In the moving industry, trust has traditionally been built on personal relationships and handshakes. As we move further into the digital era, simply inviting partners to nice restaurants during the IAM Annual Meeting is no longer sufficient. Trust is increasingly rooted not just in face-to-face interactions but also in the security and reliability of IT platforms, their integration capabilities, and the trustworthiness of the teams who build and support them.

As the newly appointed Chair of the Data Solutions Taskforce at IAM, I am at the forefront of this transformative era. Our mission is to cultivate a digital ecosystem where data flows seamlessly and is protected with the highest security standards. This evolution is more than a mere transition to digital solutions; it represents a shift from traditional handshakes to system-shakes, where trust becomes increasingly anchored in robust and secure systems.

Embrace Digital Transformation Within Your Company

Gone are the days when digitalization was a luxury for the few; now, it’s essential for survival and a pillar of digital trust. If you are struggling with adopting technology and don’t know where to begin, I suggest reading FIDI’s excellent guidelines for getting started and navigating the digital transformation journey.

Build or Outsource IT Expertise: If IT and technology are not your strong suit, seek trustworthy advice. Whether through an internal team, consultants, or technology providers, acquiring this knowledge is foundational.

Your Move Management Software is central to your operations. If you’re still relying on spreadsheets and paper files, it’s time to upgrade to a robust, paperless move management solution. This advice also applies to small to medium-sized companies using outdated in-house systems without extensive IT support. Consider upgrading to a stable and open third-party solution.

Integrating Additional Proven Digital Tools: There’s no need to seek exclusive, disruptive tools unknown to others. Instead, focus on proven tools that enhance efficiency and customer service, like video and AI-assisted surveys, digital packing lists, real-time tracking, and automated processes such as quoting, claims handling, customer surveys, and invoicing. The ease of use and affordability of these technologies have significantly improved. The misconception that software and technology are too complicated or expensive is outdated.

Privacy and Security: In a data-driven world, the integrity and security of your data are the bedrock of digital trust. This is more than an operational concern; it’s essential for earning and retaining your clients’ and partners’ trust. If your team lacks expertise in data security, partnering with a knowledgeable IT provider is crucial.

By integrating these technologies and prioritizing cybersecurity, we’re not just modernizing operations but building a foundation of trust for the digital age.

Visibility and Data Sharing – Expanding Digital Trust Beyond Your Company

Clients increasingly expect real-time door-to-door visibility from providers—which has come to be known as the “Amazon Effect”. Unfortunately, the industry’s fragmented nature has been a barrier to the efficiency and visibility of services and, most perversely, enables shady practices by a few that erode the overall trust of partners and clients.

Embracing technology within your company is a necessary step, but not enough. Your digital supply chain is as strong as its weakest link, making seamless and secure data sharing essential. However, digitalizing entire supply chains brings complexity and challenges that require a collaborative solution.

The key challenges for effective data sharing in the industry include:

Digital Maturity of Companies: There’s a wide disparity in the digital development levels across companies, complicating unified progress.

Lack of Data Standards: make ad-hoc integrations both time-consuming and inefficient.

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: As data sharing e

scalates, securing sensitive information becomes more critical.

We are laying the foundation for a more transparent, efficient, and digital landscape by confronting these challenges and advancing towards more open data sharing. This shift is fundamental in expanding trust from a traditional handshake-based trust to a system-based trust.

Who should you trust in Moving?

To answer this question, it may be useful to rephrase it: why should your partners trust you and continue to trust you as we advance into the digital age? This approach serves as both a guiding goal for your company and as a benchmark to gauge your partners’ commitment to transparency.

Seek partners who have embraced digital transformation and are committed to implementing the strategies and tools mentioned in this article. 

To maintain your partners’ trust and expect the same from them, remember to:

• Prepare and Train Your Staff;

• Assess your Move Management System;

• Implement Proven Digital Tools; and

• Invest in Robust Data Security.

Support Industry-Wide Standardization: By aligning with initiatives like those led by the IAM Data Solutions Taskforce, you contribute to and benefit from industry standardization and integration efforts.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Trust

The future of our industry depends not just on adopting new technologies but on how we integrate these tools with the human touch that has always been at the heart of our business.

As industry leaders, we must navigate this complex landscape with foresight and responsibility, aiming to strike a balance where digital efficiency complements human empathy, system-shakes complement handshakes, and technological advancements enhance, rather than replace, human interaction. By embracing digitalization as a powerful ally to human insight, we can foster a new paradigm of trust that is resilient, adaptable, and deeply rooted in both technological reliability and the enduring strength of personal relationships.

The IAM Data Solutions Taskforce is committed to bridging the digital divide by offering support and resources to companies of all sizes, ensuring everyone can participate in this journey. Stay tuned by following our LinkedIn page or writing us an email at morgana.somers@iamovers.org.