Most logistics companies in Europe and the Middle East say that digital tools are now critical to their operations, but only a small fraction have implemented them into core workflows, according to a survey released Thursday by logistics technology firm Deep Current.
Also Read: Innovation in Logistics: Increasing Efficiency in Global Transport Networks
The majority of carriers, 3PLs and mid-haul companies across Europe and the Middle East surveyed by Deep Current in the first half of 2025 said they believe technology adoption is “mission-critical” for their business. However, only 29% confirmed that they have implemented it in most operational workflows.
What our data shows is a fundamental shift in how logistics teams are modernizing. Almost half use modular tools that plug into their existing systems, rather than major platform overhauls of the past. “This ‘integrate, don’t replace’ mindset defines 2026 as it finally connects ambition with practicality.” Shared by Tamim Fanoush, Founder and CEO of Deep Current.
When we looked deeper into where the technology was and was not, a clear pattern emerged. Customer-facing functions are leading. Today, 55% of companies use digital systems to track and view shipments, while 41% have invested in document audits and compliance tools.
But beneath the surface, the operational backbone of logistics has remained largely untouched by digital transformation. Only 24% of companies have exclusively digitized internal document management (such as bills of lading and invoices). And most interestingly, 61% of procurement teams still depend on emails and spreadsheets to manage communications with overseas partners.
Barriers to adoption
One respondent, a procurement specialist from Germany shared, Every salesperson tells us that AI will solve everything. “But when it comes to my actual workflow, like missing HS codes, wrong recipient addresses, they don’t know the details.”
If the importance of technology adoption is clear, why is progress still so uneven? Survey respondents cited several recurring barriers that keep operations tied to manual processes. The biggest obstacle, cited by 47% of managers, is integration with legacy systems. Old ERP and TMS platforms that are costly and risky to replace.
On the back end, 39% show uncertain cost and ROI, reflecting a reluctance to commit to budgeting without seeing concrete evidence that the tools will save or reduce errors. Another 34 percent said resistance to change among employees is slowing implementation, while 31 percent admitted they lack the in-house logistics and technology expertise to drive and sustain digital projects. Finally, 27% pointed to an important gap: most vendor solutions do not fully match the nuances of logistics workflows, making it difficult to see them as practical answers.
The real costs of delayed admissions
In our survey, 57 percent of logistics managers reported that shipping delays in the past year were directly related to documentation errors. These small mistakes, often buried in the bill of lading or customs declaration, cause cascading disruptions throughout the supply chain.
The financial impact is just as serious. 42 percent said they missed revenue opportunities because manual processes slowed customer onboarding or made it impossible to scale with demand. Another 36 percent admitted to incurring fines or penalties, a reminder that regulatory errors can not only be costly, but also undermine trust in carriers and regulators.
Survey Respondent, Operations Manager, Freight Forwarding, Netherlands, 40 years in Logistics:
“I’ve spent four decades in this industry, and the same mistakes happen again and again. A missing stamp, a mistyped code, or an incorrect invoice format can hold back millions of dollars. We know the problems inside out, but without the right tools, my team still spends half the day looking for paper instead of moving the shipment. It’s frustrating.
Where logistics leaders intend to invest
Despite today’s challenges, procurement managers are not standing still. Most respondents see the next 12 to 18 months as critical to achieving digitalization. 72 percent said they plan to invest in document automation tools. It’s a clear signal that the industry wants to eliminate its biggest pain point: repetitive and error-prone paperwork.
When it comes to advanced technology, leaders are pragmatic. 61 percent believe that AI will play an important supporting role, but they emphasize that human expertise is central to how logistics actually works. AI may speed up document review or mine data, but only experienced operators understand the context and implications of each decision.
This industry chooses flexibility over complexity. Almost half (49%) prefer modular tools that can be plugged into their existing systems rather than large, end-to-end platforms that require major overhauls. This “integrate, don’t replace” mindset reflects both cost pressures and the risk-averse nature of operational teams, but also points to a practical way forward.
“The future of digitizing logistics isn’t about betting everything on one platform or hoping AI will magically fix inefficiencies, but about using modular, logistics-first tools that leverage human expertise and integrate seamlessly with the systems teams already trust.” Fanoosh concluded.
About deep flow
Deep Current is a technology company built by logistics professionals who understand the real, day-to-day challenges faced by freight forwarders around the world. The company develops intelligent workflow automation tools that replace manual, error-prone processes with reliable, scalable, technology-driven operations. Designed for the unique and diverse needs of global transportation, Deep Current creates customized, turnkey products that eliminate repetitive tasks, reduce delays, and free up teams to focus on higher-value tasks. The result is faster operation, improved service reliability and stronger business performance, without adding workload.
As smoother workflows proliferate in the sector, Deep Current will help boost supply chain resilience, reduce waste and support smarter, greener global trade. At its core, Deep Current offers the technology that makes logistics run the way it should: seamless, predictable, and with consistent performance.
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