In the face of ongoing supply chain disruption, labor shortages and unsustainable increases in fuel costs, new research from Samsara reveals that the UK’s transportation, manufacturing and logistics businesses are accelerating digital technology adoption – leading to an increase in profits and improving operational resilience.
Surveying over 1,500 operational leaders across eight countries, including 200 in the UK, Samsara’s State of Connected Operations Report examines why organizations are connecting their operations and the factors driving this change. Results reveal that businesses at the leading edge of digital transformation are better equipped to succeed in 2022 and beyond.
As fuel prices reach record highs, 27 percent of operations leaders in the UK said they have implemented technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) cameras, asset tracking, telematics and automation. This is expected to double to 58 percent by the end of this year and reach 90 percent by the end of 2023.
The report also reveals clear benefits to this technology investment too, with 95 percent of UK operations leaders who have digitally transformed their physical operations confirming this is improving their ability to weather disruptions, and 96 percent reporting increased net profits.
Philip van der Wilt, VP and general manager EMEA at Samsara, said: “When it comes to the physical operations that power our global economy, we are at a tipping point. By accelerating digitization, UK firms working in transport and logistics can connect their operations and access the real-time data they need to manage their business more effectively and efficiently.”
The Samsara report also reveals the key areas of prioritization among UK operations leaders, with 58 percent increasing the monitoring of their powered assets such as lorries and vans to tackle issues such as engine idle time, fuel efficiency, and maintenance.
50 percent of leaders stated they are looking to accelerate their transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the wake of rising fuel costs and the increasing availability of EVs and associated infrastructure, while 82 percent want to break down their organizational data to gain centralized visibility of all their operational data.
Van der Wilt added: “Operational agility is more important than ever. From planning routes more efficiently, improving fuel economy and introducing pre-emptive maintenance schedules, digitally transforming fleet-based operations can make a tangible difference to the bottom line.”
To read the complete Samsara report visit: State of Connected Operations Report.
