In the rapidly evolving landscape of global logistics, the quest for transparency has emerged as a pivotal strategy for companies navigating the complexities of supply chain management. With the increasing intricacies of interconnectivity among supply chains, firms are realising that end-to-end visibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Ralf Düster, Managing Director of Setlog GmbH, asserts that an effective management approach requires a comprehensive view—from the availability of raw materials to the nuances of last-mile delivery. This perspective was showcased recently when Setlog presented its digital platform, OSCA Global Logistics, at the renowned LogiMAT trade fair, positioning itself as a beacon of insight in an unpredictable logistics environment.
The demand for heightened visibility has been underscored not only by the challenges presented during recent global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also by the limitations of traditional tracking technologies like GPS and RFID. These tools often fail to provide the granular data needed for effective decision-making. As highlighted in various industry discussions, enhanced visibility solutions are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver ‘control tower’ views, enabling businesses to preempt disruptions and optimise their operations. This multidimensional approach aligns seamlessly with the top ten supply chain management trends identified for 2025.
At the heart of Setlog’s value proposition is deep visibility across the supply chain’s entire span. Düster emphasises, “Today, it’s not enough to know where a container is. You need to know when production starts, what the quality control results are, and if your materials are available in time.” The OSCA platform provides businesses with SKU-level visibility early in the production cycle, generating electronic packing lists that offer real-time insights long before goods are shipped. This proactive approach allows distribution centres to prioritise container unloading and streamline resource allocation, ultimately facilitating faster and more accurate customer service.
The intricacies of today’s geopolitical climate, climate-related disruptions, and ongoing port congestion reinforce the necessity of resilience in supply chains. Although Düster jokingly notes that he does not predict geopolitical events or natural disasters, he emphasises the importance of a data-driven approach to bolster resilience. The OSCA platform alerts businesses of potential production delays early on, thus allowing them to adapt quickly—be it by switching shipping methods or adjusting production schedules. By integrating data from suppliers, laboratories, and logistics into a single collaborative platform, OSCA empowers companies to respond adeptly and communicate effectively across all levels of their operations.
Sustainability has become a defining principle in modern supply chains, driving companies to reduce their carbon footprints. Setlog’s OSCA platform features detailed CO₂ tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to evaluate the environmental impacts of individual products or product ranges. This is critical as more companies endeavour to make greener logistics choices to comply with emerging reporting standards. Düster explains how this information can optimize transport methods, balancing immediate logistics needs with longer-term environmental goals.
Compounding these challenges is the growing scarcity of skilled logistics personnel across various sectors, from customs to warehousing. Setlog is developing Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) models to address this shortage, which allows a single provider to manage comprehensive logistics operations on behalf of the customer. This model enables companies to focus on their core business functions while outsourcing complex logistics tasks to experts.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly integral to operational efficiency within logistics. Setlog is embedding AI directly into workflows to automate processes such as document handling and to provide instant answers to supply chain questions via chatbots. This not only decreases the need for manual involvement but also allows logistics personnel to concentrate on resolving exceptions.
Although Setlog is headquartered in Germany, its ambitions are international. Düster acknowledges that the US market has advanced in certain areas, particularly in adopting digital-first logistics platforms, yet he emphasises the company’s commitment to innovation for clients across both Europe and America. Setlog’s active involvement in initiatives like the Open Logistics Foundation and its participation in hackathons highlights its focus on collaborative solutions that aim to enhance supply chain efficacy.
The landscape of supply chain management in 2025 will demand more than fragmented systems and basic tracking methods; it calls for an integrated and cooperative ecosystem that allows stakeholders to share essential data swiftly. The OSCA platform embodies this vision, merging real-time visibility, intelligent automation, and robust security in a comprehensive solution. Düster concludes, “If you want to be ready for the unknowns, whatever form they take, you need transparency and collaboration.” In a world marked by uncertainty, this clarity may prove to be the most advantageous asset of all for logistics operations.
As the logistics industry continues to grapple with unprecedented complexities, the commitment to transparency, collaboration, and sustained innovation remains paramount.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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