As China accelerates its efforts in enhancing international transport corridors, particularly through the multimodal transport represented by the China Railway (CR) Express, a pivotal transformation is underway in the logistics supply chain sector. Tan Guangming, chairman of Shanghai EPU Global and a prominent expert at Shanghai University, underscores the necessity for integrating advanced technologies to propel the industry forward. He highlights the role of innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) in augmenting logistics operations and addressing the evolving complexities of modern supply chains.
The logistics supply chain is increasingly recognized as a foundational pillar of the national economy, especially as global trade dynamics and industrial chains undergo considerable restructuring. In this context, digitalization and intelligent transformation have become not just trends, but essential strategies to manage the challenges posed by an ever-changing market landscape. According to Tan, the application of digital intelligence can significantly bolster logistical functionalities and enhance the responsiveness of service providers to sudden market shifts, a pressing need illustrated by the uncertainties stemming from geopolitical tensions and fluctuating trade policies.
The emergence of sophisticated challenges within cross-border logistics, which includes factors ranging from cyber threats to natural disasters, has notably heightened the demand for robust, real-time monitoring and management solutions. Recent studies reflect a paradigm shift in global supply chains, with the value of intermediate goods traded internationally tripling since 2000 and disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic exposing vulnerabilities in existing logistics frameworks. Efforts to strengthen supply chain visibility and resilience, therefore, are gaining traction, encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain. These technologies promise to facilitate better data sharing, improving decision-making capabilities and fostering trust among stakeholders.
Tan’s vision involves fostering an integrated approach across various transport modes—rail, road, and waterways—emphasizing the importance of collaborative mechanisms in logistics management. The integration of digital technologies can potentially enhance the sharing of internal and external information, as seen with the implementation of blockchain, which serves to streamline operations and enable comprehensive visibility along the supply chain. This is in line with broader industry trends advocating for increased transparency and efficiency through innovative technology application.
Furthermore, the CR Express serves as a critical conduit for trade connections with Central Asia and beyond, underlining the need for well-coordinated transport services that can navigate the complexities of international logistics. Tan’s experience with EPU, established in 2008, exemplifies this trend. His company orchestrates a wide-reaching logistics service network that spans over 40 countries and regions, with a focus on developing more integrated systems and intelligent transport services. Taxing resources and precise management strategies have been integral to their operations, as evidenced by the impressive revenue figures and growing shipment volumes recorded in 2023.
Technological advancements such as real-time tracking, reinforced by IoT solutions, and AI-driven analytics for route optimisation are gradually reshaping the sector. These tools enable logistics companies to monitor shipments effectively, foresee disruptions, and adjust operations swiftly. Moreover, the ongoing digital transformation highlights the necessity for companies to embrace these technologies collaboratively, fostering a networked approach where smaller entities are not left behind.
As logistics continues to evolve, the call for innovative solutions reflects a broader ambition within the industry to enhance operational capabilities and ensure sustainable growth. It is through the harmonious integration of advanced technologies that the logistics supply chain can adapt to both current and future challenges, ultimately ensuring a seamless flow of goods across borders and bolstering international trade.
In conclusion, Tan Guangming’s advocacy for a digital and intelligent logistics framework could not be more timely. By championing the integration of advanced technologies within the supply chain, he offers a roadmap for industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape and secure a more resilient future for international logistics.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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