Northern Greece's logistics sector is under increasing operational strain as companies grapple with staff shortages, difficulty recruiting skilled workers, supply chain disruptions, limited storage capacity, ageing vehicle fleets, and gaps in critical software systems. Despite these pressures, the industry is increasingly turning towards digital transformation as a pathway to resilience and competitiveness.
According to a new survey by the Hellenic Logistics Company of Northern Greece, conducted in collaboration with the International Hellenic University, 8 in 10 logistics firms see digital transformation as extremely important. Many have already started implementing digital strategies, while others are preparing for their next phase of investment. Notably, 76% believe digitalisation will greatly improve sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance metrics.
However, the sector's transition remains uneven. As the organisation's president, Dimitris Tsitsamis, noted, "the logistics sector in Greece has entered the digital era, but has not yet reached the level of maturity required by international competition." Investment plans for the coming year are relatively modest, with most companies expecting to spend between 10,001 and 50,000 euros.
The survey also highlights the sector's structural characteristics. A large majority of firms are well-established, as 80% have operated for more than a decade, and 90% report annual turnover above 500,000 euros. While warehouse capacity varies, medium to large facilities dominate, and most companies maintain relatively small vehicle fleets. Around 60% operate both domestically and internationally.
Significant barriers continue to slow digital progress. Chief among them are a lack of digital skills (68%), high investment costs (64%), outdated or disconnected systems (51%), cybersecurity risks (51%), and organisational resistance to change (45%). At the same time, 92% of respondents believe the state should provide financial support to accelerate digital adoption, while 60% report insufficient awareness of existing funding tools.
The sector faces growing workforce shortages across both operational and high-skill roles, including drivers and forklift operators, software and routing specialists, data analysts, maintenance technicians, robotics staff, and external digital transformation partners. While around 70% of companies are attempting to upskill their workforce, most training remains minimal, typically limited to just one or two days, with only a small proportion investing more substantially.
In terms of digital adoption, the vast majority of firms use basic systems such as ERP (95%), but uptake of more advanced tools remains limited, with lower use of WMS (42%), CRM (18%), and other specialised platforms. Although companies recognise the strategic importance of digital transformation and have made initial progress, the transition remains partial and uneven. Compared to EU and international peers, the sector still lags in workforce training, depth of technological use, cybersecurity practices, and the effective use of data for decision-making and long-term resilience.
By Lina Tsireka - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
