How Zebra, Renovotec and SOTI Keep Transportation and Logistics Employees Tech-Happy and Secure During Peak Seasons

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. This time of year, is no different, with the increasing intensity of moving goods from point A to point B, the need for advanced mobile technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction has never been more challenging. This technology not only enables employees to communicate seamlessly, but easy to use devices such as smartphones and a range of applications can streamline daily workflows, with colleagues, suppliers and even with customers. The use of mobile devices now plays a crucial role in achieving key business goals: higher productivity, efficiency, timely deliveries, and customer satisfaction. Especially during peak periods.

SOTI Research Finds Significant Gaps

Global research from SOTI has revealed that T&L workers are each losing 13 hours of productive time per month, because of device-related issues. In the UK, the average downtime sits below this at 11 hours per employee. While lower than the global average, any unnecessary downtime still presents a significant disruption to business continuity and T&L workers in the UK are experiencing more technology-related stress than their global counterparts (54% versus 48%).

“Device downtime and data security issues are causing significant time losses and is impacting employee well-being and company profitability. To optimize operations in an industry so dependent on mobile technology, it is crucial to use trusted, AI-driven business intelligence tools,” says Stefan Spendrup, VP of Northern and Western Europe at SOTI. “For companies to gain better insight into what is really happening in the field, they need advanced device management and data intelligence for oversight and proactive support; only then can problems be identified and addressed before they arise.”

More Data Means Data Security is Even More Critical

More than three-quarters of T&L employees (76%) say that despite feeling adequately trained on mobile data security, 61% fear for the safety of their customers’ data should their devices get lost or stolen. Additionally, 58% of employees are concerned about customer data falling into the wrong hands when mobile devices are shared.

“Our specialist Guardian Managed IT Services always ensure robust security, and we specialise in ensuring data is always contained and controlled on all devices, and that we can locate all devices at any time, even when lost or stolen.” States Richard Gilliard. “When device needs and demands fluctuate at peak seasons and staff are busier than ever, we can still ensure data compliance and security is at the forefront of business operations”.

Devices – And Staff – Are All Working Overtime

35% of respondents globally work overtime due to delays, this figure is higher in Mexico (43%), the U.S. (41%) and Canada (40%). The cost of overtime is heightened by the time spent on returns/reverse logistics, with only 8% of providers outsourcing this process. In Japan, 57% of an employee’s day is dedicated to returns, compared to 44% in Germany.

Device downtime causes stress for almost half (48%) of workers, with the highest levels of stress seen in Canada (57%), the UK (54%), Mexico (52%) and the U.S. (51%). Globally, technical issues contribute to missed targets for 32% of workers, loss of preferred routes for 21% and lost bonuses for 17%. Additionally, 29% of delivery drivers admit to speeding to compensate for delays, raising safety concerns.

Real-time visibility into devices, where they are located, how they are performing ensures intense sales and logistics seasons are not draining employee’s motivation and that devices are optimally used.

The EM45 Series Enterprise Mobile offering 5G and 6E WIFI Connectivity, the MC3400 Series Mobile Computer for more advanced scanning and powerful processing range, and the TC5X Series Mobile Computer are a few examples of devices available from Zebra. With long scanning ranges and individual correct logins for shared devices centrally managed by SOTI, these are crucial performance enhancing factors in determining the best Zebra device for the best role and keeping your operations moving during these peak festive seasons.