A Guide to Digital Trends in Logistics, Distribution

  • Logistics
  • 1/29/2025

As we enter 2025, many clients want to know which new technology is worth investing in. Discover current trends worth implementing.

As we enter 2025 and explore technology trends, many of our clients want to know which new technology is worth investing in. Discover current trends and which ones are worth implementing.

Top technology trends in logistics, distribution

Real time financial and operational reporting

As technology has evolved, many of our clients are experiencing an influx of data and are leveraging various systems such as TMS, ERP, and inventory management systems. Building real-time reporting can often become a manual task. To address this, many organizations have adopted business intelligence tools to serve as a central data hub for all these third-party platforms. By connecting these disparate systems, our clients can trust their reports are accurate, run them as close to real-time as the data allows, and make quicker business decisions

Leveraging generative AI and large language models

There are countless use cases where generative artificial intelligence (AI) can help boost business. As clients begin to adopt this new technology, we have seen more applications that help automate internal processes and make employees' day-to-day lives more efficient. Below are the top use cases for generative AI in logistics and distribution in 2025:

  • Adopting off-the-shelf solutions  Tools like Microsoft Copilot can help back-office executives become more efficient.
  • Dispatching  Clients are developing large language models (LLMs) to interact with their drivers, allowing them to get information quicker by interacting with an AI rather than a human. This enables drivers to ask important pick-up or drop-off questions and receive responses in any language.
  • Inventory management  Based on collected inventory data, models can be trained to identify the most sold goods for the month, check inventory levels, and predict trends based on historical data.
  • CRM integration  Integrating LLMs into CRM platforms allows sales teams to ask the model which clients or prospects to call, helping create effective call sheets and providing quick information before calls.
  • Understanding equipment breakdown  Models can interact with fleet maintenance systems or machines in the distribution line. By referencing machine handbooks or sensor data, the model can predict when a breakdown may occur and suggest the most efficient corrective actions.
  • Route optimization — While route optimization tools have been available for some time, some clients are now building models specific to their organization based on data provided by these tools. This can help determine recommended routes for less than truckload (LTL) or multi-stop shipments. Additionally, you can ask the model to identify recommended lanes to book for a backhaul shipment based on the provided route.

Cybersecurity

Investing in cybersecurity is a big trend as global threats continue to rise. Clients invest in cybersecurity to protect sensitive data, meet regulatory compliance, and prevent financial losses. Robust cybersecurity measures help maintain business continuity, safeguard intellectual property, and protect the company's reputation from the damaging effects of cyberattacks. As cyberthreats continue to evolve, staying ahead with up-to-date defenses and proactive measures is essential. Investing in cybersecurity supports long-term success and growth by helping to secure valuable assets and boost client trust.

Computer vision

As hardware costs fluctuate, advancements in machine learning and AI technology have made building computer vision systems more accessible. Computer vision can be used to track pallets in a warehouse, alert employees when they enter dangerous areas, detect product defects, and notify staff of previously unnoticed anomalies. By adopting computer vision technologies, clients can significantly reduce scrap and improve product quality for their consumers.

How CLA can help with digital trends in logistics, distribution

At CLA, many clients come to us with the simple question, "How do we get started on our digital journey?" The CLA digital team offers a digital readiness assessment, a 4–6-week engagement allowing our team to meet with your key executives and map out your current state, including the software your team uses and where manual processes exist today.

From there, our digital assessment team will develop a future state roadmap, identifying areas where technology can enhance your organization's efficiency and planning for future improvements. The deliverable includes a digital roadmap with a target implementation plan, typically covering up to 18 months. This roadmap helps guide our clients on where to begin and what to expect in the future. 

logistics distribution digital trends

This blog contains general information and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, investment, tax, or other professional services. Consult with your advisors regarding the applicability of this content to your specific circumstances.

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