Samsara has released its State of Connected Operations Report: Plan, Act, Recover: Disaster Preparedness in Physical Operations, revealing that most organizations remain underprepared for major crises—including natural disasters, supply chain breakdowns, and security threats.
The report, which surveyed 1,550 emergency management professionals across 21 industries in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, and Canada, found that 76% of executives lack confidence in their crisis readiness, and only 24% feel adequately prepared. Even in high-risk regions, just 13% of organizations have active disaster plans.
“This study shows the biggest threat isn’t the disaster itself—it’s being unprepared,” said Johan Land, senior vice president of product at Samsara. “Moving from reaction to prediction is key to protecting people and operations.”
Key Findings Highlight Readiness Gaps
The study identified several areas of concern affecting public and private sector operations alike:
76% of executives lack confidence in their crisis readiness; only 24% feel adequately prepared.
Just 13% of organizations in disaster-prone regions have active crisis plans, including 1% in Canada, 3% in Mexico, and 10% in France.
Top concerns include natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and security incidents.
Visibility and Communication Remain Major Challenges
According to the report, 95% of organizations have suffered financial losses during crises, often from being unable to locate critical assets.
64% lack consistent real-time access to key operational data.
72% worry their technology doesn’t adequately protect frontline workers.
79% fear losing communications if infrastructure is damaged.
AI Seen as a Tool for Disaster Response
Nearly nine in ten leaders (89%) believe artificial intelligence will transform disaster response within five years. Respondents said they expect technology to improve early warnings, emergency planning, and real-time decision support.
However, 79% reported that their frontline teams are not adequately trained to use digital tools during emergencies, and 82% said the growing frequency of disasters is driving new training needs, particularly in data and technology use.
Planning Improves Recovery Times
Organizations with established emergency plans were far more resilient. Ninety-three percent of those with active plans returned to normal operations within three days of a major event.
According to the report, agencies and organizations that invest in planning and operational visibility recover faster, maintain stronger communications, and protect their personnel and assets more effectively.
In Florida, Dave Persad, director of fleet management and mobility for the City of Boynton Beach, said improved asset visibility has helped his department respond more quickly to emergencies. “We get a lot of hurricanes in our area,” Persad said. “Before implementing new technology, it could take hours to locate our response equipment. Now, we can find what we need in minutes and begin preparations right away.”
