The logistics industry is currently experiencing an unprecedented transformation due to the unstoppable wave of digitalisation. In recent years, it has become clear that the integration of digital technologies is bringing about a fundamental change in the way companies control and manage logistics processes. Document-based processes in particular are witnessing a remarkable transformation that is significantly shaping the efficiency, accuracy and sustainability of supply chains. But what logistics trends will emerge in 2025?
It is important for logistics companies to continue to develop their business and adapt to the market situation. This is the only way they can secure their own supply chain in the long term and thus achieve competitive advantages. The logistics industry is facing some ground-breaking changes. From IT security and real-time communication in logistics companies to the automation of document-based processes via the cloud – we reveal the most important logistics trends in terms of digitalisation and innovation for 2025.
Logistics trend no. 1: AI as the answer to the shortage of skilled labour
The shortage of skilled labour does not stop at the logistics sector. According to a survey by the Munich-based Ifo Institute, 44,46 % of companies in the “warehousing” sector, 46,66 % in “transport and storage” and 59,43 % in “land transport” reported that their business activities were being hampered by a shortage of skilled workers in the third quarter of 2024. In addition to commercial employees and specialists for quality management and customs, professional drivers are increasingly in demand. This makes it all the more important for logistics companies to retain their loyal and long-standing employees and create real added value for them. An important task here is to ensure transparent internal communication across time and location-dependent boundaries.
At the same time, a significant trend is establishing itself in the logistics industry that not only increases efficiency, but also fundamentally changes the way we work – AI-based document processing. This offers relief by taking over repetitive tasks and freeing up human resources for more complex decision-making processes. This allows employees to concentrate on more strategic tasks, while the AI handles the document-based processes efficiently and error-free. In its Logistics Trend Radar 7.0, for example, the DHL Group sees generative AI, AI ethics, audio AI, computer vision and advanced analytics as important logistics trends for the future. AI not only improves the processing speed, but also the quality of the extracted information. This leads to more precise and reliable data, which is essential for informed decision-making in logistics. From waybills to customs documents, AI, e.g. the d.velop pilot, can automatically extract relevant information, summarise it in seconds based on LLM and process it in real time.
The KIMW is playing a leading role here and is using the d.velop pilot to compensate for the shortage of skilled labour with AI. The institute has digitally stored 15,000 reports since 2010. A major advantage of the d.velop pilot is that the software also names the sources directly. This is a summary of the knowledge from the indexed reports. This prevents the LLM from simply stringing words together and referring to potentially invalid sources. This keeps the AI very close to the available reports.
In addition, AI systems help to minimise paper consumption by converting documents into digital formats and significantly reducing the need for physical documents. Promoting sustainability has become an essential part of doing business in the logistics industry. Year after year, logistics companies are setting themselves higher targets to improve their own ecological footprint. The procurement, storage, shipping and transport of goods must also be organised in a resource-saving and CO₂-neutral manner, for example with the help of renewable fuels. This also includes routes that need to be organised more efficiently, for example to prevent empty runs. From predictive vehicle maintenance to automatic route optimisation, AI technologies are opening up new opportunities to make the logistics industry more effective and future-oriented.
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Logistics trend no. 2: Digital freight documentation and processing
In recent years, logistics companies have focused heavily on modernising their fleets. Lorries have been equipped with the latest technology such as LED lights, steering brakes and MirrorCams. Cooperation with freight exchanges has also been greatly optimised. For good reason, of course: the improvements led to a faster and more reliable transport and delivery process.
The digitalisation of freight documents such as waybills, delivery notes and customs documents is also becoming increasingly important in the logistics industry. Traditional freight handling processes were often characterised by manual document creation, time-consuming processing and a high potential for errors. Paper wastage and delays in delivery were not uncommon. Electronic documents enable logistics companies to work more efficiently, reduce errors and minimise paper consumption. In addition, the introduction of electronic waybills, delivery notes and customs documents enables seamless collaboration between different players in the supply chain. Various track and trace technologies also play a role in the digitalisation of freight documents. In a short study, the Frauenhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering examined the possibilities of barcodes, blockchain, RFID and RTLS. Freight forwarders, logistics service providers and warehouse employees can now access these documents in real time. This not only speeds up freight processing and improves transparency in the supply chain, but also enables immediate adjustments to be made in the event of irregularities or changes in the delivery process.
At the d.velop summit, Thomas Simon and Joachim Schäfer from Nagel-Group explained how the introduction of invoice processing has reduced their internal workload. The first step is the automated reading of invoice data, followed by external invoice validation for optimal document processing quality, automation through AI item proposals for FI documents and finally the digitalised approval process with direct posting process.
