Research carried out by market research agency SRA has shown that in 2018 more money will be released by logistics service providers for investments such as software.
Source (logistics chapter research): https://view.publitas.com/sra/2018-in-zicht-de-verwachtingen-van-nederlandse-ondernemingen/page/20-21
When you start reading this, the logistics entrepreneurs are very positive about 2018, where an above-average growth is expected from sales and profits.
Because logistics entrepreneurs expect to be making financial advances, the willingness to invest will increase by seeing opportunities. This is of course very positive, but due to the pressure on rates, it does require efficient business operations, which means that costs can be saved.
Trained logistics personnel (experts within their field) contribute positively to safety in the workplace. This safety and investing in, for example, a TMS (Transport Management System) means cost savings, a pleasant working environment and the delivery of quality, which increased efficiency.
“Staff is the capital”
Growth, which makes investments possible, is of course fantastic. Growth also means an expansion of staff. And therein lies perhaps the biggest and most difficult challenge. How do you retain staff and how can further expansion be achieved? Can the logistics sector handle the growth? According to Bas Dijkhuizen (Nov. 14, 2017, editor at Logistiek.nl) finding skilled personnel and aging within the sector will play a bigger role.
By involving the employees more in the operational management and by giving them responsibilities, a greater bond is created. An education will further enable them to realize improvements, and will create opportunities for them to increase their salary. And it is precisely that appreciation that is worth investing in. Good staff is the capital of a company. It is expected that the largest expense of investing will be wage costs.
Brexit
There are also concerns about Brexit regarding customs and trade agreements.
The authorities need to get in touch with each other quickly, to limit the potential negative consequences for trade and transport, according to TLN chairman Arthur van Dijk.
It is precisely the transport sector that is dependent on the agreements that are being made within the European Union. In the context of Brexit, Great Britain is one of the Netherlands’ most important trading partners.
In order to not be directly dependent on agreements within the EU, direct customer contact with British companies is of great importance. Ultimately, we must assume that the strength of your business, the efficient, professional and customer-friendly way of working, will help to keep the customer relationship going.
Take a stand for growth and prosperity!
Investing in a smart TMS (Transport Management System) from LSS, Logistics Software Solutions, will contribute to cost-efficient logistics and will offer opportunities for employees to be trained in the use of these highly advanced systems. You can find more information about our smart software at www.lss-solutions.com.