Batangas State University

Managerial Economics

DOCUMENTARY : Logistics of the Future

PROGRAM : Free Documentary |
YouTube
DOCUMENTARIST : Daniel Müller
DATE AIRED : May 21, 2021

A. SUMMARY
Logistics is a core component of the modern world. If not for logistics
companies, international trade would be impossible to manage given the rapid
globalization that our economy is facing. That is why there is more than meets the eye
behind the logistics companies like DHL, FedEx, Amazon, and the like.

The documentary delves in the management, factories, and freight hubs of

Deutsche DHL to have an in-depth look on how the global logistics giant manages its
operations. Since the boom in the need of logistics in the 1970s, DHL has grown into
a company capable of hiring more than a hundred thousand employees worldwide
that can ship at more than fifty countries. As more people become dependent on the
services provided by DHL, they have to act quick in order to avoid delays in their
operations. That is why they focused on automation and innovation in their sortation
centers. Robots monitored and maintained by humans are spread across conveyor
belts and warehouses to make operations more streamlined. This is cheaper and
more efficient than to hire and train more skilled workers to be able to handle the
rigorous operations happening in warehouses. Other than automation, the
management of DHL also aims for a sustainable future by implementing electric and
hydrogen fueled delivery vehicles along with their bicycle fleet instead of traditional
internal combustion engine vehicles. They are aware of how much carbon emissions
their freight trucks, airplanes, and vehicles are making. This is why they by using
electric energy sources can tremendously lower their carbon footprint and contribute
to making the world a cleaner place. As part of anticipating the future, advancements
in sorting and inventory management are developed with the help of artificial
intelligence.

It is said that logistics is the backbone of the economy and heavily depends on
it. Logistics is the operating system of the world and without it, the supply chains of the
world will be in chaos. Thanks to the advancements in technology, DHL along with
other logistics companies can process the data of its customers to provide the with the
service they need.
B. DOCUMENTARY POINT OF VIEW

As a Viewer
As a viewer, it is amazing how DHL can process so much data and in such a
quick way. Their management covers so much ground that without the help of
technology, it would be impossible for them to continue operations. I am impressed on
how they are looking forward for a cleaner and greener approach to their delivery
vehicles. It goes to show that they are doing their part to make the world a better
place. The importance of logistics in whole also caught my attention. I never knew how
important those courier companies are especially in a global scale. It is one of the new
learnings that would leave quite an impact on me. Truly those who work in the logistics
sector deserves respect and recognition.

As a student
As a student, we studied the importance of logistics on our subject of
Management Science where we learned about solving problems regarding inventory
and how to bring it to numerous customers in the most efficient way. This is part of
why I am able to appreciate the documentary. The large-scale operations of logistics
companies are similar in concept to what we studied. The principle of planning long-
term is also present as part of DHL’s goals. Its “data driven automation and
innovation” which emphasizes its plan to integrate robotics and electronics with its
human workforce to make its operations run smoother.

As a Future Manager or a Decision Maker

working in a related industry
Watching the documentary from a perspective of a future manager made me
think of just how important logistics are in the world’s daily operation. If I am to be part
of such industry, the strategies brought by DHL can serve as a guide for me in making
important decisions in terms of freight management and quality control. The future is
near and that is why we should be like those in DHL’s innovation division who
continue to think of ways to make its operations more efficient. In this world where
technology is always changing, we should be one step ahead or the competition would
overtake us.

C. DOCUMENTARY EVALUATION
There were no problems that are directly discussed in the documentary.
Instead, it showcased the solutions that DHL has made with regard to the issues that
may arise. However, due to automation, jobs would be taken away from humans in
place of robots in the near future. Although it is not possible now, there may come a
time where even machines can do maintenance tasks on themselves. This would
result in increase in unemployment rate and poverty if other companies adapt to a fully
automated operation.

D. DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS
The documentary itself is already relevant since it was made in 2019. If I would
give suggestions, an update on how did they manage to deal with the setback brought
by the pandemic. What strategies and plans did they implement to ensure that
operations continue even in with health protocols and the different situations of the
countries they deliver to. What issues did they face and what are the major changes
that would become a permanent measure after the pandemic? In terms of the issue I
raised, DHL may offer to give their employees other jobs or compensation if ever they
make their factories and delivery vehicles fully automated.
E. DOCUMENTARY RELEVANCE
The documentary tackled the concept of automation, innovation, and
sustainability on the industry of logistics. These affect the economy in both positive
and negative ways. While automation brings higher efficiency and productivity to
factories this would then result to employees being laid off as well as less opportunity
for others to be employed in the industry. The push for clean and sustainable energy
is good to help lessen the pollution contributed by these giant corporation. The
economy would adjust and shift towards the favor of the companies and less towards
the workforce. I hope that DHL will do something about that.
Submitted by : BEN RYAN M. TOREJA
BSA - 3103