In this digital era, technology plays an increasingly important role in every aspect of our lives, including in the logistics and goods distribution sector. In the past, the distribution of goods may have seemed simple, but with the development of technology, this process has now become faster, more efficient, and more transparent. Technologies such as GPS, drones, and robotics have changed the way goods are delivered and distributed, providing great benefits to both companies and customers. In this article, we will discuss how these technologies affect the logistics and distribution of goods, as well as some Indonesian companies that have adopted these latest technologies.
1. GPS for Real-Time Monitoring and Delivery
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the most influential technologies in logistics and goods distribution. GPS allows companies to monitor the location of delivery vehicles in real-time. With this technology, companies can provide more accurate information about the location of goods, as well as optimize delivery routes to save time and costs.
The influence of GPS in logistics:
- Real-Time Monitoring of Shipments: GPS allows companies to track delivery vehicles and goods in real time, providing greater visibility into delivery status. Customers can also monitor the location of their goods in real time, which enhances the customer experience.
- Delivery Route Optimization: With information from GPS, companies can choose the most efficient delivery routes, avoid traffic jams or bad weather conditions, and ensure timely delivery. This not only reduces transportation costs but also increases efficiency in shipping goods.
Indonesian Companies that Use GPS Technology in Logistics:
- Gojek: One of the pioneers and largest technology platforms in Indonesia, Gojek uses GPS technology to complement its app system. Through the app, users can track the driver’s location in real-time, which increases transparency and convenience for customers.
2. Drones for Fast and Efficient Delivery
The use of drones in logistics and distribution of goods is growing in popularity, especially for the delivery of goods over short distances or in areas that are difficult to reach by conventional vehicles. Drones offer a faster and more efficient way of delivering goods, with the ability to fly directly to the destination without being hindered by road congestion.
The Impact of Drones in Logistics:
- Fast and Efficient Delivery: Drones can make deliveries in less time than ground vehicles, especially for small deliveries such as medicines or retail products. They also reduce the need for congested road infrastructure, making deliveries faster and more efficient.
- Access to Remote Locations: In remote or hard-to-reach areas, drones provide a more practical and faster delivery solution without the high cost of building roads or other transportation infrastructure.
Indonesian Companies that Use Drone Technology:
- Tokopedia: Tokopedia has been testing drones to deliver goods to customers. Although still in the development stage, the use of drones is expected to increase delivery speed, especially for hard-to-reach areas.
3. Robotics in Warehouse and Packaging Processes
Robotics plays a very important role in improving efficiency in warehouses and packaging processes. Robots equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) are used to pick, pack, and move goods from one place to another within the warehouse. With robotics technology, processes that used to take time and involve a lot of human labor can now be done more quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
The Impact of Robotics in Logistics:
- Packaging and Packing Automation: Robots can be programmed to pack items at high speeds, reducing human error and speeding up processing times. This is very important, especially in e-commerce warehouses that have to handle thousands of orders every day.
- Increased Safety and Efficiency: By using robots for dangerous or heavy tasks, companies can reduce the risk of injury to workers and improve workplace safety. Robotics also helps improve operational efficiency by minimizing the time needed to move goods.
Indonesian Companies that Use Robotics Technology:
- JD.ID: One that uses robots on its e-commerce platform is JD.ID, which uses robots in the warehouse to improve the process of selecting and packaging goods. By using robots, the company can speed up the process and reduce human errors, which is crucial to meet customer demand quickly.
4. Internet of Things (IoT)
In logistics, IoT is used to monitor the condition of goods during transit, such as temperature and humidity. This is possible because IoT technology can integrate devices and the company’s internal network so that the data that the company has can collect, process, and transmit it flexibly. The use of this technology is especially important for goods that require special treatment.
IoT Influence in Logistics:
- Goods Condition Monitoring: With IoT sensors attached to goods or vehicles, companies can monitor the condition of goods, such as temperature and humidity, during shipment. This data can be directly sent to the central system for further analysis so that companies can ensure that the goods remain in appropriate conditions.
- Proactive Maintenance: IoT is also used to monitor the condition of delivery vehicles and other logistics equipment. With the data collected, companies can perform preventive maintenance, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and improve operational reliability.
Indonesian Companies Using IoT Technology in Logistics:
- Katalis Digital: Katalis Digital, which works with several logistics companies in Indonesia, has implemented IoT technology to monitor the condition of goods and vehicles in real-time. This technology helps improve supply chain visibility and ensures goods arrive in good condition.
Technology has changed the way logistics and distribution of goods are done, making them faster, more efficient, and more transparent. Technologies such as GPS, drones, robotics, and IoT have brought major changes to the process of delivering goods, affecting every step of the supply chain, from monitoring goods to final delivery. Indonesian companies such as Gojek, Tokopedia, and JD.ID have started to adopt these technologies. Understanding and mastering the latest technology is a competitive advantage for logistics engineering undergraduate graduates. The S1 Digital Supply Chain program provides in-depth knowledge for students to understand how these technologies are applied in the real world and how they can play a role in improving the efficiency and speed of logistics operations. With skills in technologies such as GPS, drones, robotics, and IoT, logistics engineering graduates can make a major contribution to the digital revolution in logistics.
Tags: Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik Telkom University | Telkom University