95% of the logistics sector is accelerating its digital transformation by 2026 to regain profitability

Logistics and Supply Chain

The logistics employers' association UNO revealed at SIL Barcelona that falling profit margins are driving record investment in digitalization. Artificial intelligence and big data are becoming priorities for improving the sector's productivity and competitiveness in Spain.

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95% of logistics and transport companies in España It will accelerate its investments in automation and digital transformation during 2026. The announcement was made by the employers' association. UNO at the SIL Barcelona, pointing to the fall in profitability as the main catalyst for this strategy to improve competitiveness.

During the presentation of the report 'Automation and Robotics 2026', prepared in collaboration with C de Comunicación, the president of the employers' association UNO, Francisco ArandaHe emphasized the urgency of this transition.Logistics will be digital or it won't exist. The ability to incorporate automation, AI, and advanced data analytics will be the difference between companies that lead the supply chain and those that inevitably fall behind."I affirm.

The driving force behind investment: the search for profitability

A key factor accelerating this transformation is the pressure on operating margins. According to data from Banco de EspañaThe average profitability of companies in the sector stood at 2,86% last year, a figure that acts as a powerful incentive for modernization.We have detected that the decline in profitability is serving as a lever to accelerate digitalization as a path to greater productivity."He explained Aranda.

This trend is reflected in the fact that 59% of logistics companies already consider that technology has a high or very high impact on their operations, consolidating digitalization not as an option, but as a structural pillar of the business.

AI, automation and big data: investment priorities

Although most companies (72%) plan to allocate less than one million euros to their digitalization plans over the next three years, technological priorities are clearly defined. artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, and big data They lead the list of investments, ahead of other tools such as cybersecurity or the Internet of Things (IoT).

"These tools are transforming the way we operate. They allow us to anticipate crises, identify market needs, and improve responsiveness, when every minute counts in the supply chain.", he pointed Francisco ArandaThe goal is clear: to move from a reactive model to a predictive one.

Key Data on Logistics Automation in España (2026)

Indicator	Key Cipher
Companies that are accelerating automation	95 %
High impact of technology already perceived	59 %
Investment in automation < €1M (next 3 years)	72 %
Companies with mostly manual operations	51 %
Companies with highly automated facilities	11 %
Forecast of ICT talent recruitment in 2026	74 %
Fall in profitability (according to Banco de España)	2,86 %

The challenge: from manual operations to predictive management

Despite the investment boost, the report reveals significant room for improvement. More than half of the companies (51%) operate with predominantly manual models supported by software, while only 11% have highly automated facilities. The areas with the greatest identified potential for automation are: storage, route optimization, and traceability.

However, significant challenges remain for widespread implementation:

• Implementation costs.
• Resistance to change in organizations.
• Complexity in the integration of existing systems.
• Shortage of specialized talent.
• Difficulty in measuring return on investment (ROI).

The human factor: more technological talent and less staff reduction

Contrary to what might be expected, the advance of automation will not necessarily translate into staff reductions. The study predicts a predominance of automated processes. relocation and internal adaptation of the teams. In fact, the demand for new profiles is booming: 74% of logistics companies plan to incorporate ICT talent throughout 2026.

"The more digital companies become, the more relevant their human capital becomes. True value lies not only in the data itself, but in the knowledge we can extract from it. Therefore, the sector's biggest challenge is not just incorporating technology, but having professionals trained to harness its full potential.”, he concluded Aranda.

Key points and frequently asked questions about logistics automation in Spain

How does this automation trend affect my exporting company in Spain?

Automation directly impacts the competitiveness of exporting companies. It allows them to reduce operating costs, improve order picking accuracy, optimize international transport routes, and offer real-time traceability—key factors for competing in global markets. Ignoring this trend can lead to a loss of efficiency compared to already digitized international competitors.

What are the consequences of the sector's low profitability for the Spanish supply chain?

Low profitability is forcing the sector to modernize in order to survive. In the short term, this may generate tensions and consolidation among companies. In the medium term, a more efficient, resilient, and technologically advanced supply chain is expected. However, companies unable to make the necessary investments could be forced out of the market, affecting the reach of the national logistics network.

What are the first steps a logistics SME should take to begin its digitalization?

Logistics experts consulted by Empresa Exterior They recommend starting with an analysis of internal processes to identify the main bottlenecks. The next step is to invest in management software (WMS for warehouses, TMS for transportation) that allows for the optimization of key operations without requiring a large initial investment in robotics. Digitizing documentation and improving traceability are high-impact areas with a quick return on investment.