Logistics software can help you to optimize your logistics chain operations. The software can be used by shippers, carriers and receivers to gain more control over the process. The software can track shipments from order to delivery and follow-up to ensure that every stage in the process is completed.
Not only can logistics software improve operational efficiency, but it can also help you to reduce errors and save costs. A 2015 study revealed that 11% of freight invoices are inaccurate, with most of these errors being caused by human error. Using a custom logistics software can help you to prevent these errors and inaccuracies by taking control of the entire process. The software can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business so that you can gain the most out of it.
Get all the details of each shipment
A large percentage of the invention taken in the logistics industry is dedicated to collecting and organizing the details of each shipment. Traditionally, this has been done manually which, as we have already established, is a painstaking process. With the help of software, this process can be streamlined and made more accurate. For example, when a delivery truck arrives at your specified delivery location, the driver will use an RFID card to enter a digital access code that will initiate a phone call to the central dispatch office. This call will include the driver’s ID, vehicle information, and a note detailing the nature of the delivery. Having all of this information at the fingertips of the logistics professional or business owner will be a game-changing development.
Benefit from real-time information
Information is power. Having real-time information about your logistics chain enhances your ability to make informed decisions throughout the process. For example, if the carrier’s website tells you that your shipment is going to be delivered late, you can decide whether to eat the additional charges or to cancel the order. But if the carrier’s website doesn’t inform you that your shipment is going to be delivered on time, you will not have enough time to decide whether to eat the extra charges or to cancel the order.
Improved customer service
Another major benefit of logistics software is the ability to provide better customer service. Your customers will love your service and your business will flourish because of it. But the truth is that a lot of small businesses fail because they don’t know how to provide good customer service. However, through the use of a logistics software, you can track every order and follow-up with the customer to make sure they are satisfied with the service they receive.
Eliminate redundancies and inefficiencies
Logistics software can help you to eliminate redundancies and inefficiencies in your business operation. For example, paper invoices can be replaced with digital versions that can be shared with all parties within the supply chain. Similarly, you can use the software to automate follow-up with customers that are not satisfied with the service they receive. In both of these scenarios, the use of logistics software can help to improve the overall efficiency of your business
Reduce errors and inconsistencies
The most basic and essential element of any business is its information. Without accurate information, you can’t have proper business operations. But because of the manual nature of some of the processes within a logistics business, errors and inconsistencies are practically inevitable. The use of logistics software can help to reduce these errors and inconsistencies by creating accurate, up-to-date files and reports that can be referenced at any time during the process. For example, if a carrier makes an error in billing you for a shipment, the error will be identified within the system and the invoice will be flagged for review.
How to get started
Nowadays, the benefits of using a logistics software are so great that it would be a shame to not take advantage of them. But regardless of your industry, you will need to consider what hardware and software you need to get started. At this point, you will have to decide whether you need a web-based solution that can be accessed from any computer or device, or whether you need something more tailored to your specific needs. When choosing a web-based logistics software, make sure to look for the following features:
- Data upload capabilities
- Integration with shipping carriers and receiving companies
- A good dashboard that shows all the important information in a single place
- The ability to track and monitor all shipments from order to delivery
- Good customer service via text messaging
- The option to integrate with different software, such as accounting, ERP, or CRM packages
Once you have made the decision to move forward with a logistics operation, the next step is to choose a name for your company. You will have to find a domain name and decide on a website design. Next, you will need to decide how and where you will store all of your data. The answer to this question will depend on the type of hardware and software that you choose and the size of your company. You might want to consider renting a storage unit to keep all of your company’s records. Alternatively, you can use cloud-based storage which, as the name suggests, is stored remotely and accessed via the internet. The advantage of using online storage is that you can access your files from anywhere at any time. Your collaborators can also access the files you create in real time.
After you have set up your website with all of the necessary information, you will need to begin gathering customers. The best way to do this is through SEO (search engine optimization) so that your website appears when potential customers search for terms related to your business. You can use free tools to get started with SEO, or you can hire an outside professional to help you. Don’t expect to become famous overnight; it usually takes time to build a reputable business using SEO.
The basics of logistics
Although a lot has been written about logistics in recent years, the basic concepts of supply chain management have remained the same for centuries. This is because the basic principles of supply and demand apply to everyone; no matter what industry you are in. For example, if you offer good products at a good price, you will almost certainly see a rise in your sales. But because there are more people and businesses seeking to purchase your goods, it can become more difficult to keep up with demand. This is where logistics comes in. If you are unfamiliar, the basic idea behind logistics is to coordinate the transport of goods from a supplier to a customer.