The COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the globe in 2020 has resulted in unprecedented disruption to business and economies. The lockdowns, restricted movements, social distancing measures have changed the way we do business. In some areas these changes may be permanent, as businesses have shifted to work from home practices, relying more on cloud based computing power. They have seen a decrease in the need for office space, and city center real estate has seen a decline in demand.
So how has all of this affected the warehouse and logistics industries? Many companies have already worked out their post pandemic plans and strategies. A recent survey by APQC found that 82% of respondents we’re confident in their companies abilities to adapt to the “new normal” working practices.
The survey found that most organizations concerns were not about their ability to adapt to the new normal, but rather the budget cuts and staff layoffs. Many are looking to the skills of their workers and to technology as solutions. Many companies have already shifted the delivery channels they use and production methods. There has been an increase in outsourcing of jobs that were previously in house.
The survey found that going forward companies ranked the following as important for future proofing this business in the post pandemic new normal.
Reskilling employees (31%)
Organizational transformation (26%)
Shortening the supply chain (25%)
Automation and implementing digital products (23% each)
The most important skills for the future were deemed to be flexibility, ability to adapt to rapid changes in the state of the business and world economy. Innovation, and changes in management methods.
