New Research Highlights Tech Challenges in Transport and Logistics

A recent study by mobile technology firm SOTI reveals that employees in the global transport and logistics sector are losing an average of 13 hours each month due to downtime caused by mobile devices. Nearly half of the surveyed workers reported increased stress stemming from tech-related issues.

The Canadian report indicates that while 98% of respondents rely on mobile technology daily, significant downtime hampers productivity and negatively affects employee morale and customer satisfaction. Since SOTI’s last survey in 2021, there has been only a slight improvement, with downtime reducing by just one hour per employee each month.

The findings also show that technology-related issues, particularly network and connectivity problems, lead to considerable downtime and delivery delays. Workers in the Netherlands and Japan reported over four hours of downtime each week, while employees in most other countries experienced closer to three hours.

“This data highlights the urgent need for proactive tools to support devices and applications remotely,” said Shash Anand, SOTI's SVP of Product Strategy. He emphasized the importance of device analytics—tracking elements like battery status and app functionality—as a means to address issues without requiring on-site assistance, which can boost productivity and enhance customer satisfaction.

The study also revealed that 48% of workers experience stress due to device downtime, with the highest levels reported in Canada, the UK, Mexico, and the US. Key challenges identified include the inability to troubleshoot issues effectively and the absence of real-time IT support.

Interestingly, 97% of global employees indicated their employers are taking steps towards sustainability, with Australia, Sweden, and Japan achieving a 100% response rate in this regard.
“Mobile technology is fundamental to the transport and logistics industry, which is striving to improve delivery speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction,” Anand stated.

He stressed that implementing solutions like the SOTI ONE Platform, which offers real-time visibility, robust security, and tracking technology, is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, security, and sustainability in the sector.