A survey by Intermec has suggested that arming mobile workforces with new technology could cut their pick-up times by 30% and delivery times by 29%.

The survey was of managers of transport and logistics firms in six countries around the world during April 2013.

Intermec industry marketing director for transport and logistics, Jeff Sibio, said: “Investing the time to review current processes may seem a daunting task, but the benefits on offer show this is more than worthwhile.”

The study found that 42% of UK organisations view operational efficiency as the area of most strategic importance for their business. More than three quarters (77%) of organisations across UK, US, Germany, France, Australia and New Zealand say their customers now demand same-day delivery services, and 92% of companies claim that meeting these expectations is placing significant challenges on their business to adjust.

Most feel that customer demand can best be made through automating key processes in the pick-up and delivery areas, and adopting new technology for drivers such as GPS, mobile and broadband communications. Companies anticipate that by adopting these technologies, the time taken for each pick-up and delivery can be cut by 2.68 and 2.41 minutes respectively, providing a significant boost to the efficiency of the mobile worker.

Sibio added: “Customer expectations in the industry are growing ever higher, putting increasing pressure on mobile workers to meet tighter deadlines. Our survey shows that the use of technology not only reduces call and pick up times for workers, it also offers customers the chance to make fewer calls.”