Global logistics crisis: the opportunity for digitalization
Digitalization presents itself as a solution to the global logistics crisis, optimizing costs and time in a context of rising rates and disruptions in key routes.
Globally, the logistics sector is facing uncertainty
due to recent trade changes. Decisions driven by the administration of Donald Trump, such as the imposition of a 10% tariff on most Latin American countries, have caused disruptions in supply chains and the planning of international operations.This situation has placed organizations in the position of needing to quickly adapt in order to maintain their competitiveness in an environment of new trade barriers, operational restrictions, and rising costs.
Impact of Transportation Costs
According to the report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) titled “High freight rates strain global supply chains, threaten vulnerable economies” (2024), maritime transportation costs surged in the first half of 2024 due to unprecedented disruptions in key shipping routes and rising operational costs.
These disruptions have increased pressure on supply chains and economies, particularly affecting those countries with higher dependence on international trade. This situation seems poised to intensify in the near future.
Digitalization as a Strategy
To address this scenario, the digitalization of logistics processes has emerged as a key strategy.
According to the report Data Modernization is NOW by Minsait (2022), the adoption of digital technologies in logistics could improve company profitability by more than 10% by optimizing inventory management, automating critical workflows, and reducing operational costs.
Moreover, the implementation of technological solutions can decrease management times by up to 20%, increase warehouse productivity, and improve delivery punctuality by 6%.
Emerging Technological Solutions
Among the most prominent technological solutions are artificial intelligence for demand and supply planning, machine learning to automate processes, digital twins to simulate and monitor operations, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data capture.
These tools enable more precise and adaptable logistics management, while also providing value in terms of sustainability by reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
As Ricardo Pacheco, Logistics Manager at Schneider Electric, analyzes:
“These digital advances not only improve operational efficiency, but they also make logistics more sustainable. The integration of tools such as real-time data analytics and warehouse automation is redefining the way supply chains operate worldwide.”
In the face of supply chain disruptions, Schneider Electric relies on a combination of digitalization and automation to ensure efficiency in its production lines through the implementation of centralized intelligent systems.
The Impact of Automation on Decision-Making
In this context of uncertainty, automation and the use of real-time data are essential elements for making fast and accurate decisions, which is critical in an environment where every minute counts.
According to an article by Native Cloud (2025), companies that implement real-time systems report a 63% improvement in decision-making speed and a 40% reduction in errors, resulting in an ROI of up to 300%.
Pacheco believes that:
“This strategic approach not only boosts efficiency, but also strengthens business competitiveness and resilience, preparing companies for a more agile and sustainable future.”
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