LogDigiS, Digital Competences, Work Well-being and Productivity for SMEs in In-house Logistics

In this project, we promoted digital skills in SMEs in the in-house logistics* sector, and thereby improved well-being, productivity and profitability. The in-house logistics SMEs participating in the project benefit from the development of digital skills in a number of ways. The aim was that as a result of the development of skills, digital tools are perceived as facilitating work, which contributes to well-being at work. Supervisors would be better equipped to lead the implementation of digital solutions, which in turn plays a significant role in the success of the implementation. Companies would learn to recognise the added value of digitalisation in developing their business, and a positive attitude would improve well-being and productivity throughout the workplace. They would also learn how to take responsibility and sustainability principles into account when adopting and acquiring technologies.

A key element in promoting digital literacy was the company-specific development plan. Through a holistic baseline mapping of digital capability and well-being at work, the company started to develop its identified problem areas and its approach towards the set objectives. Appropriate concrete tools were put in place with the support of project actors. The digital development of enterprises was monitored throughout the project and further development plans were drawn up.

In addition, enterprises were able to learn from each other and receive peer support through regional meetings involving all the enterprises involved in the project in the region concerned. DHL Supply Chain (Finland) Oy and its units in the Helsinki and Oulu regions were the major benchmarking company for the project.

The project produced a practical, digital skills package for companies to use in order to promote digital capability. The kit includes webinar recordings, materials on digitalisation induction, digital tool adoption and skills development for supervisors and personnel, as well as tools used in the project to develop digitalisation. The digital skills kit is freely available to other companies, stakeholders, educational institutions and other interested parties.

* By in-house logistics workplaces, we mean workplaces in different sectors, such as retail and industry, where there are in-house logistics processes (e.g. receiving, shelving, material handling, picking) and warehousing.