SOTI boosts ONE Platform to cut device downtime in Canadian T&L

SOTI has announced enhancements to the SOTI ONE Platform, aimed at reducing mobile device downtime in the Canadian transportation and logistics (T&L) sector.

Recent findings from SOTI's report, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L, highlight a widespread issue: Canadian logistics workers are losing an average of 35 hours per month due to mobile device or application downtime. This loss of productive hours has operational and workforce implications across the industry.

The downtime linked to unreliable mobile devices is contributing to stress and extended working hours among employees. According to the report, 57% of workers experience heightened stress and 40% are forced to work overtime to compensate for time lost. Additionally, 17% of drivers feel compelled to drive faster to complete their deliveries on time, and 26% of workers spend more than half a working day addressing delivery-related issues. These figures underline the pressures device reliability places on logistics operations.

"When mobile devices fail, the entire delivery process slows down and errors can increase," said Shash Anand, SVP of Product Strategy. "With our newest updates, we've focused on keeping devices available longer, making them easier for workers to use, and giving the T&L sector greater real-time oversight. This ensures workflows stay efficient and deliveries remain on schedule."

SOTI has introduced several key updates to its ONE Platform to tackle the operational challenges inherent in T&L work. One of the key new features is 'Lockdown Reimagined'. This system allows IT teams to swiftly create tailored, role-based device experiences using a drag-and-drop design tool. The technology restricts device access, so frontline workers only interact with essential applications and tools. Integrated authentication mechanisms-such as QR codes and NFC tags-help users access devices securely and speed up shift changes or device handovers. The system's real-time monitoring capabilities enable immediate lockdown of devices that are detected outside prescribed geofences, and provide IT professionals with analytics for device usage and workflow optimisation.

SOTI has also unveiled Stella, an AI-powered assistant designed to support IT administrators in troubleshooting and device management. Stella facilitates simple, conversational access to device information and issue resolution, including via voice commands. This solution enables around-the-clock IT support, accelerating response times and minimising downtime for end users, and ultimately freeing up IT resources for other priorities.

Another enhancement is the integration of SOTI XSight within ServiceNow. This functionality enables IT teams to use diagnostic tools-including remote control, screen recording, live chat, device snapshots, debug log retrieval, and screen annotation-directly in the ServiceNow environment. The integration is intended to speed up IT interventions and decrease the downtime of devices used in the field.

Device management and recovery are further addressed through a new tool in SOTI XSight, which allows organisations to track and locate devices with up-to-date data. When a device is at risk, proactive alerts are issued to users and IT administrators. Built-in guidance features leverage nearby devices to assist in locating equipment, helping reduce loss and associated costs. The analytics dashboard provides visibility over device health and performance at a fleet-wide level.

"In T&L, even small delays can have big consequences. SOTI MobiControl XS equips operators with visualization tools and the insights needed to avoid downtime, operate more efficiently and keep deliveries moving without disruption. By ensuring teams have dependable access to data and clear communication channels, we're helping reinforce supply chain performance from end to end," concluded Anand.

By focusing on addressing the specific pain points identified by Canadian logistics workers, SOTI aims to cut down on device-related downtime, improve workforce productivity, and support seamless delivery operations across the sector. The enhancements to the SOTI ONE Platform reflect the company's continuing response to challenges highlighted in its industry research.