Keep things moving in logistics through outsourced Enterprise Mobility Management, argues Simon Evans (pictured, below), Director at Subsidium.
The modern logistics environment is a uniquely demanding one. Whether it is a large facility holding and delivering palletised freight, or a smaller location handling individual goods to be dispatched to individual home addresses, similar challenges abound.
Management needs real time visibility of the consignments that have come in, the exact location where they are to be stored, when they leave and on what vehicle. It is an enormous task and one where any interruption to the accessibility of information can prove costly in terms of a lost consignment or a missed delivery, with both the financial and reputational consequences to consider. It is vital, therefore, that the tools used to gather and record information are reliable, fully operational and equipped with all the software needed.
In-vehicle devices, for example, can be in almost constant use, and may be used by numerous drivers across any 24-hour period. Having even one device out of commission, even for a short period, is at best inconvenient and, at worst, highly damaging to productivity and efficiency. But for busy warehouse managers and IT teams with many other calls on their time, managing device availability and efficiency, especially when a problem arises at short notice, is a task for which they may not be well equipped.
This means it is an area where expert support in the form of a dedicated enterprise mobility management (EMM) provider can bring genuine operational and commercial benefits in these environments, by taking on the responsibility of keeping these devices ready for use and fit for purpose – and add value beyond that too. The key is that an EMM can manage every device remotely, ensuring each one is running correctly with the appropriate software installed. This remote management is vital as drivers and vehicles are rarely, if ever, all in one central location.
EMMs can also offer managed configuration of devices, whereby apps such as navigation tools and warehouse management systems can be remotely pre-configured and updated across every device. This degree of standardisation enables real-time syncing with updated maps, routes, and inventory systems.
Meanwhile, managed devices can also be configured on a shared basis, with personalised log-in details for each user, enabling multiple individuals to use the same unit during different shifts while still having access to different apps and kiosks for their job role. This simplifies offboarding and onboarding, and is key in keeping hardware costs down, while devices can remain securely mounted in vehicles rather than having to be moved around with the risk of loss or damage.
This personalisation means devices can be configured for each user so they can only access the app or apps they need for their role via ‘kiosk mode’. This makes life easier for non-technical users, while increasing resistance to tampering or unintended use, and allowing for more rapid training of new colleagues. The EMM can also limit access to in-vehicle devices while vehicles are in motion, reducing driver distraction and ensuring essential apps like navigation or communication are used safely. The device then automatically switches back to ‘normal’ operating mode when stationary.
Real-time GPS tracking of drivers and assets provides complete visibility of movement, with geofencing able to trigger alerts or actions, for example auto-logging arrival at a delivery zone.
In the rare event that there is a hardware issue, devices can be supported remotely to provide replacements quickly.
