German express delivery giant DHL says the logistics industry is undergoing "rapid and profound changes" that will embrace technology that will lead to multi-channel retailing and predictive purchasing, according to Shipping Gazette.

The logistic giant's new Trend Radar report identifies trends in terms threats and opportunities in the short- and long-term. The report also suggests problems logistics professionals will face and proposes solutions.

"With the Logistics Trend Radar, we created a dynamic tool, inspiring us and others to derive innovative solutions in the world of logistics," says DHL vice president Matthias Heutger.

On the horizon is "omni-channel logistics", the integration of different offline and online shopping channels making use of interactive "Tags" with personalised content integrated into social media and mobile devices.

Anticipatory logistics is on the way with big data analysis of customer product searches, shopping histories, wish-lists and cursor movements in order to send a shipment before the customer places an order.

Also coming are crypto payments allowing global cross-currency payments to clear in seconds, supporting any unit of value (frequent flyer miles, mobile minutes) while making room for new pricing models.