Moving Industry Revolution: A Glimpse Into Digital Transformation

The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a major shift in the moving industry. This lead to the rise of digital technologies. These tools are resharing logistics industry by automating tasks and digitalizing moves.

This article delves into the industry’s digital evolution, examining current trends and anticipating the future impact of technology on the moving sector.

The Rise of Digital Surveys

Before the pandemic, digital technology had a presence in the moving industry, albeit with limited transformative impact. The concept of remote digital surveys existed but people were not aware of how it would work and it’s benefits thus slowly gaining recognition.

Lockdowns and safety concerns during the pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote digital surveys. Ido Barner, VP of Operations at AGS Mobilitas Group, notes their cost-efficiency, environmental friendliness, and flexibility.

He highlights their appeal, stating:

“For customers who prefer the virtual survey, it’s often linked to sanitary protection – not wanting someone to physically visit their home.”

Ido Barner, VP of Operations at AGS Mobilitas Group

However, customer preferences for virtual surveys reveal a generational and geographic dependency, often tied to sanitary concerns.

While digital surveys offer advantages, challenges such as higher error margins and Wi-Fi connectivity issues exist. Gosselin and AI provider Yembo have introduced tools to address accuracy concerns, emphasizing efficiency and time-saving benefits.

Digital Moving Industry Dynamics

The momentum towards digital marketing is evident, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. As there are several factors contributing to the cons & pros of digitalization such as cultural, generational, and national factor.

Cultural differences, especially between Western and Eastern Europe, play a significant role in shaping the industry’s approach to technology.

Iain Adams, Managing Director at Gosselin UK

The industry is in the midst of a mindset shift, acknowledging the gap between technology-averse and advanced clients. While digital tools enhance individual outreach, Barner emphasizes the importance of consistent communication over time.

“We’re still in the middle of a change in mindset. We need to take into account the generational and cultural gap between the technology averse, who require a more old-school approach, and the more advanced clients. But digital can make us more effective in reaching people at an individual level.”

Barner

Similarly, Gosselin has developed innovative tools to enhance the accuracy of digital surveys. This includes features like asking customers to point out items and employing artificial intelligence for solo surveys, contributing to more precise volume calculations.

Since people are conditioned to working manually, they find it difficult to adapt to digital surveys. As reported by Delight International Movers:

Despite the initial surge in virtual surveys, there was a gradual return to physical surveys, particularly for significant moves where clients demand a comprehensive understanding.

Shankar Ram, Regional Head of Relocations at Delight International Movers

Cons of Digital Surveys

Digital Surveys are picking up the game and becoming integral part of logistics, influencing decisions and bolstering credibility. However, they present challenges, with the potential for misuse.

• Negative reviews might involve exaggerations or hyperbole, where the severity of an issue is overstated. This can create a distorted perception of the business.
• The process of how reviews end up on a website raises questions about the reliability of the information presented.
• The dynamic nature of online platforms demands constant vigilance. Regular monitoring is essential to identify new reviews, respond promptly, and address emerging concerns.

The complexities of online surveys emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and real-time feedback.

Shyft Moving

Shyft Moving, established in 2015 as a virtual survey tech business, has evolved its scope to connect clients with moving service providers. Bill Brill, Senior Vice-President of Operations, highlights their aim to collaborate with Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) and independent movers. Shyft’s comprehensive digital move process involves accurately assessing customer needs, matching them with approved suppliers, and facilitating competitive pricing.

The platform enables suppliers to bid for business within specific regions, providing clients with multiple options based on requested service levels.

The overall goal of this company is to simplify the moving process, from eliminating the need for customers to seek multiple options. They also offer additional FinTech products such as insurance, payment platforms, AR financing for faster payments, and fixed asset financing for movers planning expansion.

According to researches, upcoming moving companies will be demanding this model of operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the moving industry is witnessing a transformative journey driven by digital tools and strategies. The industry experts emphasize the need for a tailored approach, considering cultural, generational, and national factors. They stress the importance of striking a balance between digital and traditional networking.