New technology to boost efficiency of mobile workers

25th July 2013

Transport and logistics firms worldwide believe that arming their mobile workforce with new technology could cut their pick-up and delivery times by up to 30%, according to a survey by Intermec.

“Investing the time to review current processes may seem to be a daunting task, but the benefits show this is more than worthwhile,” said Intermec’s Jeff Sibio.

More than three-quarters of organisations across UK, US, Germany, France, Australia and New Zealand said their customers now demanded same-day delivery services, and 92% claimed that meeting these expectations was a challenge.

Most felt that customer demand could best be made by automating key processes in the pick-up and delivery areas, and by adopting new technology for drivers.  Survey respondents cited broadband mobile communications (60%), integrated vehicle telematics (44%) and RFID (38%) as offering the most promising return on investment to their organisation.

The efficiency gains from new technology could extend to back office staff as well. The survey respondents reported receiving 6,677 calls a day from customers asking for order status updates.  By providing shipment updates, a process enabled by location-based and mobile technologies, the same companies believed they could eliminate 24% of these calls immediately.