What is the Concept of Logistics 4.0?

Logistics 4.0, which has emerged in recent years as a result of the fourth industrial revolution and technological advancements, is closely related to the concept of Industry 4.0. Unlike Industry 4.0, which proposes a disruptive transformation in manufacturing, Logistics 4.0 advocates the transformation of how organizations produce, purchase, sell, and deliver products.Logistics 4.0 arises from the increasing need for automation and digitalization of operations and processes in production potential, as well as developments in communication technologies. The proposed model for

Industrial Revolution and Logistics Digitalization

Modern industry has been evolving for centuries, and its innovations have influenced production methods, the four industrial revolutions, and all other related fields. Along with the industrial revolution, technological, demographic, social, and market conditions also change in parallel.The development process from the first industrial revolution (Logistics 1.0) to today (Logistics 4.0) can be summarized as follows:Logistics 1.0: Mechanization of transportation
Logistics 2.0: Automation of transport systems
Logistics 3.0: Logistics management systems
Logistics 4.0: Use of the internetThe beginning of Logistics 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, represents the integration of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) into production processes and activities. Smart factories are characterized by automation at organizational levels, digitized processes and operations, and information support systems. The digital environment includes partners, users, suppliers, buyers, and markets where smart factories communicate via the internet.Logistics 4.0 must support Industry 4.0 applications and processes from market demand processing and production planning to the delivery of products to end users. For this, logistics activities and processes must be included in the digital transformation process.

The digital characteristics of logistics systems include:

Collaboration: Digitalization enables the formation of virtual logistics networks.
Connectivity: Provides horizontal and vertical integration in the supply process.
Adaptability: Adapts to changes such as market demands, users, and suppliers.
Integration: Ensures coordination of different software applications and computer systems in the digital environment both physically and functionally.
Autonomy: Intelligent objects capable of communication have increasingly become part of Logistics 4.0 systems.
Cognition: The ability of devices and systems to perform human-like skills such as knowledge processing, perception, learning, planning, and reasoning for automation of tasks.Under new conditions, Logistics 4.0 must ensure real-time information flow visibility, market demand responsiveness, product and service customization, and decentralized global supply chains.

Functions and Applications of Logistics 4.0

Logistics 4.0 is defined as smart logistics because its components and functions involve the management of intelligent processes, based on ICT, software systems, and the internet. The main functions and components of Logistics 4.0 include:Automatic identification
Real-time positioning
Automatic data collection
Connectivity and integration
Data processing and analysis
Business servicesAutomatic identification of all objects and participants in logistics processes, determination of their location, and real-time data collection make quality management, planning, and optimization possible. Data processing and analysis enable new knowledge generation, intelligent management, and new business services.There are many technologies that implement these components, the most important of which are:Internet of Things (IoT)
Cloud computing
Big data
Blockchain
Wireless sensor networks
Robotics and automation
Augmented reality
Drones
3D printing
Automated guided vehicles