Automation Alleviating UK Labour Shortages
Descartes’ recently published thought leadership “Automation's Role in Alleviating UK Labour Shortage Pressures”, highlighted how automation can be used to mitigate driver shortages. This overview will give you the main points to note and references the Descartes’ research on the workforce within the supply chain.
Read the full article - Automation's Role in Alleviating UK Labour Shortage Pressures
Read the study – What are companies doing to survive the supply chain and logistics workforce and driver shortage challenge? Here.
Overview
Supply chain and logistics operations have been significantly impacted by the UK's labour shortage. Descartes’ workforce study revealed that 76% of supply chain and logistics leaders were experiencing notable shortages in their workforce. With transportation operations (61%) and warehouse operations (56%) hardest hit by resource shortages.
Automation offers a promising solution to alleviate these pressures. By automating repetitive tasks, centralising operations, and leveraging advanced technologies like AI or machine learning, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce labour costs, and enhance customer service.
Key takeaways from the article are:
- The labour shortage crisis: The UK's workforce has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, Brexit, and the Great Resignation following the end of the pandemic.
- Impact on supply chain and logistics: Businesses in these sectors have been hit hard by the shortage of workers, particularly in the area of delivery drivers.
- The role of automation: Technology can help alleviate labour shortages by automating repetitive tasks, centralising operations, and improving efficiency.
- Specific technologies: Examples of automation technologies include the optimisation of delivery routes, the centralisation of delivery management, robotics - especially in the warehouse and AI-powered solutions.
- Benefits: Automation will reduce labour costs, improve productivity, enhance customer service, and foster a more positive work environment by creating delivery routes and schedules that are realistic and achievable.
By embracing technology and automation, businesses can better navigate the challenges of the labour shortage and position themselves for long-term success.