Pandemic accelerates digitalization
(Posted on 22/07/20)
The coronavirus pandemic is proving a catalyst for shipping digitalization, prompting ocean supply chain stakeholders to abandon manual processes and embrace automated transport management solutions to drive business growth, according to a new survey by Haven Inc.
The survey was unveiled in the latest Freight Technologies Market Analysis published by Haven, the world’s leading provider of Transport Management System (TMS) solutions designed specifically for international shippers. It found that global business lockdowns had highlighted the time and cost savings available to decision makers willing to make the leap away from traditional management processes heavily reliant on paperwork.
35% of respondents said the use of manual processes caused delays, 30% said quotations took too long while 20% complained that booking processes were cumbersome.
42% of survey takers also reported they were now looking to upgrade their systems by investing in the further digitalization of their international shipment processes.
37% were looking to upgrade in 1-3 years, 12% hoped to upgrade in 3-5 years, and, 8% were either not looking at all to upgrade or to do so later than five years from now.
Brad Klaus, Chief Executive Officer of Haven, commented: “With so many people working from home during the pandemic, companies were finding new ways to trade and this was opening their eyes to digital solutions across their businesses. This need extends to digital transport management solutions, particularly for those who are dealing with international shipments. From a management point of view, once you see the benefits, it’s hard to go back to manual systems and mountains of paper.”
The survey was conducted independently for Haven by logistics and freight educational portal Shipping & Freight Resource. A majority of respondents (67 %) were freight and logistics decision makers in Director/VP and C-Level positions while others held middle-management and supervisory positions (28.9%). Other survey takers worked in freight and shipping operations and administration including, documentation, analytics, and corporate counsels.
51% of participants used both air and sea modes for international shipments. 41% used only sea, 6% used only air and 2% operated in only the U.S. domestic market.
56% reported wanting to increase the efficiency of their booking management and 40% were on the lookout for a better freight audit solution.
61% of respondents said they wanted to improve their quotation management and track and trace visibility, while 60% were looking to improve their document management. “We want freight invoice control and cost calculation for a shipment with the easy understanding of the margin,” said one respondent.
However, while lean and automated processes were viewed by most respondents as the best solution, a number of perceived obstacles to implementation were reported. 35% of participants said budget was a major barrier to the automation of freight operations, while 21% said there was a lack of adequate technology. 19% felt the struggle was a lack of internal expertise, 13% said it was due to lack of internal resources, and 10% stated it was due to a lack of support from leadership.
Haven provides a unique platform of TMS solutions aimed at international shippers with particular focus on heavy volume users of international freight.
Latest News
Oldendorff Carriers announces change of leadership
(Posted on 28/03/23)The board of Oldendorff Carriers, has appointed Patrick Hutchins as the new President and CEO of the... Read more
Swedish Club boosts management team
(Posted on 28/03/23)The Swedish Club is looking to the future with the expansion and restructuring of the Club’s management... Read more
Groke brings new situation awareness expertise to One Sea
(Posted on 24/03/23)One Sea has welcomeed Finnish start-up Groke Technologies as its new member, bringing additional expertise... Read more
ClassNK releases FAQs on EU-ETS for shipping
(Posted on 24/03/23)ClassNK has released “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping”, an overview and necessary preparation... Read more
New AXSMarine tool helps users visualize CO2 emissions and CII
(Posted on 20/03/23)AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions for shipping professionals... Read more
Shipzero advances the decarbonization of logistics
(Posted on 20/03/23)Shipzero is enabling transport and logistics companies to create transparency about their emissions... Read more
Isle of Man Ship Registry joins INTERCARGO
(Posted on 07/03/23)The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association... Read more
More investment into crews’ health and nutrition says MCTC
(Posted on 07/03/23)The wellbeing of crew members is becoming more important to shipping companies says leading catering... Read more
Strong demand and diversified vessel portfolio fuels strong Algoma performance
(Posted on 28/02/23)Canada based Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended 31 December, 2022... Read more
Ukrainian seafarers back, but many have suffered trauma
(Posted on 24/02/23)Ukrainian seafarers have largely returned to international shipping thereby restoring balance in crew... Read more
