Without the proper IT implementation, companies can't adequately scale up to meet swelling volumes of online orders, says Ian Berman, QAD Precision solution consultant.

The number of employees leaving the workforce is one of the constraints companies have to contend with today, especially among IT personnel. “We're starting to see that companies’ IT teams are starting to constrain and constrict,” Berman says. “Whether that's a sign of a recession or whatever, the resources continue to be smaller and smaller.” The end result is that people who want to implement new processes or software are being stymied. 

The C-suite is aware of the issue. Executives there would like to see implementation of technology with high ROI potential, says Berman. “They're familiar with how bad the market is for bringing in qualified resources that are willing to stick around. The turnover rate's been astronomical, especially in the 18 to 24 months.”

Given the constraints, when it comes to optimal shipping, companies need to diversify their carrier network, Berman says. That’s true even though order volume is down everywhere, particularly in e-commerce. However, to keep one’s existing customers happy, a company needs the ability to scale up to meet its distribution and delivery needs. “If you don't have something in place now, you're probably already running behind,” he says. “And being able to scale up with additional carriers or capacity is what you need to keep your customers, suppliers, et cetera, happy.”

Ideally, Berman says, a shipper needs a global application that covers tracking, visibility, freight payment, reporting and compliance management, as well as being able to take advantage of free-trade agreements and foreign trade zones. “That would give IT resources one place to go in order to get and manage their contracts as well as their compliance pieces.”