Distribution Companies Are Focused on Investing in Technology to Boost Efficiency and Labor Productivity

Rhea-AI Summary

A new report by Incisiv, Verizon (VZ), and Ericsson reveals that distribution companies are focusing on technology investments to enhance efficiency and labor productivity. The study, surveying 134 executives from retail, manufacturing, and logistics industries, found that:

1. 78% of companies prioritize managing operational costs.
2. 86% face labor shortages and workforce management challenges.
3. 81% plan to deploy mobile devices by 2026 for improved productivity.
4. 65% say their current network cannot support needs for the next 24 months.

Companies are investing in technologies like RFID, robotics, and AI to address these challenges and stay competitive in the evolving distribution landscape.

Positive

• 78% of companies prioritize managing operational costs, indicating a focus on efficiency
• 81% of companies plan to deploy mobile devices by 2026 to improve productivity
• 49% of companies plan to invest in RFID or IoT inventory tracking
• 45% of companies plan to invest in robotics for picking and packing
• 84% of companies recognize AI as a necessity to compete in the future

Negative

• 86% of companies face labor shortages and workforce management challenges
• 65% of companies say their current network cannot support their needs for the next 24 months
• Only 10% of companies have a common understanding of AI across the enterprise
• Companies report lower satisfaction with complex, labor-intensive operational processes

New report by Incisiv, Verizon and Ericsson finds retail, manufacturing and logistics companies seek proven innovations to empower employees to do more with less and stay competitive

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly published research report jointly completed by Incisiv, Verizon and Ericsson found supply chain disruptions and labor challenges are driving distribution operations to manage throughput more efficiently to remain competitive. The release of the 2024 State of Smart Distribution Study: The Age of Efficiency and Resilience reveals how retail, manufacturing and logistics companies plan to improve operational efficiency and employee productivity by leveraging innovative technologies.

To understand the current and future states of distribution in the retail, manufacturing and logistics industries, Incisiv surveyed 134 executives from manufacturers, logistics warehouses and retail distribution centers.

Key findings include:

• Companies seek higher throughput at a lower incremental cost: The majority (78%) of companies surveyed rate managing operational costs as a top investment driver. Companies report lower satisfaction with complex, labor-intensive operational processes like order fulfillment (67%), and shipping and material handling (both 66%), which represent potential areas for process improvement and automation.
  
  
• Managing the workforce is a top priority: 86% of companies cite labor shortages and workforce management as significant challenges. Key issues include recruiting skilled workers (85%), competitive compensation (75%) and employee turnover (70%).
  
  
• Proven technologies earn strong demand: 81% of companies have or plan to deploy mobile devices by 2026 to improve productivity. Companies also plan to invest in RFID or Internet of Things inventory tracking (49%), robotics for picking and packing (45%) and camera vision for quality control, packing and returns (37%). While 84% of companies say AI will be a necessity to compete in the future, only 10% have a common understanding of AI across the enterprise.
  
  
• Enabling new operating capabilities requires upgrading the network infrastructure: 65% of companies say their current network cannot support their needs for the next 24 months. Also, 61% of companies are dissatisfied with the reliability of their in-facility network or connectivity.

"These results show how distribution operations have shifted toward increasing productivity to satisfy online shoppers' evolving needs," said Gaurav Pant, Chief Insights Officer, Incisiv. "Companies that empower their people with proven technologies and invest in infrastructure upgrades will gain a competitive advantage."

"Recognizing the imperative to optimize operational efficiency, distribution organizations are accelerating the transition to next-generation distribution centers," said Michael Weller, Practice Leader, Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities, Verizon Business. "The adoption of bandwidth-intensive, innovative technologies requires a reliable and secure connection that works across the entire enterprise facility."

"This joint study reveals that operations and IT executives are facing challenges like unforeseen demands, labor shortages, and supply chain issues," said Sandra Cutrona, Vice President and Head of Business Development for Customer Unit Verizon, Ericsson North America. "At Ericsson, we believe that connectivity is crucial. Our customers benefit from our solutions. We offer seamless, speedy and secure communication that high-performing neutral host 5G private networks can provide."

To learn more, download the full results of the report 2024 State of Smart Distribution Study: The Age of Efficiency and Resilience. 

About Incisiv
Incisiv is a next-generation industry insights firm that helps retailers and brands navigate digital disruption in their industry. Incisiv offers consumer industry executives responsible for digital transformation a trusted platform to share and learn in a non-competitive setting, and the tools necessary to improve digital maturity, impact and profitability. More information is available at incisiv.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores

About Ericsson
Ericsson's high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com 

Media Contacts
Incisiv PR
Dan Dyer
513-478-7818
381769@email4pr.com

Verizon
Carlos Arcila
908-202-0479
381769@email4pr.com

Ericsson
Jannie Tong
214-415-0815
381769@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Incisiv

FAQ

What are the main challenges facing distribution companies according to the Verizon (VZ) study?

The main challenges include managing operational costs, labor shortages, workforce management, and the need for network infrastructure upgrades to support new technologies.

What technologies are distribution companies planning to invest in by 2026, as per the Verizon (VZ) report?

Companies plan to invest in mobile devices (81%), RFID or IoT inventory tracking (49%), robotics for picking and packing (45%), and camera vision for quality control, packing, and returns (37%).

How many companies believe AI will be necessary to compete in the future, according to the Verizon (VZ) study?

84% of companies surveyed believe that AI will be a necessity to compete in the future.

What percentage of companies say their current network cannot support their needs for the next 24 months in the Verizon (VZ) report?

65% of companies say their current network cannot support their needs for the next 24 months.