Digital Logistics and the Human Era: What We Can’t Forget in an Automated World

A few years ago, while attending an import/export class in Mumbai, I noticed a man on a bicycle balancing several metal lunchboxes—“dabbas”—stacked neatly in a crate. I hardly paid attention at that time. But later, I learned that he was part of an extraordinary logistics network: the Dabbawalas.

Every day, nearly 200,000 lunchboxes are picked up from homes, sorted, transported by train, and delivered to offices—all in the middle of Mumbai’s chaotic traffic. And what is the “automation system” they use? A simple hand-painted code on each box, bicycles, trains, and an army of men who know the roads of the city like the veins on their hands. Their error rate is almost nonexistent.

But, the logistics world we live in today tells a very different story. AI can design route maps in seconds. These days, we too often depend on Google Maps rather than the good old Autowalas to locate a place. (My choice is always the later at any given point of time!!) In the same way, digital twins can simulate entire supply chains, and
autonomous vehicles are already being tested on highways. Yet, I cannot help but think—would any of this technology truly beat the Dabbawalas of Mumbai, masters of human-centered logistics planning?

Because when a train is delayed, or when a street is unexpectedly blocked, it’s not the algorithm that steps in. Technology is fed on “how,” but not “why.” The human mind handles both—the hows and the whys—sharpened by instinct, adrenaline, and lived experiences.Just like the Dabbawala, who delivers lunch on time against all odds, it’s a reminder that logistics operations rely on adaptability.

At Sea Drive, we see this lesson every day. At its core, our logistics industry is human. Yes, digital systems are essential for visibility, documentation, and compliance. Dubai itself is fast-tracking automated immigration clearances, and only a few would question the reliability of these logistics systems. But the real trust is built in
conversations—with a driver who picks up his phone mid-route, with a port team that answers on the second ring, with a consignee who just wants the reassurance that their cargo is safe. We don’t leave that to automation; we leave it to people. Just like emotions convey answers better than the pre-programmed options on a touchscreen
at customs.

And maybe that’s why logistics is unlike any other industry. Here, the human touch is guaranteed. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it cannot replace the nuance of a relationship, the trust in a voice, or the instinct of someone who knows that a small decision today can save a shipment tomorrow.

At Sea Drive, we are proud to sail both boats—embracing the efficiency of digital tools, while never letting go of the human connections that truly keep global trade alive.

And while you enjoy this read, let me order a human-made paratha and nihari through the Noon app. Khalli Walli.