Forwarders and shippers unwilling to implement digital solutions will increasingly be left behind by rivals able to generate cost savings and service improvements through new technologies, according to Alex Ruf, a 25-year logistics veteran and CEO of logistics marketplace book-cargo.com, one of the world’s largest freight rate search platforms.
“It’s not about choosing whether or not to adopt new technology and working practices,” he said. “It is about when you do so – change is inevitable.”
Mr Ruf insisted all supply chain stakeholders – whether procuring or providing air, land or ocean forwarding services – could now reduce costs and improve supply chain transparency by deploying new technological solutions.
“And, of course, customers also want lower quotes and improved transparency so it’s win-win,” he added.
“Whether now or in the near future, failing to embrace digitisation and the automation of supply chains and freight bookings will have an impact on profits and customer relations.”
Mr Ruf also claimed it was wrong to frame the discussion about new technologies entering the logistics space as a battle between incumbents and disruptors.