SOTI boosts logistics efficiency with updated platform in Australia
SOTI has introduced a range of updates to its SOTI ONE Platform, aiming to address operational challenges and downtime in the Australian transportation and logistics (T&L) sector.
Mobile technology downtime remains a significant issue in the industry, according to SOTI's recent report, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L. The findings show that Australian logistics workers lose an average of 16 hours each month due to device or application failures. This situation leads to nearly half (41%) of workers reporting increased stress, with 27% required to work overtime and 25% of drivers needing to drive at higher speeds just to keep up with deliveries. Additionally, 43% of respondents spend more than half a working day resolving delivery problems, which adds considerable pressure caused by technology challenges.
Operational disruption
"In Australia, where long distances and high delivery expectations leave little room for error, mobile disruptions can severely affect the speed and accuracy of shipments," said Michael Dyson, VP of Sales, APAC at SOTI. "Our latest updates to the SOTI ONE Platform are designed to improve uptime, simplify device usage and give transport and logistics drivers real-time control to keep supply chains moving smoothly and on schedule."
The latest updates to the platform are designed in part to tackle these issues through enhanced device management and support features
Enhanced device control
Among the new features is the updated device lockdown system, offering IT teams an efficient drag-and-drop interface to tailor access for frontline workers. Devices can now be customised to limit access to only essential apps and tools. Integrated authentication uses QR codes or NFC tags for quicker shift changes and handovers, while real-time condition monitoring provides immediate security if a device leaves its designated area. IT teams also gain access to analytics for monitoring device use, identifying inefficiencies and making workflow improvements.
An artificial intelligence-powered assistant, named Stella, has been added to facilitate IT support. Stella allows IT administrators to troubleshoot common problems using conversational voice commands. This tool is positioned to provide 24/7 support, helping to reduce device downtime by assisting staff when issues arise and allowing IT teams to focus on more complex tasks.
Improving IT responses
SOTI XSight's integration with ServiceNow is another key enhancement. IT teams can carry out tasks such as remote control, screen recording, live chats, accessing device data, and pulling debug files-all within a single platform. The integration is intended to accelerate IT response times and reduce the period that devices are out of action in the field, allowing logistics staff to carry out their roles with reduced stress due to fewer device failures.
A further feature, Indoor Location Camera Streaming with SOTI XSight, is targeted towards warehouses and logistics hubs. By combining indoor mapping and live camera feeds, IT personnel can visually locate devices and monitor incidents in real time. The goal is to reduce the time spent finding devices and responding to incidents, facilitating a more responsive support environment during critical operations.
Industry context
The logistics sector in Australia is characterised by long distance transport routes and high expectations for timely delivery. The increasing complexity of operations and narrow profit margins mean that transport providers must minimise disruption wherever possible. According to SOTI, proactive mobile device management now represents a key factor in maintaining operational efficiency and driver satisfaction.
Reflecting on the enhanced features, Michael Dyson commented:
"Australia's T&L sector runs on tight schedules, and any downtime can cause major ripple effects across the supply chain. With the enhancements we've built into the SOTI ONE Platform, operators can anticipate and resolve issues before they become problems, keeping deliveries on track and staff productive. Reliable access to real-time data and smarter communication tools means T&L teams can work more efficiently and focus on meeting the growing expectations of customers nationwide," Dyson concluded.
