DHL releases trend report on impact of 5G on logistics industry

DHL has released a report looking at the benefits of 5G technology in the logistics industry.

The report focuses on greater connectedness as part of the “Internet of Things” (IoT), which generally refers to the proliferation of smart devices in homes and businesses, including vehicles and appliances, that are all connected to the same network and accessible remotely.

5G mobile data networks, which are gradually being introduced around the world, offer greater bandwidth and download speed than prior technologies, making greater connectivity possible in relation to the IoT.

The report breaks down the impact of improved wireless communication technologies on the logistics industry into three categories: visibility, autonomy and prediction.

Credit: Ralph (Ravi) Kayden

Visibility, or transparency, refers to the improved ability to closely monitor every link of the supply chain, including every facility, vehicle and shipment. One such example of monitoring technology is sensors that are used in shipping containers. This will help to speed up incident resolution and improve quality of service.

Autonomy refers to autonomous delivery vehicles or robots inside logistics facilities. According to DHL, next-gen mobile networks will help to drive their widespread use.

The improved quality of the data collected, and advances in machine learning and AI, will also improve the prediction systems used for delivery timing and routing.

“A myriad of technologies are simultaneously advancing at a rapid rate, which are also cost effective and increasingly ubiquitous,” said Matthias Heutger, senior vice president and global head of innovation and commercial development.

“They are now becoming more accessible which suddenly opens up vast opportunities for the development of applications and use cases at an unprecedented rate.”

Source: Deutsche Post DHL Group