Sustainability in Logistics: Mobile Data Capture for Eco-Friendly Supply Chains

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative for boardrooms around the world. Reporting on sustainability measures is now expected, if not legislated. What’s more, consumers are more conscious of the impact their buying decisions have and expect brands to demonstrate their eco-friendly practices across the supply chain.

It’s well understood that reducing the environmental impact of production and supply is a high mountain to climb. However, it isn’t stopping companies from making the first steps forward.

There has been significant innovation in manufacturing practice, material design, packaging and energy in recent years. Not only are firms adopting these new technologies to make headway in delivering their green strategies, but they are also making improvements to productivity and efficiency and boosting brand value.

One powerful tool that is being more widely adopted is mobile data capture. This includes electronic proof of delivery (EPOD) systems, mobile computing, and transportation management systems (TMS). These innovations are contributing significantly to sustainability by reducing paper usage, optimizing routes which economises on fuel, and minimizing waste across diverse vertical markets.

Traditional logistics gets a digital makeover

Historically, logistics has relied heavily on paper documentation, everything from product authentication, schedule manifests, customs certificates to proof of delivery.  It accounts for billions of sheets annually. Suboptimal route planning is also taking its toll. It leads to excessive fuel consumption and higher carbon emissions and can contribute to wastage particularly in perishable supply chains. In contrast, digital solutions have empowered logistics providers to make the move away from paper-based systems to more sustainable practices, bringing with it greater efficiency and even improvements to profitability.

Mobile Data Capture and the case for paperless operations

Paper-based processes are not only time-consuming, prone to errors or loss, and costly, but also environmentally unsustainable. That’s why logistics providers are moving to mobile data capture technologies to replace the burden of traditional paper documents and the dependency on printing. But the motivation to move to digital is not only about removing the paper trail. The application of EPOD systems, for instance, provides a means to improve efficiency and customer communications. EPOD allows drivers and dispatchers to share information digitally and provides stakeholders with real-time updates on deliveries. In short, it’s good for business.  

Route optimization with Transport Management Systems

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are now firmly at the heart of sustainable logistics. Fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, and lower greenhouse gas emissions are among the top reasons to adopt TMS. TMS use advanced algorithms to optimize delivery routes, ensuring vehicles take the most efficient routes from A to B. This means fuel consumption is more efficient, there are fewer instances of empty vehicles, and delivery times are easier to predict leading to happier customers.

What does this look like in the real world? We’ve outlined just a few ways different vertical markets are using digital tools to meet the sustainability challenge and improve efficiency and productivity:

• Retail and E-Commerce: Real-time inventory tracking prevents overstocking, reducing spoilage and disposal of unsold goods.
• Healthcare: Digital tracking ensures precise delivery of medical supplies, reducing the risk of expired inventory.
• Manufacturing: Integration with connected devices enhances supply chain visibility, preventing overproduction and resource wastage.
• Food and Beverage: EPOD ensures temperature-sensitive goods are delivered without spoilage, reducing food waste.
• Construction: Digital records help track material usage, minimizing excess ordering and disposal.
• Pharmaceuticals: Barcode scanning and digital tracking ensures compliance and reduces errors, saving both resources and costs.

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future with Smart Logistics

It’s clear that mobile computing, EPOD, and TMS technologies are leading the way by reducing environmental footprints while improving operational efficiency. They hold great potential to transform logistics into a cornerstone of sustainability. As these solutions become more advanced and accessible so we should expect wider adoption. It will become a competitive differentiator, whereby more firms align their financial goals with environmental priorities.

By embracing these innovations, logistics providers can achieve a triple bottom line: economic savings, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. So, as we head deeper into 2025, there’s no doubt that sustainability in logistics will no longer be an option. It’s a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets.

Here’s to the future.

About the Author

Sohil (42) has 15+ years’ experience supporting customers with complex, field based, mobile technology solutions.  He has been with Touchstar Group for over six years, having previously worked for Masternaut and Barclaycard. In his spare time he enjoys family life and is a very active individual! His main passions are football, motor racing, karting, travelling and hiking. 

Contact Sohil at Sohil.ahmad@touchstar.co.uk