Australian logistics face 16-hour monthly losses over tech issues

Recent research by SOTI has highlighted significant challenges faced by the transportation and logistics sector in Australia, primarily revolving around mobile technology issues.

According to the report named "The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L," transportation and logistics employees in Australia are experiencing an average of 16 hours of productivity loss per month attributed to downtime caused by mobile device issues.

The comprehensive study noted that while 98% of workers in the sector utilise mobile technology daily, inefficiencies in mobile device performance severely affect company profitability, employee morale, and satisfaction among customers. Michael Dyson, Vice President for Sales, APAC at SOTI, stated, "These statistics highlight the pressing need for advanced, remote support tools that can address device and connectivity issues proactively. Implementing device analytics to monitor battery life, app functionality and network connectivity can help resolve problems before they escalate, minimising downtime and enhancing operational efficiency."

Security concerns also emerged as a noteworthy issue. Despite 69% of staff indicating that they feel sufficiently trained regarding mobile data security, 53% worry about potential data breaches if their devices are lost or stolen. Furthermore, 54% expressed anxiety about customer data security when mobile devices are shared among personnel. Dyson added that sustainability is becoming increasingly important to employees, stating, "Given sustainability is becoming a pivotal factor for employees, integrating advanced mobile technology like the SOTI ONE Platform is essential. This platform offers real-time visibility and robust security, supporting the T&L industry in making strides toward more sustainable practices."

The research further illustrates the broader impacts of mobile technology malfunctions. When network and connectivity problems arise, about 32% of employees reported facing difficulties in identifying issues and determining the next steps. Additionally, 39% of organisations fail to provide immediate IT support or training applications to resolve these problems on the road, thus jeopardising delivery efficiency.

Efforts to rectify these issues have seen companies resorting to cost-cutting measures such as allowing overtime to mitigate the losses from downtime and delays. This has resulted in more than a quarter (27%) of the workforce undertaking overtime work, with 30% of employees reporting loss of bonuses and 27% losing out on time-off allowances. Stress levels have also increased, with nearly half of the workforce (41%) expressing that downtime has caused significant stress, while 34% have conceded that it led to missed targets.

On a global scale, many employees in the transport and logistics sectors resort to measures like speeding (29%) to make up for lost time. This trend raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of current operational methods. In addition, global results showed that technical issues led to missed targets for 32% of workers, lost bonuses for 17%, and loss of preferred routes for 21%.

In a related finding about operational efficiency, the SOTI research reported that 96% of transport and logistics employees have tracking technology on their devices, yet 58% seek improvements. Tracking is viewed positively, with 61% believing it ensures timely deliveries and 73% associating it with increased driver safety. The study also reveals a balancing act between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, as 100% of Australian employees are aware of their company's initiatives towards sustainability. However, 63% believe more could be done in this area, demonstrating a potential risk factor for employee retention should companies fall short in addressing these environmental concerns.