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Paperless logistics, or just Excel and a mess of paperwork in the warehouse?
10.06.2026
Excel, paper and data silos are holding back many warehouse processes. Why paperless logistics is now becoming a key competitive advantage.
Summary: Almost one in two logistics companies still relies predominantly on paper. Analogue processes lead to data silos, errors and a lack of transparency. Without a digital database, automation and AI projects remain ineffective. A shortage of skilled workers and legacy systems further slow down digitalisation. Paperless logistics with integrated systems and digital warehouse management lay the foundation for efficient processes. With the COGLAS WEB WMS, companies can digitise their warehouse processes, reduce paperwork and create real-time transparency throughout the entire logistics chain.
The fax machine sends its regards: The digital illusion in logistics
The year is 2026. In the logistics sector, there is intense discussion about artificial intelligence, automation, autonomous vehicles and the digital supply chain. But anyone who shifts their focus from strategy papers and visions of the future to operational reality quickly sees a different picture: many companies are still working with paper forms, handwritten notes, Excel spreadsheets and manual coordination.
The results of the first Cargoclix Digitalisation Monitor clearly show that there remains a significant gap between digital ambitions and operational reality.
Whilst the industry talks of smart supply chains, many companies are still grappling with analogue processes. The consequence: without paperless logistics, there are inefficient workflows, a lack of transparency and unnecessarily high process costs.
Paperless logistics? For many companies, this is still a distant dream.
The study paints an alarming picture:
45.5 per cent of the logistics companies surveyed still handle the majority of their processes on paper.
These are not exclusively small businesses. The participants include both medium-sized companies and large logistics firms with annual turnover in the hundreds of millions of euros.
Paper causes far more than just increased administrative burden. Information recorded on delivery notes, forms or handwritten lists is not available to digital systems. It cannot be automatically processed, analysed or shared in real time.
For businesses, this means:
- Delayed information flows
- Higher error rates
- Lack of transparency
- Time-consuming tracking
- Limited reporting capabilities
Modern, paperless logistics therefore relies on digital processes and integrated systems that make information immediately available.
This is precisely where modern warehouse management systems such as COGLAS WEB WMS come in. Instead of paper-based warehouse processes, companies gain a central platform for managing all warehouse and logistics operations in real time.
Why AI fails without digital warehouse processes
The findings relating to artificial intelligence are particularly interesting.
Around a third of the companies surveyed plan to actively pursue AI projects. At the same time, however, more than 74 per cent do not currently use any AI applications or forecasting systems.
The reason is obvious:
AI requires structured and digital data.
As long as information is recorded on paper or transferred manually between Excel spreadsheets, emails and phone calls, the necessary data foundation for intelligent analysis and automation is lacking.
Companies wishing to digitise their logistics must therefore first modernise their operational processes. Digital warehouse management forms the basis for paperless logistics.
With COGLAS WEB WMS, warehouse movements, stock levels, orders and process data are digitally recorded and centrally managed. This creates the data foundation required for future automation and AI projects.
Skills shortages are exacerbating the situation
For a long time, a lack of budget was considered the biggest obstacle to digitalisation. However, the latest study paints a different picture.
The biggest obstacles are:
- Lack of internal resources and staff shortages (58.2%)
- Complex legacy systems (40.0%)
- Lack of interface standards (40.0%)
- Low digital maturity of business partners (40.0%)
- Budget constraints (36.4%)
Many companies find themselves in a vicious circle:
Digitalisation projects are postponed due to staff shortages. At the same time, analogue processes create additional workload, tying up even more staff.
Paperless warehouse management helps to reduce manual tasks and relieve staff of administrative duties.
The Excel trap: when systems don’t talk to each other
Another key problem is the lack of system integration.
According to the study, 75 per cent of companies rate the connectivity of their core systems as merely low or moderate.
The result:
Employees manually transfer information between ERP systems, warehouse management systems, email inboxes and Excel files. Around 35 per cent of companies are burdened by such data silos on a daily basis.
Overall, as many as 78 per cent of respondents state that analogue and non-integrated processes significantly impair their daily operations.
In many companies, Excel has become the digital substitute for paper. However, the underlying problem remains: information is stored in isolated data silos.
Modern warehouse management software such as COGLAS WEB WMS takes a different approach. Standardised interfaces allow ERP systems, shipping providers, automation technology, e-commerce platforms and other systems to be connected with one another. This creates seamless digital warehouse processes without media breaks.
Sustainability starts with digital data
It is also interesting to note the low priority given to sustainability issues in the study.
Although many companies are addressing CO₂ reporting and ESG requirements, they do not yet have the necessary data infrastructure in place.
Those who manage warehouse and logistics processes predominantly using analogue methods find it difficult to accurately record consumption, transport or emissions.
Paperless logistics, on the other hand, creates the conditions for reliable key performance indicators and transparent sustainability reporting.
Conclusion: The future belongs to paperless logistics
The Cargoclix Digitalisation Monitor 2026 clearly shows that many companies are still struggling with analogue processes. Paper, Excel and manual data entry are holding back efficiency, transparency and the ability to innovate.
At the same time, demands for speed, traceability, automation and data availability are constantly increasing.
Companies wishing to digitise their logistics and remain competitive in the long term require an integrated system landscape and digital warehouse processes.
The COGLAS WEB WMS supports companies in consistently implementing the transition to paperless warehouse management. From goods receipt booking through order picking to dispatch, processes are digitally controlled, documented and evaluated.
Numerous companies in retail, e-commerce, industry, manufacturing and logistics services already rely on COGLAS WEB WMS to make their warehouse logistics more efficient, transparent and future-proof.
Are your warehouse processes still paper-based?
Then now is the right time to bridge the digital divide.
Book a no-obligation online presentation and find out how COGLAS WEB WMS replaces paper-based processes, eliminates media breaks and lays the foundations for modern, digital logistics.