The transport and distribution industry has been revolutionised by technology - from GPS enabled vehicles to automated warehouse management systems. However, managing IT in this industry can be a daunting task for IT leaders. The ever-changing digital landscape, complex infrastructure, and continuous demand for 24/7 uptime present unique challenges that can be overwhelming. This blog post explores the key challenges in the industry that make the IT environment difficult to manage, support, and optimise, and suggests strategies for overcoming them.
Cybersecurity Risks
When it comes to IT management in the transport and distribution industry, cybersecurity is a major concern. With the vast amount of data being stored, it is a lucrative market for cybercriminals. The sensitive data such as customer information, logistics planning, and financial data is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This is further complicated by the large number of devices and endpoints which are difficult to secure. Any data breach could cause reputational and financial harm that could be devastating. IT leaders must therefore implement robust security measures and regular audits to protect the company's data.
Rate of Change
Another challenge faced by IT leaders in the transport and distribution industry is keeping up with evolving technology. To remain competitive, companies need to invest in the latest technologies. However, integrating these technologies can be complicated and time-consuming, leading to complications and increased costs. Organisations can also experience difficulties when moving apps and workloads to the cloud - a necessary but challenging process without a highly experienced IT team. There is also the issue of legacy systems that must work in tandem with new technology for seamless operations. IT leaders must plan for the long-term and ensure that the IT systems are up to date and scalable.
Cost Constraints
Optimising IT in the transport and distribution industry can prove to be a costly affair. New technology, cybersecurity, and maintaining legacy infrastructure cost a significant amount of money. This is further complicated by the industry's complex operating model that requires the support of multiple systems, hardware, and software. IT leaders must, therefore, find a balance between investing in new technology and ongoing maintenance costs. To make this happen, they must source for cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on quality and adopt OPEX costing to only pay for resources consumed.
Talent Shortage
The demand for IT talent in the transport and distribution industry is high. Unfortunately, the skills shortage in the industry makes it difficult to find an in-house IT team that can meet the demands. With new technology being developed regularly, IT specialists must continuously upskill to remain up to date. The cost of hiring and training IT teams can be steep. This is where outsourcing IT to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can help. MSPs can provide comprehensive IT services at a fraction of the cost of an in-house IT team, as well as result in a number of other advantages including access to expertise, improved uptime, increased cyber-protection and more.
Conclusion
IT management in the transport and distribution industry is riddled with challenges that must be addressed by IT leaders. Outsourcing IT services to an MSP will provide access to an experienced team that can address cybersecurity risks, implement the latest technology, optimise costs, and provide up-to-date skills. With the industry's need for reliable technology, outsourcing IT services frees up time and resources to focus on the company's core competencies. Not sure if outsourcing is right for you? Download our free eBook to learn more.