How the Peak Season Highlights the critical gaps in the Supply Chain’s Device Management Solutions

Transportation and logistics workers lose an average of over 4.3 hours per week, per person, due to downtime. This results in significant delivery delays. Almost half of the respondents experience increased stress as a result of these problems. The technical issues also have negative consequences for data security, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. T&L workers are saying more robust systems and better tracking tools are key to improving productivity in the sector.

On average, frontline transportation and logistics workers lose 13 hours per person per month due to mobile device related downtime. Therefore, it is no surprise that 82% are looking to make their deliveries more efficient. This is according to research by SOTI, a leading innovator in mobile solutions. SOTI’s new research , titled, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L, was conducted among 1,700 professionals T&L workers,. The results highlight significant technological challenges and opportunities within the sector.

The global transportation and logistics sector (T&L) constantly strives to improve the quality of the customer experience in terms of speed, accuracy, and convenience. With the increasing intensity of moving goods from point A to point B in an ever complex geo-political landscape, this highlights the need for advanced mobile technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. However this is becoming even more complex with reverse logistics. A lack of supply chain visibility, tracking coupled with unpredictable return volumes and product conditions makes the challenge more difficult than ever.

The Importance of Ergonomics as Part of Device Management

Ergonomic smartphone form factors can now combine industrial grade features, including AI capable processors, 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity along with 25-hour batteries. This all comes as standard in a Zebra EM45 series handset and an RFID model is available for precise inventory reads, reducing the TCO and need of multiple devices.

“In an increasingly competitive, dynamic, and digital market, organizations must consider Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) as a fundamental strategic pillar. Companies across various sectors, such as healthcare, retail, and transportation & logistics (T&L), continue to use outdated systems for managing mobile devices, despite the exponential growth in recent years – which represents a significant risk for companies, not only in terms of efficiency and productivity, but also regarding security. To remain competitive while ensuring data protection, organizations must invest in modern enterprise mobility solutions that improve both performance and security.” States Richard Gilliard, Managing Director Renovotec Ltd.

The use of mobile devices can play a crucial role in achieving key business goals: higher productivity, efficiency, timely deliveries, and customer satisfaction.

The research shows that 94% of T&L workers lose up to 8 hours of downtime weekly, this goes up to 96% of workers in the UK. Additionally, 29% of respondents (21% in the UK) spend more than half of their working time on returns, recalls, and delivery errors.

Poor Mobile User Experience and Security Risks

The SOTI research indicates that the increase in mobile application usage has led to a more complicated device experience, resulting in a high number of IT support requests. SOTI Identity’s Single Sign-On (SSO) feature offers a solution by enabling a single sign-on for multiple apps, improving both security and efficiency for users. It also ensures MSPs like Renovotec are able to manage all devices for a single user more efficiently, improving managed services for their customers.

Security remains a top priority, with device and data breaches posing significant risks. Although concerns among workers were greatest in Mexico (71%), Canada (69%), and the Netherlands (67%), it was a common concern in every country surveyed, with more than half of respondents expressing worry. Globally and across all roles, 58% of employees are concerned about customer data falling into the wrong hands. T&L providers must implement robust security measures.

On closer inspection, it appears that employees are less concerned about cybercriminals remotely breaching devices with ransomware or other common cyber threats. More than three-quarters 76% of global participants (82% in the UK) feel adequately trained in securely storing data on their mobile devices. However, their biggest concern is the loss or theft of their devices, a problem cited by 61% of respondents (53% in the UK.)

Impact of Individual Devices on Business Operations and Employee Well-Being

The value of mobile technology makes assigning devices to individual employees an obvious best practice. This allows companies to ensure that mobile devices are up-to-date, protected against cyberattacks, and that their performance within the organization can be monitored. Nevertheless, 71% of frontline workers globally and in the UK report that device sharing is becoming increasingly common.

Due to current economic challenges, where valuable time is lost due to device downtime and resulting delays, workers risk working overtime. Globally, 35% say they work overtime due to delays, with significantly higher percentages in regions such as Mexico (43%), the US (41%), and Canada (40%). In the UK, this percentage is 31%. Moreover, device downtime causes nearly half (48%) of workers globally to feel stressed, exacerbated by other negative effects on employee engagement and morale. This rises to over half (54%) in the UK. Globally, one-fifth (21%) of respondents said that downtime meant they lost their preferred route.

“Our research clearly shows how essential mobile technology is for the T&L sector. At a time when efficiency and customer satisfaction are crucial, advanced mobile solutions can not only address operational challenges but also contribute to better work experience for employees and more sustainable business practices. It is now time to fully leverage the possibilities of mobile technology, to improve both the quality of the customer experience and reduce downtime and stress on employees.”

For more detailed insights, you can download SOTI’s latest research, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L, here.