Carousel Logistics, the pan-European logistics expert has launched its latest white paper entitled 'Is technology driving the future of your logistics?'
The paper explores the use and deployment of technology across the transport and logistics industry and the challenges companies currently face regarding things such as procurement, set-up and integration.
It also offers practical advice on what companies and providers alike should do to address these now and in the future.
Key findings
Commissioned by Carousel, in conjunction with business intelligence and market analysis company Analytiqa, the research reveals that the success in implementing new technologies is fragmented across the industry. In many cases, the technology being used is falling short of expectations and failing to meet the needs of a business and its customers.
89% of those surveyed say that they are not completely happy with their current technology provision, yet 98% consider technology to be an important priority in meeting customer expectations. Other key findings include:
- Only 8% of companies say that providers' technology meets and exceeds requirements
- Traditional warehouse and transport systems are more likely to be over five years' old
- Service capability and cost rank above technology when it comes to selecting a logistics provider
- Over half (53%) use two or three different systems, while almost 20% are balancing more than three.
Commenting on the white paper's insights, Graham Martin, CEO at Carousel says:
"Satisfying the customer is now, more than ever, one of the most important factors in all successful businesses. Technology plays an integral role in responding to ever-increasing customer demands, helping to ensure that both B2B and B2C customers, receive their goods when they want and in a way they want. Despite this however, our research clearly shows that companies and providers alike are not always getting it right and there are key areas where improvements need to be made.
"We've seen from our own clients the benefits, opportunities and efficiencies that can be brought from tech-enabled logistics solutions. By harnessing its power, technology brings not only a greater competitive edge, but also the scope to scale quickly and be a more nimble, agile business that can flex easily to the changing market. We hope this white paper urges more businesses to prioritise the role technology plays in their logistics solution and take the necessary action now."
Mark O'Bornick, Director at Analytiqa, which compiled the report, said: "The logistics and transport sector has been heavily influenced by the increasing sophistication of technology to facilitate growing customer demands; particularly relating to the speed at which they want their deliveries and also the information they want about orders while in transit.
"What is clear from this research, however, is that service delivery levels are at risk of plateauing at many businesses if they fail to invest in their technology stack now, to meet this ever-growing list of demands. Not to take action now, increases the risk of failure in the future."
About the research
Analytiqa gathered insight for this white paper in the first half of 2017, after interviewing senior logistics, operations and supply chain professionals at leading organisations in the following sectors:
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Consumer Goods
- Energy
- Engineering
- Food and Drink
- Industrial
- Medical
- Technology
Add a Comment
No messages on this article yet