Key IT Advances Shaping Vehicle Logistics

INFORM, a leading software developer specializing in artificial intelligence and operations research, is thrilled to announce its latest study on IT in vehicle logistics, highlighting key findings on IT and AI’s transformative impact in the vehicle logistics sector. With a detailed analysis of current challenges, including capacity constraints and the need for greater operational efficiency and transparency, this report is grounded in insights from 106 industry professionals. The comprehensive study underscores a robust forecast for market growth and identifies key technologies driving innovation, also reflecting on the need for enhancements.

The publication of the “INFORM Trend Report on IT in Vehicle Logistics 2024 – Transforming Vehicle Logistics: Pivotal Role of IT and AI” marks the third installment in a comprehensive series of trend reports that delves into the evolving dynamics of vehicle logistics management. The 2024 Trend Report, built on the insights from previous surveys in 2018 and 2013, presents an in-depth analysis of the challenges and advancements within the vehicle logistics sector.

Key Findings from the Report

1. Market growth and increasing demands: One-third of participants each believe that the volume of vehicles handled will increase by 10-20% (33%) or even by more than 20% (34%) over the next five years. At the same time, more than half of those surveyed (56%) fear they will have to contend with capacity issues until 2025 or much longer.

2. Challenges in the industry: Increase of efficiency in operational processes (71%), flexible reaction to deviations from the plan (66%), and transparency about the data related to each vehicle (49%) are the three current challenges most often rated as “very important” for the vehicle management process. For the first time, understanding and reporting CO2 emissions is also seen as essential, rated “very important” by one-third of respondents.

3. IT in vehicle logistics: The majority of companies (83%) rely on specialized software applications for vehicle logistics. Most companies deployed them in the last decade (58%). As for technologies that will affect businesses the most over the next five years, participants selected electric vehicles and trucks (72% and 47%, respectively), artificial intelligence (55%), and vehicle-based GPS telematics (44%).

4. Benefits of IT systems: The three predominant perceptions in the companies surveyed are that IT is a necessary business tool (61%) that helps in optimizing (58%) and automating (55%) processes. Looking at the next five years, respondents consider better data analysis (95%), increased operational efficiency (94%), and support for strategic and tactical decisions (94%) to be particularly important.

5. Less than state-of-the-art technology: A full third of respondents (33%) do not consider their own IT to be future-proof. Just 11% are completely satisfied with their vehicle logistics software. The most frequent complaints concern a lack of reporting, data mining, and analytics options (41%), web portals for communicating with partners (40%), and poor usability (38%).

“As we navigate through the rapidly evolving landscape of vehicle logistics, the role of technology has never been more pivotal,” said Hartmut Haubrich, Director Vehicle Logistics Systems at INFORM. “We recognize the transformative impact of AI on our industry, and it is with great enthusiasm that we present our latest survey report reflecting on the current market trends. It emphasizes the critical need for operational efficiency improvements and the transformative potential of AI in vehicle logistics. Our results also highlight the industry’s needed shift towards more collaborative and partnership-driven approaches to address capacity challenges and foster innovation.”

INFORM remains committed to driving innovation in vehicle logistics through its cutting-edge software solutions, helping businesses increase profitability and resilience in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Read More…

INFORM Delivers Time Slot and Yard Management to Swiss Retail Giant

 

Optimize Compound, Workshop Vehicle Logistics

D’Ieteren Automotive, the official distributor of Volkswagen Group brands in Belgium, has selected INFORM, a global leader in optimization software, to provide a comprehensive solution for vehicle logistics and compound management. This collaboration aims to replace D’Ieteren’s former system with INFORM’s state-of-the-art software, enhancing efficiency and transparency across all vehicle logistics processes including Workshop and PDI.

With a market share of 22.5% and over 1.2 million vehicles on the road, D’Ieteren Automotive is a significant player in the Belgian automotive industry. The company manages a robust network of independent dealers across the country and offers a wide range of services, including maintenance, financing, leasing, and used vehicle sales.

The project’s goal is to implement INFORM’s software suite, designed specifically for the complexities of the vehicle logistics sector. The system, based on Artificial Intelligence and Operations Research, will cover yard and workshop operations at the compound in Kortenberg, near Bruxelles airport. It will provide comprehensive capabilities for optimized parking, real-time work order assignment as well as automatic workshop activity scheduling and efficient execution. All processes will be highly automized and improved by using the proven INFORM algorithms. With the new system and central data management in place, D’Ieteren Automotive will be able to control all its vehicle processes more efficiently at their compound.

“D’Ieteren Automotive is committed to providing fluid and sustainable mobility solutions to our customers,” said Christian Quaedpeerds, Automotive Logistics Manager for D’Ieteren Automotive. “By partnering with INFORM, we aim to leverage their expertise in digital decision-making and AI to enhance our vehicle logistics processes and additional services, ultimately delivering better service to our customers.”

The new system will offer a range of benefits, including higher punctuality, increased efficiency, shorter delivery and processing times, higher customer satisfaction, and future-proof company structures. The solution is expected to go live in 2024.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with D’Ieteren Automotive,” said Hartmut Haubrich, Director Vehicle Logistics at INFORM. “Our solution is designed to handle the complexities of the Vehicle Logistics industry, and we are confident that it will bring significant benefits to D’Ieteren Automotive. We look forward to driving the digitalization of their logistics processes and support D’Ieteren on their journey as the mobility provider for Belgium.”

This partnership marks another milestone in INFORM’s mission to supplement classic IT systems and increase the profitability and resilience of many companies. With over 1,000 software engineers, data analysts, and consultants supporting more than 1,000 customers worldwide, INFORM continues to lead the expansion of digital decision-making through AI applications in vehicle logistics and many other sectors.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.