In the dynamic world of global logistics, staying ahead means more than just going faster—it’s about innovating to redefine the future of commerce. That’s exactly what we do at Prologis. Since our founding more than 40 years ago, we’ve embraced bold ideas. And the courage to take calculated risks has propelled us to a pivotal global role. Facilitating an annual $2.7 trillion of goods (for more than 6,700 customers) through our distribution centers across four continents and 19 countries, we’re not just keeping up—we’re setting the pace.

At Prologis, our belief in “simplify and sprint” and “fail fast” foster an environment where experimentation isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. Our innovation is driven by outside-the-box thinking and is encapsulated in our motto: “Ahead of what’s next.”

INCUBATING INNOVATION
Fueling our contributions to supply chain innovation is Prologis Ventures, the innovation and corporate venture arm of the company. From Series A startups to growth-stage innovators, we leverage our extensive global network and deep expertise to invest in transformative technologies that are tackling the toughest supply chain challenges across operations, energy and mobility, property tech and construction, and the digital realm.

We also incubate new businesses that create significant enterprise value not just for Prologis, but our customers as well. Two examples: Prologis Mobility helps customers navigate the transition of commercial fleets to zero-emissions, while Terminal Industries uses the latest in AI and computer vision to digitize logistics yards for enhanced real-time visibility and control over transportation assets.

To date, we’ve invested more than $250 million in nearly 50 early- and growth-stage companies, helping our company and our customers stay ahead of new technology and drive innovation across the supply-chain spectrum.

BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY
In the realm of operations and workforce efficiency, we have invested in businesses that are revolutionizing warehouse operations with cutting-edge robotics automation that brings a new approach to e-commerce fulfillment. Locus Robotics’ groundbreaking solutions, now deployed across dozens of Prologis customers’ fulfillment centers (including industry giants like DHL) have led to remarkable enhancements in productivity, order accuracy, and operational efficiency.

But supply chain innovation isn’t just about the present—it’s also about shaping a sustainable future. For example, our investment in a company like Solarcycle lets us leverage their proprietary process to reclaim solar panel materials, addressing both end-of-life and supply chain challenges. Furthermore, our collaboration with Synop (for its EV-charging infrastructure) empowers our customers to embrace zero-emissions transportation as its software connects vehicles, chargers, and the grid to optimize energy management for commercial electric vehicle fleets.

A NEW WAY OF MANAGING RISK
With any new frontier also comes risk. In the recent past, we’ve seen firsthand the complexities and vulnerabilities of supply chains. By leveraging innovative solutions like Altana, an AI risk mapping software for global supply chains, our customers can navigate supply chain complexities and fortify their operations against unforeseen challenges.

Undoubtedly, technology is transforming all aspects of the global supply chain—even as it relates to asset management and construction. Prologis’s investments into companies like SITE Technologies are reshaping how property managers analyze and manage assets. With drone imagery and AI analytics, SITE Technologies enables more efficient property condition analysis and procurement spend standardization, benefiting our extensive real estate portfolio. Prologis is also leveraging AI technology from TestFit to expedite the design of project developments. TestFit’s real-time insights into design and costs empower Prologis to use data like never before and our customers to make more informed decisions to drive best-in-class outcomes.

A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE
Prologis’s commitment to innovation stems from our unique position at the intersection of the global supply chain—with unparalleled access to major retailers and logistics companies worldwide—which has given us a deep understanding of the pain points of our customers and drives collaborative innovative solutions.

We’re embarking on a new era of supply chain management. By embracing automation, sustainability, and digital transformation, we’re not just reshaping our own and our customers’ operations—we’re driving meaningful change across the entire supply chain and future-proofing our infrastructure along the way. And, as a strategic partner to our customers and visionary leader in the industry, Prologis is poised to continue shaping the future of the supply chain for years to come.

Originally reported here.