LSPs plan increase in outlay on IT - Survey, Looking to improve operational efficiency to remain competitive

“Information Technology high on the Agenda of Logistics Service Providers” reveals the recent survey on “IT in LOGISTICS in INDIA” conducted by Softlink, the leading logistics software solutions provider. This is the second such survey carried out by Softlink among cross section of logistic service providers including international logistic players in the country. Respondents from over 500 logistic companies participated in the survey which provides an insight into the factors influencing the IT adoption of LSPs.

‘Not Come Across Suitable Software’, say a sizeable number of the respondents when asked about the barriers in adopting IT. This is a quite significant finding of the survey. Overwhelming number of the respondents believe that an ERP solution would be beneficial to their organization says the report. The survey also took into account the perceived barriers and benefits in adopting IT and threw some interesting facts.

Significant numbers of the logistics companies have planned an increase in investment on information technology for 2011. There is an increase of 12% in IT investment outlay for 2011 in the range of Rs.10 Lakh to Rs.25 Lakh (1 Million – 2.5 Million) as against 2010. It was also noted that respondents from large and SME’S are planning to increase their budgetary outlay for 2011 in certain category while reducing in others. In the above 1 Crore (10 Million) category there is a 75% hike in the planned investment among large companies compared to 2010 but however the percentage of SME’s investing in IT in this bracket has seen a decline.

Barriers in adopting IT – The LSP perspective
Lack of Expertise in IT has turned out to be the biggest barrier for the LSPs in IT adoption. Untrained Manpower and Employee Fear of Change were the other barriers, the survey reports. A Majority 46% of the respondents believed Lack of Expertise in IT as the hurdle in adopting IT as against a 44% perceiving Untrained Manpower as the barrier. Employees Fear of Change according to 39% of the respondents is a barrier in adopting IT.

The LSPs take on Benefits of IT
LSPs are looking for Quick Response and Access to information by implementing information technology reports the survey. Improved Customer Service and Enhanced Competitiveness were cited as the other major benefits in adopting IT. According to 83% respondent’s Quick Response and Access to Information was the cited as the major benefit from IT, 73% cited Improved Customer Service and 45% said Enhanced Competitiveness.

What motivates LSPs to invest in IT
The survey covered various aspects like the motivational factors which impel LSP’S to invest in technology, their plans and perceptions on investing in technology. The survey highlights that Improved Operational Efficiency and better Customer Service are the key motivating factors for logistic providers to invest in Information technology. With 43% of respondents saying that Improving Operational Efficiency is the key motivating factor and Improving Customer Service being cited by 25% it is clear what the LSPs intend to achieve from IT.

Mr. Amit Maheshwari, CEO of Softlink says, “In our survey conducted last year we had very positive trends from the LSPs on investment in IT. This year too large number of LSPs are planning to increase their outlay for IT. It is not surprising considering the high rate of growth in the industry and the heightened competition. The LSPs are looking to improve their operational efficiency in order to provide enhanced customer service and this has been emphatically endorsed by the survey.” He further adds “Many ERP solutions are now available in the market including our own Logi-Sys. These state-of-art software made with cutting edge technology are designed to optimize the processes of logistics service providers enhancing their operational efficiency.”

The findings of the survey reveal that the logistic sector is evolving rapidly showing signs of growth. In a bid to tap the growing opportunities and power growth within the logistics sector many large, mid-sized and small scale logistics service providers are bringing about change in their traditional style of functioning and implementing modern systems and technologies. As compared 2010 there are notable changes in the outlook of logistic players towards IT says the survey. The detailed report of the survey will be made available soon.

About Softlink
Softlink was established in the year 1992, with the sole aim of simplifying operations of organizations in the logistics industry worldwide through highly specialized software products and solutions. Softlink is a leading product company which exclusively provides software solutions across the logistics sector to Freight Forwarders, Custom Brokers and 3PL companies along with Exporters and Importers. Softlink has a presence in every major city in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Softlink's products are used by more than 60,000 users in over 3,000 organizations. Softlink’s clientele include organizations like DHL Express, TNT India, FedEx, Videocon, Times of India, The Future Group, ABG Shipyard, Onida, Parle Products, Moser Baer India, AFL Dachser, Nippon Express, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, Agility etc. Key PSUs and Government Departments like Air India, Indian Oil Corporation, Dredging Corporation of India, and Embarkation HQ benefit from Softlink’s products.

For further details please contact
Abhishek Tripathi
Phone: (0) 9821585856,
Email: abhishek.tripathi@softlinkglobal.com

Please visit www.softlinkglobal.com for more information

Softlink Logistic Systems is focused on Simplifying Operations of its customers in logistics and international trade for nearly two decades by developing software products and solutions to meet their challenges.

Softlink has over 50,000 satisfied users in more than 2,500 organisations across the globe.

Exporters, Importers, Custom House Agents/ Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, NVOCCs, 3PL companies , IATA cargo agents, Air Freight and Sea Freight forwarding companies and other logistics service providers experience a true boost in productivity and operational efficiency through the use of our products. Our products deliver enhanced management control, revenue realization and accurate international trade documentation to users. We have studied, analyzed and fulfilled the needs of several types of organizations that make up the links of the logistics chain.
Over 80% custom house agents and custom brokers in India use Visual IMPEX, our flagship product.

Over 90% renewals of product licenses prove that we have succeeded in the area of customer service and support.

We provide product upgrades immediately to our users in order to incorporate changes in government policies and statutory requirements related to international trade, ensuring utmost regulatory compliance.

We have partnered with Customs Air Cargo in Mumbai to create their online tracking system that provides real time information of customs clearing.

We also provide technology consulting and software application development services to clients in the logistics industry worldwide.

Softlink Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd.
606-607, Wellington Business Park I,
Near Mittal Industrial Estate,
Andheri - Kurla Road, Marol,
Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400 059, India.
Ph.: +91-22-4034 0000
Alternate Lines.: +91-22-28511164 / 28512527 / 28512419
Fax: +91-22-4034 0010
mail: abhishek.tripathi@softlinkglobal.com

This release was published on openPR.