The leading companies in the technology market are not only innovating with their products, but also in the way they bring them to market. Logistics has become a key element in the success of technology giants such as Cisco, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Apple and Intel, which year after year repeat in the Supply Chain Top 25 that the consultancy firm Gartner compiles to distinguish the companies with the best supply chain management.
To understand why technology companies have become benchmarks for logistics, we must look at their ability to adapt to global challenges, such as the supply problems that have characterised the semiconductor segment, for example; the adoption of measures to reduce the carbon footprint in their logistics chain; or their ability to incorporate technology into their logistics processes. Below, we detail their contributions in these three areas:
1. ‘Anti-fragility’ to cope with disruptions
The supply chains of these companies are designed to respond quickly to disruptions. Global disruptions, such as geopolitical tensions, pandemics or economic crises, can severely affect logistics operations. However, the technology companies at the top of Gartner's report have so-called ‘anti-fragile’ supply chains, which are prepared to adapt to new environments, meaning their supply chains are designed to survive any type of disruption and stay up and running. NVIDIA, for example, has demonstrated a strong ability to manage volatility in the supply of semiconductors, a product that is particularly sensitive to disruption.
2. Logistics sustainability as a strategic value
Technology companies are prioritising sustainability in their supply chains. Not only to meet regulations and consumer expectations, but also as a way to improve operational efficiency. Leading technology companies, such as Apple and Intel, have integrated sustainability into the core of their logistics operations, from reducing carbon emissions to optimising their transportation routes and using recyclable materials in their packaging. This adoption of sustainable practices has helped them not only to reduce their environmental footprint, but also to improve efficiency and reduce costs, placing them at the top of the rankings.
3. Technology for logistics technology
Leading tech companies have been early adopters of new technologies to optimise their supply chains. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, automation and digital twins to improve operational efficiency, anticipate demand, manage inventories more accurately and reduce transit times. A good example of this reality is the commitment being made by companies such as Microsoft and Cisco, which have implemented digital twins to simulate and optimise their supply chains, allowing them to make real-time adjustments and manage operations proactively.
Nearshoring in the tech industry: a new era for tech logistics?
Factors such as geopolitical tensions, component shortages and changing trade policies, especially with Trump's return to the US presidency, are accelerating the trend of nearshoring in the technology industry, reconfiguring supply chains towards locations closer to key markets such as Europe and North America.
According to a study by Reuters and Maersk, 67% of global retailers and technology manufacturers have already begun to change their sourcing locations to improve security, reliability and speed to market. This reconfiguration also responds to the need to reduce exposure to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, enabling companies to meet consumer demands faster.
Nearshoring reduces transit times and costs associated with long global supply chains. By moving operations closer to key markets, companies can improve reliability and speed of delivery, and countries such as Poland, Turkey and Mexico are already seeing increasing investment to position themselves in these markets.
Which logistics operator does the technology industry require?
Companies in the technology sector need logistics operators with an international dimension that are capable of adapting to nearshoring movements, and that are aligned with the key trends we have analysed: anti-fragility, sustainability and advanced technology.
At Rhenus, we position ourselves as a logistics operator specialising in this sector, with the capacity to adapt to these changes and provide a comprehensive solution throughout the entire supply chain. Our portfolio of logistics services for technology products includes both transport and storage, which we complete with value-added services such as customs or insurance, as well as personalised advice to help companies identify logistics opportunities that improve their results and reduce their costs.
This is best exemplified by the success story of a global electronics manufacturer that came to us to optimise its logistics in Europe. This client was facing several problems, such as high transport costs, lack of visibility and delayed delivery times, so it was looking for an operator to integrate the logistics services it had outsourced to different suppliers.
The solution we provided from Rhenus allowed them to increase their logistical efficiency, shorten their delivery times and gave them access to new markets. This response not only solved their immediate problems, but also established new opportunities for the company's future growth, proving our ability to bring competitiveness to the technology industry.