This section houses latest news from the industry sector and may include additional commentary / opinion from TouchStar personnel.
SOTI research: Transport and logistics downtime

SOTI research: Transport and logistics downtime

date10 October 2024

New global research from Touchstar partner SOTI has revealed that transportation and logistics (T&L) workers are each losing 13 hours of productive time per month, as a result of device-related issues.  Read More >>

Digitisation in the Logistics Sector

Digitisation in the Logistics Sector

date29 February 2024

As the logistics market continually looks at ways to improve operational and financial performance, we talk to Sohil Ahmad, Sales Director (Touchstar Technologies – EPOD Division) to discuss how a move to digitisation might help with that.  Read More >>

Should companies invest in IT during recession?

Should companies invest in IT during recession?

date30 January 2024

During tough economic times, companies unsurprisingly examine all planned investment and start cutting costs. Often IT budgets can be harshly slashed – but is this short sighted? It’s a difficult question for any decision-maker in the logistics sector. It’s not just about balancing the books; it's about strategically planning through tough economic times to ensure long-term survival and competitiveness. In this blog Sohil Ahmad (Sales Director for Touchstar EPOD) explores the implications of making IT investments during turbulent times and whether it’s a business risk or a prudent strategy.  Read More >>

Redefining Deliveries: Last Mile Challenges

Redefining Deliveries: Last Mile Challenges

date08 September 2023

In the dynamic world of logistics, the term "last mile delivery" encapsulates the final, yet most important stage of the supply chain – delivering the product from a local distribution hub to the end recipient. While it might seem like a small part of the product's entire journey, its importance is disproportionately large. This final leg of the supply chain is often considered the most challenging and expensive part of the entire delivery process. This article explores the latest trends and challenges in detail.  Read More >>

How EPOD can optimise food distribution

How EPOD can optimise food distribution

date21 June 2022

There are many challenges for the food sector to overcome including ensuring operations and deliveries are optimised. Not only do efficient deliveries help to reduce costs and make the business more effective, but they can also have a positive impact on customer service and satisfaction. This blog highlights the part EPOD has to play. Read More >>

How going ‘paperless’ impacts the environment

How going ‘paperless’ impacts the environment

date09 June 2022

Touchstar are a leading provider of Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD) systems which are purposefully designed to digitise the paper trail … but can we even begin to establish a clear argument for environmental impact? We think we can!  Read More >>

Supply chain and logistics predictions for 2022

Supply chain and logistics predictions for 2022

date03 February 2022

The past couple of years has caused a lot of change for businesses across all sector, causing them to adapt in unexpected ways. Read on to learn more about how 2022 might look for supply chains such as sharing data and the increased use of technology.  Read More >>

EPOD for industrial parts distribution

EPOD for industrial parts distribution

date27 October 2020

A vast range of sectors rely on industrial parts distribution to keep them going. From automotive to engineering, construction to manufacturing, countless operations depend on the ability to procure the right industrial parts whenever they need them. Therefore, speed of service, efficiency and reliability are top priorities for industrial parts distributors. EPOD is the solution! Read More >>

COVID-19

COVID-19's impact on the logistics industry

date08 July 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a uniquely challenging time for the logistics sector. Never have the world’s supply chains faced such a universally seismic set of circumstances, nor one that is likely to have such far-reaching consequences. Yet the challenges of COVID-19 have been, and continue to be, somewhat different for the logistics industry than that of other areas of business. Read More >>

Devising ‘Drop and Go’ logistics for Covid-19

Devising ‘Drop and Go’ logistics for Covid-19

date24 March 2020

What constitutes drop and go and why do it? Drop and Go protects your drivers and the people they are delivering to. It maintains the recommended 2 metre social distance. There are a couple of practical aspects to this. If the person receiving the parcel is at home then a ring of the doorbell, putting the parcel at the threshold and then standing back 2 metres will be a straightforward drop off situation. But if someone is really unwell then you might not see anyone at the door. In these cases, you are going to be leaving the parcel in a safe place. You may need to be clear about what is a safe place in your communications – will you make exceptions at the moment?  Read More >>

