The research was conducted between November 12 and 27. The group of respondents included BCS Polska’s largest clients from the trade and distribution, transport, forwarding and logistics, as well as production and warehousing sectors. The surveyed companies were asked, among other things, how the economic crisis affected the level of IT investments, what measures were used to reduce the negative effects of the economic slowdown, and what the prospects for IT market development are for 2010. Furthermore, they were asked about the consequences the economic crisis had on the overall condition of the companies and about preventive measures for potential similar economic situations in the coming years. The results of the research confirmed the forecasts of a decline in turnover from the beginning of 2009. They also demonstrated the necessity for further savings and investments in IT systems to reduce costs.
Trade and distribution are feeling a significant slowdown.
Although nothing indicated a decline in turnover at the beginning of the year, companies felt the slowdown as early as the second quarter. The implementation of planned projects was postponed to 2010, and investments are being carried out within the budget from the previous year. Recruitment processes were significantly reduced, including in IT departments. It proved necessary to increase the efficiency of logistics operations through process optimization, also using automatic identification. Great emphasis was placed on searching for innovative IT solutions aimed at reducing costs. Legal regulations, which require greater availability of information on the flow of goods, have a significant impact on the functioning of companies in this industry, which determines the implementation of AutoID systems.
– In general, companies placed great emphasis on searching for solutions that are as cheap as possible to operate, yet as effective as possible. Such an approach to investment certainly limited the negative effects of the decline in turnover – stated Łukasz Iwanczewski, Vice President of BCS Polska
Transport, forwarding, logistics – a clear slowdown is noticeable. Planned minimization of IT investments.
Most companies in this industry felt the effects of the crisis significantly. This led to a reduction in the number of employees and a halt to recruitment processes, as well as a freeze on employee salaries. As for IT investments, companies are only implementing those that are necessary, keeping expenses to a minimum. Any investments have been spread out over the coming years. It proved necessary to implement advanced savings plans, which led to the suspension of most IT investments. Only those that had budgets secured before the crisis were implemented.
Production and warehousing is emerging from the crisis unscathed.
The production and warehousing sector is not feeling a significant slowdown, mainly thanks to the construction, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. According to the surveyed companies, the slowdown was felt especially in the second and third quarters of 2009, and the situation is currently stabilizing. However, the crisis significantly affected the automotive industry, where there were restrictions on hiring new employees and many layoffs. IT investments primarily involve the introduction of solutions in the field of financial and process controlling, as well as the modernization of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) in order to eliminate errors and optimize warehouse operations.
– In 2010, an increase in the role of controlling systems is planned, which is associated with keeping enterprise operating costs in check. Despite the significant economic slowdown, companies are still aware that investments in IT systems that optimize business processes are inevitable, because only they can increase competitiveness in a difficult market – concluded Łukasz Iwanczewski.