Peak performance in peak season: Leveraging EMM solutions for seamless operations
For the logistics industry, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas are some of the busiest and most demanding periods of the year. As the peak season progresses, companies must quickly ramp up their capacity to manage sharply rising demand for deliveries. To address these challenges, new and often inexperienced workers are brought on board, requiring fast and effective training. But how can we guarantee these new hires perform efficiently and keep the supply chain running smoothly?
The solution lies in adopting modern Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions. This advanced technology enables companies to monitor and manage mobile devices in real time, minimising downtime and device-related issues to maintain seamless operations.
Challenges of Peak Season Logistics
During Christmas, shipping volumes increase dramatically, often requiring seasonal workers to handle this heightened demand. For example, Australia Post has bolstered its workforce with 3,000 seasonal casuals to manage this year's peak season, following its delivery of nearly 100 million parcels in the lead-up to Christmas last year.
These additional workers, often undergoing only temporary training, heavily rely on mobile devices and applications to efficiently perform their tasks. However, reality often differs: According to a recent study by SOTI, device failures cause stress for 41% of all transportation & logistics (T&L) employees surveyed in Australia. For logistics companies under immense time pressure, such failures can have catastrophic consequences – from delayed deliveries to increased labour costs.
How EMM Solutions Make a Difference
An EMM solution specifically designed for use in the retail and logistics sectors provides a central platform for monitoring and managing all mobile devices within the company. This technology enables IT teams to proactively identify and resolve issues before they disrupt employee workflows.
During the Christmas season, when T&L companies must rapidly onboard numerous new employees, it is crucial to ensure seamless operations. EMM solutions like SOTI MobiControl play a vital role in efficiently monitoring and maintaining devices while upholding high security standards. This minimises downtime, boosts efficiency and ensures delivery deadlines are met—an absolute necessity during this busy period.
An example of the successful use of SOTI MobiControl is Australian discount department store Cheap as Chips, which optimised its mobile infrastructure using the EMM solution. Through this technology, Cheap as Chips gained the ability to remotely monitor device health, performance and troubleshoot issues in real time.
"SOTI MobiControl is a game-changer for us," explained Daniel Whittle, Head of Technology at Cheap as Chips. "Operating centrally with a dispersed workforce has been made easier thanks to the speed and reliability of the software. Within the click of a button my team can deploy updates to all devices and the product continues to impress us."
Cheap as Chips now has the control and observation power it needs to assist stores with device-related issues, saving a significant amount of time and money to improve its overall business operations, remote support and customised development of software.
Focus on Data Security, Efficiency, and Sustainability
In addition to reducing downtime, data security also plays a central role. Mobile devices used daily often contain sensitive customer data. Especially during the hectic Christmas season, when devices are frequently used by multiple people, the risk of data loss or misuse is high. SOTI's latest retail report highlights that security is a major concern for Australian consumers, with 80% of shoppers expressing worry about the safety of their personal information when sharing it online or through in-store devices. This is where the EMM solution comes into play: By centrally managing and monitoring devices, companies can ensure that data remains secure and does not fall into the wrong hands.
An EMM solution also supports the retail sector in ensuring smooth operations during the peak season, minimising downtime, optimising warehouse logistics and supply chains, increasing customer satisfaction, while maintaining data security.
A Foundation for Success
In the fast-paced world of peak season logistics, where every second counts and the stakes are high, EMM solutions provide the stability and control needed to navigate challenges effectively. By enabling real-time device monitoring, minimising downtime, and enhancing security, these technologies allow businesses to meet delivery deadlines, improve customer satisfaction and ultimately drive success during the busiest time of the year.
For the logistics industry, embracing solutions like SOTI MobiControl is not just about surviving the peak season—it's about thriving in an increasingly competitive market. With the right tools and strategies, businesses can ensure their operations run smoothly, not just during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas, but all year round. The future of logistics is here, and it's powered by innovation.