Software is helping logistics companies around the world function better. It helps companies operate more cost-effectively, and integrated operations are on a central system.
Last-mile logistics refers to the last leg of the logistics/delivery process.Today, logistic companies no longer need to use cumbersome spreadsheets, and outdated computer software to manage the last-mile logistics journey.
Last-mile is vital in logistics
Logistics companies often have a demanding customer base. Your software integration can plan a vital role in your day-to-day operations.
Here’s a scenario: Imagine your logistics company has an operations/dispatch manager who has been with the company for many years. The manager has been booking deliveries for travel routes he knows like the back of his hand. The problem is, these routes are not necessarily the fastest, or most cost effective (using more fuel, for example). In steps software integration software like Locate2u.
Software integration offers companies great solutions to stay on top of their logistics operation:
- Live GPS tracking: Lets you know exactly where a driver is.
- Route optimization: Route optimization will allow your driver to bypass high traffic zones, especially in peak hours and keep customers happy with fast delivery. Route optimization gives you a delivery sequence so you can assist customers to have a great experience.
Here’s how route optimization can help your logistics company:
- Improve your customer’s experience.
- Improve your company’s productivity.
- Create optimal routes for your deliveries.
- Lower operational costs.
- Better driver management
Besides these, software integration prevents human area and also ensures goods are delivered in fast time.
Types of integration software
- Fleet management software: Helps companies manage an entire fleet. Features may include maintenance scheduling, driver monitoring, and vehicle tracking.
- Delivery management software: Particularly manages the last leg of the delivery journey.
- Asset and device tracking: Track assets with real-time tracking data.
Customer experience in last mile logistics
Giving customers a great customer experience is important. Whether you are a food delivery driver or a logistics trucking company – the customer still matters. Using software integration in your logistics operations will give customers peace of mind:
- Customers will refer you to their colleagues or industry partners.
- Companies will keep using your firm’s services because goods arrive on time.
- Referrals allow you to grow your business and its operating network.
Software integration for e-commerce
Online businesses are streamlining their processes through software integration. Even social media platform TikTok is setting up fulfillment warehouses. This may just make way for TikTok to stand out among e-commerce competitors.
TikTok will take on the complicated task of managing inventory and delivery from various independent merchants who sell goods to TikTok followers.
DHL has set up an e-commerce fulfillment warehouse in Germany. Situated in Euskirchen, the warehouse will pick up and store orders for businesses before shipping parcels in Germany and Europe. The warehouse has a storage capacity of 60,000 square feet.
The company already benefits from existing infrastructure that connects e-commerce customers to various parcel service providers. It also has digital tools that assist e-commerce businesses in driving their business. E-commerce businesses can make use of web-based services that assist with online pickup requests and track shipments.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
