Despite the advancement of cutting-edge technologies, the regional players in the logistics and trucking sector still rely on paper logs and phone calls for communication. The skill gaps in the industry result in the underutilization of digital systems, errors in data entry, low interoperability, and restrict the development of tech-led transformation.
The word “logistics” once evoked impressions of dusty warehouses, manual ledgers, and long-haul truck journeys on uneven roads. Today, that picture has transformed with GPS-enabled trucks, barcode scanners, e-POD systems, and automated warehouse bots.
Yet, behind all this advancement lies a crucial gap that few discuss: Are the people on the ground—drivers, warehouse staff, loaders, and clerks ready for this digital revolution?
The Digital Shift Is Real, and It’s Accelerating
The digital transformation in India has been accelerated with initiatives such as the National Logistics Policy, Gati Shakti Yojana, and the AIS-140 mandate for trucks. Indian logistics firms are actively adopting new tools in their operations, including AI-driven route optimization, real-time cargo tracking via IoT sensors, paperless documentation through apps, and automated warehousing systems.
But here’s the paradox- technology can only deliver results when people know how to use it effectively.
Digital Literacy: More Than Just Knowing How to Use a Phone
Digital literacy is not about operating a smartphone or logging into WhatsApp. It means being able to:
- Use an app to confirm deliveries,
- Scan barcodes instead of writing on a clipboard,
- Read and respond to system alerts in real-time,
- Log fuel usage or vehicle performance through a dashboard,
- Reroute using GPS during traffic or weather delays
The Human Tech Disconnect
Despite the advancement of cutting-edge technologies, the regional players in the logistics and trucking sector still rely on paper logs and phone calls for communication. Thus, the skill gaps in the industry result in the underutilization of digital systems, errors in data entry, low interoperability, and restrict the development of tech-led transformation.
Also Read: Introspecting Digitalization in the Indian Economy
It’s tempting to assume that resistance to technology is about age or attitude. But that’s often not true.
Many logistics workers are open to learning—they use smartphones, make online payments, watch YouTube, and even access social media. The issue is relevance and confidence.
- Relevance: They often fail to recognise the benefits of digital tools. For example, if a delivery app crashes or isn’t in their language, they abandon it.
- Confidence: Many fear being “exposed” or embarrassed in front of peers for not knowing how to use a tool.
And then there’s the fear of being replaced. When technology is introduced without explanation or training, it feels like a threat, not an upgrade.
Bridging the Gap: What Can Be Done?
The solution lies not just in more training, but in the right kind of training. Here’s what logistics companies and policymakers need to think about:
1. Speak Their Language
Many logistics apps are built in English or Hindi. But workers might speak Marathi, Tamil, or Oriya. Local-language versions supported by visual icons or voice-based prompts can make tools more accessible.
2. Microlearning Over Monologues
Forget full-day workshops. Instead, offer 10-minute video modules on how to use a barcode scanner, log fuel data, or update delivery status. Short, focused, and mobile-friendly learning is the key.
3. Gamify Learning
Learning doesn’t have to be boring. Just like mobile games reward progress, training apps can use points, badges, and leaderboards to encourage learning, especially among younger workers. For example, United Parcel Service (UPS) in the United States has implemented VR-based gamified scenarios that expose truck drivers to extreme disruptions and track their response behavior. Drivers earn rewards based on performance, which helps them improve their driving skills. Notably, the company reported higher safety levels as a result of this training initiative.
4. Identify ‘Digital Champions’
In every warehouse or fleet, some tech-savvy individuals can train others. Empower them to be mentors. Peer learning builds trust faster than top-down lectures.
5. Recognize and Reward
Celebrate digital adoption. recognize employees who complete training or demonstrate tech-savviness. This not only boosts morale but sets a positive example for others.
It’s Not Just a Company Issue—It’s a National One
Improving digital literacy isn’t just good for business—it aligns with national priorities. As India pushes for faster, smarter, more resilient supply chains, the human element cannot be ignored.
Government initiatives like Skill India, PMKVY, and Digital India can be extended to include job-specific digital skilling in logistics, not just generic IT training.
MSMEs, which form the backbone of Indian logistics, especially need support. Many lack in-house training capacity and can benefit from public-private partnerships for skilling. India’s logistics revolution is unstoppable, but it must be inclusive. A warehouse scanner doesn’t make operations smarter. A person using it correctly does. A GPS app doesn’t optimize a route. A driver who understands it does. In the rush to automate, let’s not forget to educate. In the race to digitize, let’s not forget to humanize. The real bridge between progress and people is not a tool—it’s training. And the true future of logistics isn’t just digital. It’s digitally literate.
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