New SOTI research highlights device-related downtime, security challenges, and the demand for greener practices in transport and logistics
Transport and logistics (T&L) workers in the UK experience an average of 11 hours of downtime per month due to device-related issues, according to SOTI’s latest report, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L. Although below the global average of 13 hours, this downtime still disrupts productivity and causes heightened stress for UK T&L employees, 54% of whom report technology-related stress, compared to 48% globally.
Device Management and Security Challenges
SOTI’s research, based on responses from 1,700 T&L employees across 10 countries, found that UK workers struggle with device management and security concerns. A notable 35% of UK T&L staff attribute delays to an inability to quickly resolve device-related issues, stemming from limited visibility into device status. Additionally, security remains a pressing concern, with 53% of UK employees worried about the potential impact of losing a work device, and 51% uneasy about sharing devices. Despite adequate training—82% of UK workers feel prepared to secure their data—the rise in device sharing (71% report increasing shared use) amplifies security risks.
Stefan Spendrup, SOTI’s VP of Sales for Northern and Western Europe, emphasized that “mobile technology is essential for the T&L sector,” calling for streamlined handheld devices with dedicated applications to meet demands for rapid, secure communication across the supply chain.
Impact on Employee Wellbeing and Sustainability Initiatives
Device-related downtime impacts not only productivity but also employee wellbeing. Over half (54%) of UK T&L workers report increased stress from downtime, and 16% have had to rush tasks to minimize customer dissatisfaction. Equipment malfunctions have caused 37% of UK respondents to miss targets, a higher rate than the 32% global average. To counter these issues, Spendrup advocates for remote device support tools and analytics to proactively address device issues, thus promoting both productivity and employee wellbeing.
On the environmental front, 98% of UK T&L staff acknowledge their employers’ sustainability efforts, yet 68% feel more can be done. While 59% recognize that going green is challenging for T&L, 41% say they would consider leaving a job if it lacked adequate environmental action. Spendrup pointed out that robust mobile technology not only supports efficient operations but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing e-waste.
