Samir Chaturvedi, Supply Chain Lead, Haldiram Snacks, discusses the logistics sector’s advancements in 2024, focusing on technology, sustainability, and customer demands. He emphasises that clear goals and collaboration will be crucial for a future-ready ecosystem in 2025.
Collaboration and innovation are key to shaping logistics for 2025
2024 was a year of tremendous transformation for the logistics sector, driven by technological breakthroughs. Samir Chaturvedi highlights how companies made significant investments in automation technologies like drones, autonomous vehicles, and warehouse robots to increase productivity and reduce labour costs. These innovations are helping businesses build more robust, diversified supply chains and shape the logistics landscape of the future.
As customer demands surged, particularly due to e-commerce growth, logistics companies were pushed to offer faster and more flexible delivery solutions. Samir notes the increasing demand for same-day and on-demand services, prompting businesses to focus on real-time delivery options. Technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain became crucial in providing the transparency and efficiency required to meet these heightened customer expectations.
While the logistics sector experienced growth in 2024, it also faced several challenges. Samir points to the ongoing shortage of skilled labour, rising fuel costs, and cybersecurity threats as major hurdles. Geopolitical uncertainties added an additional layer of complexity. Despite these obstacles, the industry made progress in sustainability, focusing on reducing carbon footprints through fleet electrification, eco-friendly packaging, and other green initiatives.
Goals for 2025 and beyond
Looking ahead to 2025, Chaturvedi emphasises the need for measurable goals to drive sustainability and efficiency in logistics. Key targets include reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy like solar power, and promoting fleet electrification. Companies should also focus on reducing packaging waste, improving delivery times, and enhancing inventory and warehouse automation. Additionally, Samir stresses the logistics industry’s contribution to India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision for 2047. By supporting infrastructure development and promoting sustainability, logistics can play a vital role in transforming India into a developed economy while lowering costs and creating jobs.
Balancing costs and demands
As the logistics industry approaches 2025, Samir acknowledges the ongoing challenge of balancing cost-efficiency with customer satisfaction. Customers now expect faster deliveries, more personalised options, and greater flexibility. To meet these demands, companies must invest in both infrastructure and technology. While sustainability initiatives, such as alternative fuels and eco-friendly packaging, involve upfront costs, they also promise long-term cost savings, ensuring logistics companies remain competitive while satisfying customer needs.
Building a collaborative ecosystem
To build a future-ready logistics ecosystem, Chaturvedi suggests fostering deeper collaboration between technology providers, logistics companies, and policymakers. This can be achieved through tax incentives and grants for R&D in AI, blockchain, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Promoting common data standards, creating platforms for dialogue, and encouraging joint projects are also crucial. Additionally, investing in workforce training and educational programs will ensure the sector is equipped with the skills needed for advanced technologies. These steps will foster innovation, improve efficiency, and create a collaborative environment benefiting businesses, consumers, and society.
