Permanent Change is the New Normal in Logistics

June 24, 2010
Growth in new markets and emerging economies is expected to result in new business opportunities for the logistics industry. But companies will face having even less time to plan their logistics processes

Growth in new markets and emerging economies is expected to result in new business opportunities for the logistics industry, according to Detlef Trefzger, member of the management board of global logistics service provider DB Schenker. With the increase of outsourcing, manufacturers will continue to move some of their production to other countries. Logistics companies are taking on more of the customer's workload and the associated responsibilities. Increasing expertise is needed to handle these tasks and deliver the quality and productivity levels expected.

"The result is increasingly less time to plan logistics processes. Those who miss the boat by not diversifying broadly enough and not adopting a global stance will face difficulties," says Trefzger.

Yesterday's decisions are today's reality, but by tomorrow they will already be out of date, he believes. "Actively driving change, exploiting talent and innovation; and ensuring continuity in the provision of services and quality to the customer - these are the new post-crisis requirements for logistics service providers," says Trefzger.