Logistics has gone from being a poorly understood concept within companies to becoming one of the strategic pillars of global competitiveness, according to Arturo Frías, a consultant and specialist in the sector, who considered that the evolution of the discipline has been “infinite”, driven by technological changes, global disruptions and a growing understanding of its financial impact on businesses.

Frías recalled that when he started his career in logistics, this word wasn’t even a common term within companies.

“More than 40 years ago, the word logistics was practically not used. Some even confused it with logic. Today we know that it is the management of the physical flow of products or services to comply with the principle of the ‘five rights’: the right product, in the right place, in the right quantity, at the right time and at the right cost,” he explained.

Over the decades, various sectors have set the pace of logistics innovation , although the automotive industry has been one of the main catalysts.  According to Frías, this industry pioneered the integration of external logistics operators and schemes such as direct supply to production lines, or line feeding . It also promoted more complex supplier management models.

“Automakers began integrating logistics into third-party operations more than 30 years ago. Specialized companies started handling warehousing, transportation, and supplier management,” he noted.

This model later spread to other industries such as consumer goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.  While the evolution of logistics has been constant, Frías identified the COVID-19 pandemic as the moment that accelerated the sector’s transformation.

Disruptions in global supply chains, port closures, and increased transportation costs forced companies to rethink their sourcing strategy.

“The model of manufacturing in the cheapest location ceased to be sufficient when shipping containers began to cost up to $60,000 and delivery times multiplied,” he explained.

In this context, nearshoring (relocation of production lines) , the growth of e-commerce, and the greater strategic value placed on logistics within companies became key factors for its recent evolution.

Artificial intelligence and automation

Another decisive change has been the adoption of advanced technology in logistics operations . Warehouse management systems, robotics, and predictive models based on artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed the planning and execution of supply chains.

“Today you can integrate factors such as weather, mobility, or customer behavior into a planning model. This allows you to move from forecasts with 70% accuracy to levels close to 95%,” he explained.

Automation is also changing operations in distribution centers, where robotization and process digitization are becoming increasingly common.  However, he cautioned that technology alone is not enough.

“Before implementing artificial intelligence or logistics software , companies need to review and improve their processes. If you automate inefficient processes, you’ll only get more errors,” he pointed out.

Launch of their marketplace

In this context, Frías recently launched a marketplace specializing in logistics , arturofrias.shop , a platform that seeks to concentrate content, training and services related to the sector.

The specialist explained that the initiative arose after identifying a gap in logistics training, especially among young professionals and small businesses seeking practical tools to improve their operations. Although corporate training has grown significantly in Mexico over the past few decades, he believes there is still a need for accessible materials focused on practical application.

“Logistics doesn’t have to be elitist; it has to be accessible to everyone. The more people who are starting out in the sector are reached, the faster they can learn and apply concepts that will help them improve their operations,” he said.

The platform integrates various resources developed throughout his professional career, including specialized books, video tips on logistics strategies, and digital training programs with animations aimed at operational and administrative staff.

In addition, the marketplace also seeks to connect other services related to the sector, such as consulting, specialized recruitment, and artificial intelligence-based solutions for logistics management.

According to Frías, the goal is to broaden access to logistics knowledge and at the same time create a meeting point for companies seeking to improve their processes in an increasingly digital environment.

A future with two possible scenarios

Looking ahead to the next decade, Frías envisions two possible scenarios for Mexican logistics.  The first would involve greater coordination between companies, associations, and the government to develop infrastructure and take advantage of nearshoring .

The second, less optimistic, scenario would be that the country continues to lose positions in international logistics rankings .

“We have the location, the market, and the talent. The question is whether we can work together to turn those advantages into a true logistics platform,” he emphasized.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21

El cargo From physical distribution to artificial intelligence: the evolution of logistics apareció primero en T21.