OneRail

A Peek Into the 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Supply Chain Execution Technologies

Keeping up with the latest smartphone tech is annoying, to say the least. Every year, there’s a new model and new features, and suddenly, your “cutting-edge” device feels outdated. Managing a supply chain these days feels the same way. Technologies are evolving rapidly, and it’s hard to know which ones are worth investing in. But with the recently released 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Supply Chain Execution Technologies, you have an expert resource on your side to determine what’s actually useful and what’s just hype.

At OneRail, we’re proud to be featured in this report as a representative vendor for the second year running. We take great pride in making supply chains smarter and more efficient with our last mile delivery solutions, and we are here to give you a sneak peek into the key findings of the latest Hype Cycle that can guide your strategic decisions.  

Technology Trends: What’s Gaining Traction?

The supply chain world is facing mind-boggling challenges right now. But don’t throw in the towel just yet, because some seriously impressive tech is emerging to tackle these issues head-on. Let’s break it down for you.

Generative AI in Logistics

You know how everyone’s losing their minds over ChatGPT and whatnot? Well, brace yourself because that same tech is about to turn your logistics world upside down. Right now, it’s like a brilliant toddler — full of potential but still learning to walk. Less than 1% of companies are using it. However, by 2027, it could be your go-to co-pilot, providing real-time visibility and driving faster and more accurate decision-making processes.

In other words? This tech could rewrite the rules of last mile logistics and the supply chain as you know it. Picture GenAI churning out reports, spotting trends and proposing solutions before you’ve had your first sip of coffee. No more guesswork or decision delays. And here’s a number that’ll knock your socks off: By 2027, over 75% of last mile deliveries in North America and Europe could offer near-real-time delivery windows and ETAs.

Humanoid Working Robots

Humanoid robots are stepping out of science fiction and into the real world of logistics. These machines, which look and move a lot like you, can adapt to almost any task a human can do. Soon, you might see them working alongside people in your warehouse or distribution center, but don’t worry — they’re not here to take jobs. Instead, these robots aim to handle the repetitive or physically demanding work that’s often hard to fill, complementing human workers rather than replacing them.

It’s an exciting prospect, especially with ongoing labor shortages that make it even harder for companies to find workers than manage inventory. As this technology advances, it opens up new possibilities.

Digging Deeper into the Hype Cycle: Identifying Transformative Technologies

There’s a lot of buzz around new tech these days. It seems like every week, there’s some new gadget or software that’s supposed to revolutionize the way we do business. But how do you separate the game-changers from the flashes in the pan? That’s where understanding the Hype Cycle comes in handy. When you cut through the noise, it’s easier to pinpoint technologies with real staying power and the potential to shake things up in the supply chain world. Sure, they might be in their early stages now, but these innovations could completely redefine your operations in the next few years.

Autonomous Trucks

Imagine cruising down the highway and glancing over to see a truck with … no one in the driver’s seat! Sounds wild, right? But this futuristic scenario is inching closer to reality. Autonomous trucks aren’t just some far-off dream — they’re a practical solution to some serious problems plaguing the logistics industry. Think about the constant worry over road safety and the ongoing struggle to find enough qualified drivers. Autonomous trucks could be the answer we’ve been looking for.

Now, you might have doubts and think, “But what about all the regulations?” You’ve got a point. There’s still a mountain of red tape and bureaucracy to deal with. However, the potential benefits are hard to ignore. We’re looking at a future with lower operational costs and faster deliveries. From a business perspective, the impact could be massive. Picture your fleet running around the clock without the need for driver breaks or sleep. That means getting products to customers faster and keeping less inventory gathering dust in warehouses. You’re cutting costs, reimagining what’s possible and revving up for this inevitable change.

RTLS-Based WMS

Now, let’s talk about something that might not sound as flashy as self-driving trucks, but trust us, it’s a big deal. RTLS-based WMS — that’s Real-Time Location Systems in Warehouse Management Systems, for those who don’t speak the acronym — is changing the old way of doing things in warehouses. Instead of relying on manual scanning and educated guesses, we’re talking about pinpoint accuracy in tracking every item in your warehouse in real time.

Think about the impact on your business. No more wasting time on manual scans or hunting for misplaced items. In a massive distribution center, that time adds up fast. With RTLS, you’ve got eyes on everything all the time. 

Why is this catching on now? Well, as warehouses get bigger and more complex, the old ways of doing things just aren’t cutting it anymore. Companies are realizing that to stay competitive, they need this level of precision and efficiency. Sure, integrating new tech with old systems can be a nuisance. Yet, more and more businesses are deciding it’s worth the effort.  

The Road Ahead: Technologies Poised for Disruption

Several promising technologies are poised to shake up supply chain operations in the not-so-distant future. While not widespread yet, these technologies are starting to appear in leading supply chains and are worth keeping an eye on as they develop and mature:

  • Digital Twins in Warehousing (1-5% adoption): Think of a virtual copy of your warehouse for simulations and real-time monitoring. It’s like having a test environment to optimize operations before implementing changes in the real world.
  • Multi-agent Orchestration Platforms: These manage diverse robotic fleets and make sure that different automation systems work together smoothly. It’s about getting all your tech to communicate and integrate.
  • Warehouse Labor Forecasting: As finding workers becomes more challenging, these tools help predict staffing needs to maintain productivity. It’s about having the right people at the right time.
  • Transportation Carbon Management: With sustainability becoming increasingly prioritized, these solutions track and help reduce carbon footprints in shipping. They’re like fitness trackers for your fleet’s emissions.
  • AI-Enabled Vision Systems: These use AI and machine vision to automate data capture and monitoring. Think of more ingenious, accurate cameras that spot issues human eyes might miss.

Supply Chain Tech: Tools You Can Actually Use

Supply chain tech can be overwhelming, but the 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Supply Chain Execution Technologies makes it a little bit more digestible and understandable. With a focus on genuinely useful innovations in AI, robotics and tracking systems, the report goes through practical solutions that make a real difference today and tomorrow. OneRail’s inclusion in this report for the second year running shows our commitment to delivering tech that genuinely works for you.

At the end of the day, you want hassle-free, reliable deliveries. That’s our focus at OneRail. We connect you with a network of over 12 million vetted drivers. We automatically find the best rates and provide real-time shipment updates with our OmniPoint® Platform. Plus, we have an Exceptions Assist™ team on standby 24/7 to handle any issues that pop up.

Want to see how this could streamline your operations? We’d love to show you. Download the full report from OneRail to explore detailed vendor profiles, market trends and actionable insights that will help you stay competitive in the digital age. And while you’re at it, feel free to schedule a demo with OneRail to see what the hype is about.

 

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