New research reveals poor data management is affecting the end-customer

Following an exclusive survey of senior logistics and supply chain professionals from 60 multinational organisations our latest white paper is now available to download

Overview of the findings

New research from Carousel has found that less than one half (45%) of organisations are using logistics data to their full potential.

Commissioned by Carousel – and conducted by business intelligence and market analysis company Analytiqa – this exclusive survey found that poor data management was found to be at the root of many performance-related challenges, with 53% agreeing that under-performing technologies are directly impacting on customer satisfaction and retention levels.

55% of organisations are facing pressures to offer more visibility by customers, which they cannot currently deliver and 41% say that current systems also do not flex to meet changing requirements or support with specific functions while one respondent commented: “Improving visibility will help us manage service exceptions and in turn, customer satisfaction.”

Having interviewed senior logistics and supply chain professionals from 60 high-performance organisations, the research found in 57% of organisations, technology provisions did not meet expectations.

Lack of time and skill are barriers for change

Lack of time and the required skills are revealed as two potential barriers for change. 27% of respondents attribute poor data management to a skills gap, while more than one-half say they don’t have time to manage their data effectively (53%). When we asked which factor was having the greatest impact on restraining current digitisation performance, a ‘lack of resource/time’ also came out on top.

The future looks bright

The research did however show positive investment plans to improve current technologies and data management strategies. 78% agree that they plan to invest in the digitisation of their aftermarket supply chain in the next year and 71% are also investigating emerging logistics technologies in the next 12 months. 54% say they are recruiting more talent in the coming years to support with their logistics too.

Graham Martin, Carousel CEO, said: “Now more than ever, logistics professionals are under constant pressure to meet the growing list of customer demands. Whether it’s the need for real-time visibility, enhanced customer experiences or leaner inventory management, this research underlines the important role data plays within it all.

“While many organisations are yet to realise the full potential of data, it is encouraging to see respondents’ plans to adopt advanced technologies during the next 12 months. 2020 will be a tipping point for the European logistics industry, and we expect to see a growing adoption of both cloud and emerging technologies. It is critical organisations do take this action now, to ensure they’re prepared for the future.”

Gerry McDonnell, Carousel COO, said: “Having a logistics data strategy – particularly for high-performance organisations – should be the top strategic priority for 2020. As this research underlines, data can present both an opportunity but also a risk if managed badly or not managed at all.

“The first priority for organisations looking to make a change is to identify any big barriers, as well as the key changes that will bring the most value. Then, it’s a case of defining your data strategy objectives; understanding what you want from it and how you’re going to achieve it. Having the right amount of resource and skill will be imperative for achieving these objectives, so be prepared to seek expert help when required too.”