckily, robots are being developed to reduce human error, increase speed, and efficiency at the processing stage.

One of the companies implementing robotic systems is Amazon. The company has recently acquired Kiva Systems, a robotic systems manufacturing company.

The company currently produces robots to be used in Amazon's processing and shipping processes. This efficiency accounts for speed and time, which are significant factors that influence the packaging and delivery process.

Conclusion

Other forms of shipping technology worth mentioning include the use of drones for delivery, which is also bringing efficiency in the shipping sector.

Even though companies are slow in implementing technology in their logistics, an increase in prospect demands prompts them to seek better methods to make shipping more effective.