Habits of effective fleet managers

Habits of effective fleet managers

date04 March 2020

Whether a fleet manager has been in the position for two years or two decades, there’s always more to learn. Developing particular working practices can make the changeable nature of fleet management easier to navigate. So, besides maintaining relevant industry knowledge and experience, what are the habits fleet managers should adopt? Read More >>

UK CV manufacturing falls 7.8% in 2019

UK CV manufacturing falls 7.8% in 2019

date03 February 2020

The UK commercial vehicle manufacturing sector fell by 7.8% in 2019, according to new figures, with model changeovers, variable fleet buying patterns and regulatory issues blamed for the decline. In all, 78,270 were produced in 2019, compared to 84,888 in 2018, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  Read More >>

BREXIT and IT: To invest or not to invest?

BREXIT and IT: To invest or not to invest?

date22 February 2019

According to respected market analysts Gartner, Global IT spending is set to increase despite Brexit, recession and tariff rumours. Gartner predicts global IT spending will reach $3.8 trillion in 2019, an increase of 3.2% from 2018. If the ‘gloom and doom’ predictions prove correct and Brexit helps to trigger another recessionary period, notably for the UK, why on earth would business organisations contemplate spending increases? This article explains why IT spending in a recessionary period can be critical to survival. Read More >>

Is your business prepared for Winter retail?

Is your business prepared for Winter retail?

date16 November 2018

For several years now, the last two months of the year have been synonymous with massive retail spending. Since its importation from the US, the Black Friday / Cyber Monday weekend has well and truly become part of the UK retail calendar, joining forces with Christmas to create six weeks of intense consumer activity. And it’s online that’s come out on top in recent years; in 2017, UK online retail sales hit £1.39 billion on Black Friday, up 11.7% on 2016’s date. With such huge commercial opportunity on offer, any retail company – especially those with an online store – needs to make sure they’re ready to make the most of it.  Read More >>

Our ‘Top Ten’ Logistics Blog Sites

Our ‘Top Ten’ Logistics Blog Sites

date21 September 2018

We've been active in the logistics sector for almost four decades. We have an intimate knowledge of the sector …… but logistics is ever-evolving, so how does anyone keep pace with the rapid pace of change. Fortunately there are a host of excellent blog and news facilities maintained by leading logistics media organisations. For your benefit we've summarised our 'top ten' favourite blog sites on to a single page.  Read More >>

What do customers expect from deliveries in 2018?

What do customers expect from deliveries in 2018?

date06 September 2018

Exceeding customer expectations today is perhaps more challenging than it has ever been. Across every sector and area of service, customers anticipate more from the businesses they use, and ever-increasing competition means they have more options than ever to find it. So, when it comes to deliveries, what do customers really want? And how can your business be sure to provide it?  Read More >>

What does GDPR mean for fleet managers?

What does GDPR mean for fleet managers?

date28 March 2018

On May 25 this year, the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) will come into force, marking the biggest change to UK data protection legislation in two decades. The update will impact businesses and workers across all sectors, including fleet managers. Today, to manage a fleet of vehicles and drivers effectively, you need data, and much of it comes under the ‘personal’ category. And, seeing as GDPR compliance will be a statutory requirement, it’s crucial you understand what actions to take.  Read More >>

The Future of EPOD

The Future of EPOD

date09 June 2017

The logistics industry is one of the fastest moving in the UK. It’s also one of the most influenced by new technology – both directly and indirectly – meaning that there are more options and increased flexibility for logistics businesses and consumers alike.    Read More >>

The Amazon effect: How the world’s biggest e-retail business changed delivery

The Amazon effect: How the world’s biggest e-retail business changed delivery

date22 May 2017

A look at the effect that Amazon has had upon delivery services. Its constant attempts to get products to customers faster and more conveniently have set the standard for retailers and couriers worldwide, while providing plenty of inspiration for those looking to compete.  Read More >>

Will drone delivery ever become the standard?

Will drone delivery ever become the standard?

date30 September 2016

The ongoing chat around drones has never been exclusively linked to a specific industry or purpose –they have potential uses in so many areas of life and business, from photography right through to the military.  Read More >>