Issue - March/April 2025
Navigating the Challenges Ahead: Strategies for Resilience
From Challenge to Opportunity: Proven & Smart Tools for Turning Industry Challenges into Success
By Silvia Salamanca, Solution Marketing, Enterprise Database Corporation (EDC)
For years, we’ve witnessed the moving and storage industry evolve through economic shifts, regulatory changes, and shifting customer expectations. In this changing business environment, operational efficiency has become more critical than ever. Companies are being asked to do more with less, and great technology plays a crucial role in making that possible.
From automating manual processes to enhancing data-driven decision-making, we have seen firsthand how the right tools can help businesses remain agile and resilient, while reducing costs and risk. We’ve been proud to partner with the industry in delivering key technology-driven benefits that help movers in driving profitability, streamlining operations, and delivering a better experience for movers’ teams and customers.
Leveraging Automation to Reduce Administrative Burdens
One of the most significant inefficiencies in moving operations comes from redundant and manual administrative tasks: data-entry redundancies (entering the same info over and over into different spreadsheets, forms, communications, and systems); booking moves and needing to re-enter and search for details that you already logged; managing paperwork and searching for documents and photos; coordinating crews and searching for availability and compatible jobs; checking multiple to-do lists and Post-its while trying to remember what needs to be done that day, and hoping to not forget anything crucial; processing claims and wondering if the inventory noted any damage exceptions, and praying that the team took pics, wherever those are; and more.
Imagine the peace of mind when all of these processes are streamlined so that your team can focus on new things that bring in revenue and profitability, rather than spending time, money, and stress chasing info that could be at your fingertips. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with moving companies to consolidate movers’ needs in an all-in-one system that connects data and move partners to reduce—if not eliminate—the need for manual data entry, as well as implementing automated workflows that guide your teams on what needs to be done next—and often completing those administrative tasks for them to save time and ensure completion.
Enhancing Visibility and Coordination Through Centralized Systems
Fragmented operations often lead to miscommunication and inefficiencies. A centralized, all-in-one platform has proven to be a game-changer for many movers, providing real-time visibility into sales, dispatch, warehouse management, and financials. When all areas of a business are connected, teams can work more collaboratively, avoid redundant tasks, and make faster, more informed decisions.
Harnessing AI and Data for Smarter and Faster Decision-making
The integration of AI-powered tools into moving operations has been one of the most significant advancements in recent years. AI-enhanced data analysis helps companies optimize their data and saves their teams countless hours, such as with AI-powered weight ticket imports, real-time customer escalation alerts, language translation, compose-assist, and more. By leveraging machine learning insights, moving companies can better allocate resources, reduce downtime, and make strategic decisions based on trends that drive profitability.
Future-proofing with Scalable Technology
One of the biggest lessons we've learned over two decades is that technology must evolve with the industry. What worked a decade ago is not necessarily sufficient for today’s challenges. Scalable and future-forward solutions allow businesses to adapt quickly—whether it’s by expanding service areas, integrating with new partners, or meeting evolving customer expectations. Investing in adaptable technology ensures that companies remain competitive in the long term, regardless of external pressures.
A Commitment to Supporting the Industry
As we step into another year of challenges and opportunities, great technology continues to be a powerful enabler of efficiency, agility, profitability, and growth. By embracing automation, AI, centralized systems, and scalable solutions, moving companies can cost-effectively navigate uncertainty with confidence—ensuring not only survival but long-term success.
Our role in the industry has never been solely about providing software; it has always been about partnership. The moving industry thrives on collaboration, and we take pride in working alongside companies to develop solutions tailored to their needs. The industry has proven its resilience time and again, and with the right tools in place, we are confident that movers will continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond.