Logistics Companies Hesitant To Take Advantage Of The Latest Technologies
We
recently reported on PWC’s comprehensive review on the future of the transport and logistics industry. This research explored the key
themes that will impact on the sector and the strategic drivers that
will affect the industry in the next decade. The paper made clear the
considerable advantages and efficiencies these developments will
bring.
Central
to PWC’s findings was the impact that emerging technologies will
have on the sector. Software solutions such as Artifical
Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Blockchain. With a well-planned
implementation, this tech’ will bring big benefits to the whole of
the supply chain, the delivery process and right to the end user's
doorstep.
Then
there’s the potential of hardware such as robotics, autonomous
vehicles and wearable tech. The future’s just around the corner,
and it’s exciting stuff. That’s why the PWC report made for
motivating reading for any ambitious logistics company or supplier.
Yes,
But…
Despite
all this, it seems the logistics industry is reluctant to embrace new
technology. And plans for how it’ll be used in many companies are
yet to be developed.
Research
from Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and
Statista pours cold water on the idea of enthusiastic moves to a
technology-enabled delivery industry. The study shows a significant
number of logistics firms are saying adoption and planning for these
technologies are “out of the question”.
Indeed,
a good number are still yet to embrace more mainstream tech’ such
as predictive analytics and mobile data access for customers. Even
today, 25% of delivery companies can’t offer a parcel-tracking app,
and 48% state predictive analytics is only “possible” in the
future. Only 44% provide mobile data access for customers. In our
tech-enabled age, those are twentieth-century numbers.
What’s
The Problem?
The
survey asked what was stopping logistics firms from adopting current
and emerging tech. Unsurprisingly 50% of respondents said it was due
to limited finances Compounding the issue is the 38% who cited a
lack of qualified employees who are confident in using new
technology. A further 31% attributed their lack of progress in this
area to overstretched resources. Only 8% of firms felt satisfied in
their ability to implement new technology.
Overall
it seems there’s a need for enhanced awareness of the opportunities
that tech can bring to the logistics sector for progress to
accelerate.
Kevin
Richardson, chief executive of CILT, summarised this situation well
when he said:
“It’s
clear that logistics firms want to take advantage of new
technologies, but are currently not in a position to do so because of
a mix of cultural, skills and budget constraints. Logistics firms
will need to see the benefit of mature technologies before they take
the risk of investing in the cutting edge.”
Embracing
The Future
It’s
worth noting that CILT and Statista’s study, called the ‘UK
Logistics Monitor 2019 Report’ also offers insights into the topics
of HR, recruitment, Brexit as well as attitudes towards technology,
so it’s well worth a look.
As
for the Truckcraft team, we’re very future-focused. We’re always
looking at emerging technologies and looking for the advances that
will enhance our products and add value to the logistics sector. We
understand that Research and Development is vital to all successful companies, and it
stands front and centre across our entire product range.
Our
company is enthusiastically embracing the technological future of the
logistics sector. The question is, are you?
For more information on our innovative range of delivery trucks and vans, please contact the Truckcraft Bodies sales team on 0161 304 9404. Alternatively, email glen.pinder@truckcraftbodies.co.uk or emma.jane@truckcraftbodies.co.uk.
Published: Aug 12