Industry Insight - Inbound Logistics

Security, Technology In its 2020 survey covering companies' priorities and challenges related to cybersecurity, advanced technologies, succession planning, and trade developments, technology company Sikich finds: 50% of manufacturing and distribution executives say they experienced a cyberattack in the past year, but most haven't taken important cybersecurity prevention measures. 40% say they perform data breach prevention, such as penetration testing, phishing exercises, and assessing vendors' data security efforts. 50% say their companies experienced cyberattacks during the past 12 months. 86% say their companies use cloud storage and solutions. 60% say they use forecasting software, data-driven customer service technologies, advanced analytical tools, and the Internet of Things. 50% use robotics, robotic process automation, and 3D-printing/additive manufacturing, and 39% use blockchain and augmented virtual reality. 74% say they have a succession plan, up from 60% in 2019. However, 37% say it has been three or more years since they had their businesses valued. 54% say talent retention is the biggest challenge they face related to succession. 65% say they believe the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will benefit their business, even as trade uncertainty persists.