More than half of 330 logistics and global trade experts also reported major shortcomings in talent in the Global Trade Management Agenda 2017 study.

Dirk Hartel, head of the department of business administration service logistics management at DHBW Stuttgart and co-author of the study, said: “Customer demands for fast shipping continue to increase and place high pressures on companies in the industrial and commercial sectors as well as on transport and logistics businesses. Companies ask for innovative ideas and new technologies, such as package delivery by drone, but also for optimised and smooth processes.”

Yet the bulk of respondents were satisfied with their company’s position in this area. Some 41.2 percent felt there was room to improve lead times and time to delivery.

As in last year’s study, shorter lead times and time to delivery were ranked as the most important issues. Minimising supply chain risk is another top issue, and was ranked as very important by 65 percent of those surveyed.

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