Survey Reveals Transportation and Logistics Industry Struggles with Network Costs, Security, and AI Integration

Aryaka, a leading provider of Unified SASE as a Service, has released a new research report highlighting the networking and security challenges faced by the transportation and logistics industry. The survey, conducted by GatePoint Research, involved senior executives across the sector and unveiled the pressing need for improved network performance, security, and observability to support the accelerated IT transformation and AI adoption efforts currently underway. The transportation and logistics industry is experiencing a rapid shift towards modern, distributed IT environments. This transformation is driven by the necessity to manage complex, global supply chains that integrate physical and digital infrastructures. Cloud-enablement, AI, and real-time systems are pivotal to this evolution, but they also introduce significant network complexity and heightened cybersecurity risks. Enterprises are now tasked with operating hybrid environments that span warehouses, fleets, air and sea transport, and various interconnected systems, all while ensuring resilience and high performance. Key challenges identified in the survey include managing network costs (70% of respondents' top priority), enhancing network performance and security visibility (57%), and reducing the workload on IT teams (51%). These priorities underscore the critical need for operational efficiency and transparency, as organizations seek to streamline processes and gain clearer insights into performance and risk. The emphasis on cost management and resource allocation indicates a desire to optimize financial and human capital in an environment where both are often constrained. Additional findings reveal that transportation and logistics firms are particularly concerned about mobility and remote access control, placing these issues higher on their agenda compared to manufacturing companies. However, the sector also shows a lower readiness for Generative AI (GenAI) adoption, which may be due to the unique demands and potential risks associated with integrating cutting-edge technology into highly regulated and safety-critical operations. Ken Rutsky, Chief Marketing Officer at Aryaka, emphasized the need for modernized networking solutions to address these challenges. He stated, "To gain agility and accommodate rapidly evolving supply chains, transportation and logistics enterprises are relying more on hybrid IT, highly distributed cloud deployments, and GenAI. But these technologies are introducing new network performance, security, and visibility challenges that the sector hasn't been equipped to effectively manage with legacy infrastructure. The industry needs to modernize their approach to networking to mitigate these challenges and successfully move their businesses into the future. Solutions like Aryaka Unified SASE as a Service offer network and security convergence, enhancing performance, security, and observability at scale." One prominent Aryaka customer, Cathay Pacific, a global airline and cargo carrier, echoed this sentiment. Rajeev Nair, General Manager of IT Infrastructure and Security at Cathay Pacific, noted in a 2024 press release, "Aryaka's Unified SASE solution and managed services will support Cathay's growth as network demand increases, while allowing us to remain agile and secure in the process. As we continue to rebuild our business, we need a partner that can reduce downtime and interruptions and give us the flexibility to expand our network and bandwidth with less lead time." The report's insights are valuable for understanding the unique demands of the transportation and logistics sector. While both manufacturing and transportation industries prioritize cost control, visibility, and network modernization, the specific focus on mobility and remote access control in transportation highlights the sector's growing emphasis on operational flexibility. Limited IT resources further complicate the modernization process, necessitating partnerships with providers like Aryaka that offer scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions. Industry experts agree that the transition to more advanced technologies is essential but must be carefully managed to avoid exacerbating existing challenges. The integration of hybrid IT, cloud deployments, and AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry by improving efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness. However, this requires robust and flexible networking and security frameworks that can handle the increased complexity and protect against emerging threats like ransomware. Aryaka, known for its innovative Unified SASE offering, positions itself as a key player in this transformation. Founded on the principles of performance, agility, simplicity, and security, Aryaka's solution addresses the multifaceted needs of enterprises navigating these changes. With flexible delivery options and a proven track record among Fortune 100 companies, Aryaka aims to help transportation and logistics firms modernize their infrastructure and stay ahead in a competitive and increasingly digital world. To delve deeper into the networking and security challenges and trends in the transportation and logistics industry, interested parties can download the full report from Aryaka’s website and watch the on-demand webinar detailing the survey findings. GatePoint Research, the firm behind the survey, is recognized for its high-quality market research and its ability to provide actionable insights that guide strategic decisions. Their collaboration with Aryaka ensures that the report delivers practical and relevant information for industry leaders facing the formidable task of modernizing their network infrastructure. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging advanced solutions, the transportation and logistics industry can enhance its operational capabilities, secure its networks, and prepare for the future of technology-driven logistics.