As a crucial service sector, logistics operations must have the ability to continue uninterrupted despite any disruptions or even unprecedented situations. Apart from the physical journey itself, there is an extensive trail of paperwork that needs to be verified, processed and delivered on time to execute a successful logistics run.
Despite all warnings, COVID-19 hit the world hard and fast and as unprepared as we were, we all have had to switch to remote work with very little notice or preparation.
Collaborating effectively while working remotely presents a wide array of challenges in sharing relevant data and work instructions on time. Even now that the lockdown has ended and the economy is slowly but steadily resuming the regular state of affairs, things may not go back to normal immediately.
Working with remote teams is the new norm rather than the exception and this paradigm shift in the workplace has created a corresponding need for effective collaboration techniques, fully-integrated virtual workspaces and adequate training for remote employees.
Remote employee management requires extensive planning including a system of structured supervision and team meetings that help remote teams stay focused and motivated.
In the age of social distancing and quarantine, running operations smoothly requires people to work remotely and be successful in collaborating online. This, in turn, requires swift and effective solutions to solve the problem of how to securely work with remote teams.
As businesses and firms shift to remote models of working, the new virtual workplace needs a new set of codes for effective supervision and collaboration. Another important factor that you need to take care of is securing your employees’ work and sensitive data that is shared across systems via cloud servers.
According to the FBI, their Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has seen a spike of nearly 300% in the number of cybersecurity complaints it receives daily during the COCID-19 crisis in comparison to the complaints they received before!
The current pandemic has not just created a medical crisis but also an economic crisis with companies clamouring for business survival strategies to weather the losses incurred in the current scenario.
In times of social distancing, quarantine and lockdowns, how does one keep their business running against all odds? According to the latest survey by Gartner, a mere 12% of the respondents believed that they were sufficiently prepared to deal with the repercussions of COVID-19 and its after-effects. 56% said they were somewhat prepared while 11% said that they were relatively less prepared or very unprepared. These numbers can give you an idea of the global scenario everywhere.
So, while you are waiting for that government bailout to come through, what are the business survival strategies that you can implement to ensure that you are able to sail through the storm and emerge battered but victorious in the end?
The 21st century can truly be called the age of digital transformation with technology determining everything from the way we order food and the way we work to the new ways of managing remote teams in times of social distancing.
While offices have witnessed an increased use of collaborative tools and advanced technology, the current situation is seeing a paradigm shift in the structure of the traditional office space. From eliminating the need for paperwork to eliminating the need for physical office space itself, modern technology has completely transformed the working space, swapping desks and conference tables for virtual platforms.
While we may be dealing with the resonating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for the next 2 years to come, one of the biggest changes the current situation has brought about is the increased demand from businesses for a digital workplace that is suited to their needs.
The ongoing crisis and the corresponding need for social distancing have led to an immediate switch to remote working systems in order to ensure that businesses keep functioning in the midst of the quarantine.