Nagel-Group is also testing the so-called ‘Driver Terminal’. A self-service terminal allows lorry drivers to handle processes independently. The multilingual user interface also ensures smooth communication and is intended to streamline processes, overcome language barriers, reduce manual activities, minimise waiting times and drive forward the reduction of paperwork.
Logistics trend no. 3: Cloud-based document management systems
Logistics is dynamic by nature and characterised by an abundance of documents – from waybills and delivery notes to customs documents. Cloud-based document management systems adapt seamlessly to these constant changes. Companies can scale their storage capacity as required and are no longer restricted to local servers. This flexibility allows logistics companies to quickly adapt to changes in the order situation, stock levels or other logistical challenges.
It also includes a central storage location for all documents and information, which is particularly valuable for cross-location teams and international supply chains. The cloud not only offers technological advantages, but also financial ones. By dispensing with local server infrastructures, companies can save considerable costs. In addition, cloud-based document management systems rely on advanced security protocols to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data. Thanks to regular updates and encryption technologies, they provide a secure framework for managing sensitive logistical information.
Logistics trend no. 4: Information bundling at a central location
Another logistics trend in 2024 is to break down silos in order to improve the flow of information, reduce IT costs and optimise supply chain workflows, among other things. Logistics, which is based on smooth processes, cannot afford such obstacles. It is crucial that information is bundled in a centralised system for each process – this is the only way to make it available quickly and at any time. This increases efficiency and facilitates collaboration by ensuring standardised access to documents. It must also be ensured that (especially) sensitive data is adequately protected.
This is where the digital file provides a customised solution to ensure optimal bundling of information. With paper documents, this is done after scanning: The system then reads the documents fully automatically and uses the available information to automatically assign them to existing digital files. If no file exists yet, new files are automatically created based on the existing information in the document. This is different for filing scenarios from leading systems – such as merchandise management or financial accounting: outgoing documents are transferred to the central file completely automatically via important information fields (e.g. the customer number) and filed in a way that is stable over the long term and can always be found. In this way, digital files can help to maintain a complete overview of documents.
Logistics trend no. 5: Cyber security as the foundation for a secure logistics future
The increasing use of digital technologies in logistics is also accompanied by new risks, particularly in the area of cyber security. Having and using data is one thing. At the same time, however, it also means protecting it securely and from unauthorised access. Not only private individuals but also companies are affected by cyber attacks. The increasing networking of systems and the increased use of cloud platforms make the supply chain more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
According to a study by Bitkom, 81 % of all companies were affected by physical and digital theft as well as industrial espionage or sabotage between August 2023 and August 2024. In comparison: in 2023, the rate was 72 %. The damage caused by the attacks increased by 29 % and now amounts to 266.6 billion euros – a record figure.
A closer look at digital attacks shows: The digital theft of business data is at 74 %, around 4 % higher than the previous year’s figure. The situation is similar for digital sabotage of information and production systems or operational processes. At 70 %, the figure is 7 % higher than in the previous year. In addition to digital attacks, analogue attacks on German companies are also on the rise. These include the theft of physical documents, personnel files, etc., the interception of meetings or telephone calls on site and the physical sabotage of information and production systems or operational processes. Compared to the previous year, the figures show an increase of 15, 13 and 9 % respectively.
In a study by the Cyberedge Group, almost 80 % of IT security managers found that their companies are not adequately protected against cyber attacks. This damage can be flexibly covered by cyber insurance, for example.
Into the future – tackle it and get going
Observing trends helps logistics companies to better prepare for future market changes and get involved as a digital pioneer in the industry. This allows market opportunities to be identified, competitors to be analysed and risk management to be carried out, as trends can also serve as an early warning system for potential risks.
The logistics trends listed here show how digital transformation is changing document-based logistics processes and paving the way for optimised, efficient and more agile supply chain management. The past few years have already clearly shown how important the use of new technologies and digital solutions are in order to remain fit for the future – especially for logistics. By implementing the top trends, logistics companies are always one step ahead of their competitors and set a sustainable example in the economy.
The logistics industry is currently experiencing an unprecedented transformation due to the unstoppable wave of digitalisation. In recent years, it has become clear that the integration of digital technologies is bringing about a fundamental change in the way companies control and manage logistics processes. Document-based processes in particular are undergoing a remarkable transformation that is significantly shaping the efficiency, accuracy and sustainability of supply chains.
It is and remains important for logistics companies to continue to develop their organisation and adapt to the market situation. This is the only way they can secure their own supply chain in the long term and thereby achieve competitive advantages. The logistics industry is facing some ground-breaking changes. From IT security and real-time communication in logistics companies to the automation of document-based processes via the cloud – we reveal the most important logistics trends in terms of digitalisation and innovation for 2024.
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