We are delighted to announce that Modern Networks has become a member of the UK Warehouse Association (UKWA), the leading trade organisation for the warehousing and logistics sector in the UK. As an IT managed services provider, we are committed to delivering high-quality IT solutions and support to warehouse and logistics organisations across the UK. In this blog post, we’ll explain how our IT managed services can benefit your warehouse and logistics operations.
Why IT Managed Services Matter for Warehouse and Logistics
Warehouse and logistics are essential parts of the supply chain that enable the movement of goods and services from manufacturers to consumers. However, warehouse and logistics also face many challenges and risks in today’s fast-paced and competitive market.
According to the National Business Crime Centre, Distribution Centres and Warehouses are more liable to be the subject of employee theft than any other business in the UK. In January 2023, for example, one Newcastle-based warehouse employee was convicted of stealing over £100,000 worth of goods in just a six-week period.
In September 2023, partly due to a ransomware attack, KNP Logistics, one of the UK’s largest privately owned logistics groups, went into administration with the loss of 730 jobs. Data published jointly by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reveals hundreds of ransomware attacks against transport and logistics firms across the UK since April 2019. They also believe that the crime is significantly under-reported.
Legacy technology can also be a major obstacle for logistics firms that want to stay ahead of the competition and meet customer demands. Outdated IT systems can be expensive to maintain, slow down operations, expose data to cyberattacks, and reduce customer loyalty. To avoid these costs, logistics firms should consider replacing their legacy technology with Cloud-based solutions, for example, which offer scalability, flexibility, security, and efficiency. Cloud technology can help logistics firms optimise their processes, improve operational performance, and enhance the customer experience.
Some of the challenges and risks facing warehouse and logistics firms include:
- Cyber threats: Warehouse and logistics organisations store and process large amounts of sensitive data, such as customer information, inventory records, financial transactions, and more. This data is a tempting target for cyberattacks, such as ransomware, phishing, malware, and data breaches, which can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data. Cyberattacks can also disrupt the normal operations of warehouse and logistics systems, such as inventory management, order fulfilment, shipping and delivery.
- Wi-Fi vulnerability: Warehouses and Distribution Centres rely on wireless networks to connect various devices and systems, such as barcode scanners, RFID readers, mobile terminals, laptops, tablets, printers, cameras, and sensors. Wireless networks enable logistics operations to operate flexibly and efficiently. However, wireless networks also pose security risks, such as unauthorised access, data interception, network interference, and rogue devices.
- Insecure networks: To run their operations smoothly and efficiently, warehouse and logistics organisations depend on network services that enable them to communicate and collaborate with multiple locations, departments, partners, suppliers, and customers. Network services encompass internet access, Cloud computing, email hosting, VoIP telephony, video conferencing, VPNs (virtual private networks), firewalls, routers, switches, and more. Network services need regular monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation to ensure high performance and security.
- Fraud: As the number of data touchpoints increases in a warehouse and logistics supply chain, the need for better defence increases too. Fraudsters can exploit the vulnerabilities of the data and systems to steal goods or money, tamper with records or transactions, or impersonate legitimate parties. Fraud prevention requires effective authentication methods (such as passwords or biometrics), encryption techniques (such as SSL or AES), audit trails (such as logs or timestamps), and verification processes (such as signatures or receipts).
How Modern Networks Can Help
At Modern Networks, we understand the importance and complexity of IT for warehouse and logistics. That is why we offer a comprehensive range of IT managed services that can help you overcome your IT challenges and minimise your risks. Our IT managed services include:
- 24/7 IT Support: We provide unlimited technical support and a reliable 24/7 help desk for your IT systems. We have a team of highly experienced and qualified IT professionals who can resolve any IT issues or incidents over the phone or by remote access. We also have a client portal where you can check the status of your service tickets and receive incident alerts.
- Cybersecurity: Our end-to-end cybersecurity solutions protect your data and systems from cyber threats. We use advanced tools and techniques to detect, prevent, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks. We also provide cybersecurity awareness training for your staff to help them recognise and avoid common cyber threats.
- Secure Network Services: We offer fully managed network services that enable your staff to work at their best on any device and from any location. We design, deliver, manage, and maintain your network infrastructure, including LAN, WLAN, WAN, SD-WAN, MPLS, and Ethernet. We also ensure the security and compliance of your network services by using encryption protocols, authentication methods, network segmentation, firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and VPNs.
- Theft and fraud prevention: We can help warehouse and logistics firms prevent theft and fraud by implementing and managing a variety of security solutions, including access control, asset tracking systems, geofencing, GPS tracking, driver safety training, security awareness training, SIEM systems, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and security audits. By partnering with Modern Networks, warehouse and logistics firms can benefit from our wide range of security expertise and resources, which can help you safeguard your assets and inventory, and reduce your financial risk.
- Replace obsolete IT: Legacy systems are outdated and often unsupported, which poses a challenge and a threat to warehouse and logistics operations. These systems require a significant number of resources for upkeep and security and are often incompatible with newer technologies. Despite these drawbacks, many companies still use them for tasks like inventory management and customer communication. Businesses are reluctant to replace legacy systems due to the perceived high costs of replacement, complex integrations, and a fear of losing customised features that fit specific business needs. However, using these systems comes with security and compliance risks. As an IT managed service provider, Modern Networks can play a crucial role in modernising your legacy systems by migrating them to the Cloud or integrating them with up-to-date systems.
- Data Integration: It’s essential for every warehouse and logistics operation to have one set of accurate data harmonised across its various IT systems and locations. At Modern Networks, we provide comprehensive data integration solutions. These solutions enable the connection of various IT systems, data format standardisation, and the creation of a complete data view. The benefits are extensive, including improved decision-making, cost reduction, and enhanced customer service. For example, data integration can provide a warehousing business with a full view of its inventory across all locations, optimising storage strategies and allocation.
- Automation: Today, automation is transforming warehousing and logistics. Companies can automate tasks like order picking and packing, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy while reducing costs. Modern Networks can offer guidance to firms in the selection and implementation of automation solutions. This includes integration with existing IT systems, robust security measures, and employee training programs to ensure the company fully utilises automation. For example, we might help your company implement a robotic order-picking system, significantly improving order fulfilment.
Benefits of using Modern Networks
By choosing Modern Networks as your IT managed services provider, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Reduce costs: You can reduce your IT costs by outsourcing your IT needs to us. You can avoid the expenses of hiring, training, and retaining IT staff; purchasing, installing, and maintaining IT hardware and software; upgrading and updating IT systems; etc. You only pay for what you use and need.
- Expertise: Our team of qualified IT professionals possess extensive knowledge and skills. We stay up to date with the latest IT trends and innovations to offer you the most advanced and effective IT solutions for your warehouse and logistics operations. You can rely on our IT expertise and experience to provide you with the best support and solutions.
- Reliability: Unexpected network downtime can be devastating for any logistics operation. We offer secure, reliable IT systems and 24/7 support to ensure the continuity and availability of your network. We proactively monitor and manage your IT systems to prevent and resolve any IT issues or incidents before they become major headaches. We also backup and restore your data and systems in case of any disaster or emergency.
- Security: You can trust our IT services and support to ensure the security and compliance of your IT systems. We follow IT best practices and standards to protect your IT network from cyber threats. We also comply with the relevant IT regulations and policies to safeguard your IT systems from legal or ethical risks.
Contact Us Today
If you want to know more about our IT managed services for warehouse and logistics, please contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your IT needs and requirements and provide you with a free consultation and quote.
