Karan Shaha, co-founder and CEO, Vahak
The logistics industry in India is estimated to contribute 14.4% of India’s GDP. Yet, over 90% of the logistics industry is unorganised. Within the next five years, India aims to raise its Logistics Performance Index to 25 by bringing down logistics costs from 14% to 8% of the GDP. The National Logistics Policy set up these goals to ensure that the sector serves as a growth engine and a significant contributor by raising India’s GDP to a USD 5 trillion economy. By developing an integrated, seamless, effective, and cost-efficient logistics network that uses top-of-the-line tools, procedures, and qualified staff, the suggested policy aims to increase the country’s economy and corporate competitiveness. The plan will create a single-window e-logistics market and place a strong emphasis on MSMEs’ ability to compete and grow their workforce.
In the future, it is anticipated that the industrial and logistic asset classes will fare better than real estate and infrastructure. Since the year’s beginning, the sector has garnered investments worth Rs 8,257 crore. However, according to the World Bank, Indian cities will need to invest $840 billion in infrastructure and municipal services by the year 2036 to keep up with the country’s rapidly expanding urban population. Considering this, a few trends that are likely to shape the year 2023 for the Indian logistics sector are:
More states need to expedite the National Logistics Policy
The government’s multifaceted strategy, used in the policy to propose regulatory and procedural changes affecting infrastructure, services, and human capital, gives the industry a broad strategic direction and will be a major driver of investments. It is estimated that the I&L stock would double by 2030 to cross 700 million sq. ft as occupiers continue to expand across segments such as e-commerce, 3PL, engineering, and manufacturing. Indian logistics would undoubtedly experience remarkable growth in the years to come if the states come together and expedite the logistics policy.
Prioritising digitisation in logistics sector
There is a huge need to automate logistics in India. Truckers can increase their overall efficiency and price competitiveness with the aid of logistics marketplaces, but it is necessary to incorporate similar automation and technology, like RFID, GPS, warehouse management systems, etc. Additionally, there is a critical need to increase workforce skill levels and enable access to cutting-edge technical solutions.
There will be further changes in the upcoming years as a result of the digitization of the logistics sector. Infrastructure planning and data layers from various central ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as data layers from the pertinent state agencies and bodies, are being digitised and uploaded on a single portal as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan - a crucial part of the National Logistics Policy. To provide their clients with smart and cutting-edge logistics solutions, logistics companies will use technology like artificial intelligence, cloud, automation, robotics, block chain, big data, and IoT. To thrive in the fast-changing logistics sector, even logistics organisations will need to re-evaluate their business plans.
Effective last mile delivery
One of the requirements driving the entire logistics sector is last mile delivery. Although it is the last stage of the delivery process and is where the goods and services are transported from the distribution centre to the ultimate location, last mile delivery is an expensive undertaking. The increasing need for quick delivery has increased its complexity and costs, which has pushed businesses to use the latest technical solutions.
Households are ordering an increasing number of packages to be delivered. The issue in India isn’t a lack of drivers, but bad roads, unclear addresses, traffic jams, and a lack of comprehensive maps. According to a 2018 Boston Consulting Group analysis, the expenditures associated with road congestion in just four Indian cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru—totalled a staggering $22 billion. When attempting to improve last-mile delivery, there are numerous aspects to consider. Effective last-mile delivery operations keep customers satisfied and delighted, while also boosting sales, fostering brand loyalty, and improving profitability.
Renewed focus on workforce requirements will boost confidence
The NLP aims to boost employment in the logistics sector. More than 2.2 crore people rely on this sector for their livelihood, and new workers are anticipated to join from tier 2 and 3 cities as e-commerce demands from rural India gain pace. This calls for focused efforts to create infrastructure that provides ease of doing business and ease of living for those directly employed in the sector.
Take the case of commercial vehicle drivers, who need access to ergonomically planned pit stops, rest areas with access to hygienic food and medicines, vehicle maintenance and road assistance services along major transportation routes, proper minimum wages, set driving schedules and ease in getting return loads, and higher profit margins, apart from access to financial services. If addressed efficiently, the sector is likely to gain the right talent and see start-ups, SaaS and aggregator models emerging and evolving to quickly meet the requirements.
Sustainable efforts to pave the way
Of all the industries, the Covid-19 epidemic had the greatest impact on the logistics sector. However, the industry recovered as things returned to normal in most of the regions of the world. However, the industry’s CO2 emissions have worsened over the years. Warehouses, ports, and freight transportation account for 11% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and by 2050, the logistics sector is expected to be the top emitter of carbon dioxide. As a result, decarbonisation efforts are being made by logistics leaders. It will be necessary for the industry to adopt stringent measures and be prepared to accept the changes that have the potential to radically reshape it in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptability for growth
The supply chain and the logistics sector are always undergoing changes. Today’s industry makes it challenging to manage the weather or the political climate, but firms still have power over how they react to new obstacles. Due to the vulnerability in the logistics sector, supply chain and logistics leaders will continue to create stronger risk-reduction techniques. Regardless of whether this is a logistics trend, they will need to anticipate disruptions and prepare effective tactics in advance if they want to prosper.
Takeaways
The logistics industry is expanding due to the tech-savvy customers and their demand for faster deliveries. Businesses will now have to focus on growing their operations and ensuring cost-effective delivery services that benefit both the company and the client. To enhance supply chain management for OEMs and allied sectors, and to lower logistics costs, logistics service providers will need to simplify complex business procedures and address the needs of those employed and interested in joining the sector.
India is likely to take major steps towards becoming globally competitive and improving its global ranking in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. Adoption of AI powered technology platforms and community-focused features will help in the creation of a trusted and conducive logistics ecosystem.
