Nobody likes when a package is late, or they can’t find their favorite food brand at the store. This happens because the logistics process gets disrupted. Both small businesses and large corporations can experience this situation. The same goes for delivery services like FedEx and UPS.
Not to mention that customers want things to run smoothly when ordering a 1 day delivery on Amazon. The problem of logistics goes farther than the commercial field. For example, it’s heavily involved in vaccine distribution. The products have to be properly transported and stored, as well as delivered in time.
None of this is possible if the organization uses outdated practices for its logistical work. That’s why industries work towards adopting logistics management software. There are many reasons for this transition.
Which Companies Use It
Companies from different industries use logistic management software in their daily work. Carriers use it to communicate with drivers and keep track of their progress. Retailers contact end-users with the help of solutions. Large factories use the solution to improve production and purchases. Each industry firm has its own peculiarities.
The advantages of using custom software became clear after the success of Amazon. The company only had two logistical centers when it first launched. Now it’s one of the highest-earning corporations on the globe, along with Google and Apple. The online store aggregator now delivers 4 million packages a day.
DHL is another clear example of what the software can offer. They created a custom product. It made the operations more streamlined and under control. They always analyze supply chains, restructure delivery networks and deal with forecasting.
FedEx also uses logistics management software in its work. The company delivers packages on the same day through omnichannel supply chains. It also uses the solution to increase productivity in fulfillment centers. This also enhances tracking and visibility options through the supply chain. But what is the solution exactly?
What Logistics Management Software Is
Logistics management software allows companies to manage production elements on the supply chain. Some of the companies create their own management solutions. They address specific issues in the delivery process. This can include shipping raw materials and sending goods to consumer outlets.
These solutions can be used to address several issues:
Streamlining communications
Enhancing customer service
Improving safety standards
Reducing expenses
Planning routes
Spending funds on fixing each of the components can be costly. Not to mention that every company has its own challenges. There is no way a one-fits-all product is your best option. That’s why it’s better to use custom-built software solutions.
There are several companies that specialize in custom logistics and transportation software development. They can tailor them for each client. It gives companies more control over the supply chain at each of its links. Such solutions improve efficiency and control over the entire logistical process. But why exactly should you opt for a custom-built software solution?
Advantages Of Tailored Software
Automation. Having various logistic systems running automatically is great. They handle planning shipment routes, load planning, and giving products to carriers. Also, using such products saves time on filing paperwork. This makes all processes more streamlined and efficient.
Faster delivery. The supply chain has several challenges. They can hinder delivery time and delay orders. Using this solution makes it easier and safer to get goods to customers. The system intervenes in the production process and looks for the right carriers. This approach reduces shipment time.
Improve Transportation. This is one of the most important things in the supply chain. Companies spend a lot of money on energy labor, fuel, motorway tolls, and shipping fees. Using specialized software helps manage various means of transporting the goods. The data can be used to automate by analyzing data and making decisions easier.
Improve Customer Support. A good product should have the right tools for customer support. The solutions can come equipped with virtual assistants and chatbots. They can improve the speed and quality of the customer service.
Reduce costs. Logistics software compares several parameters, including delivery, agents, shipping services, and transportation methods. All to find those with the best price. It also saves money by using improved shipment planning.
Reduce human errors. There is no way that workers can get through and analyze volumes of transportation data. They are bound to make mistakes even without knowing it. Custom solutions can do this job faster and with no mistakes.
What Your Custom Built Software Solution Should Have
Start by analyzing daily company operations. This will make it easier to decide on features that the software must own. Look for logistical areas that need improvement. Doing this can help developers in making the right product for you. As a rule, all logistic management solutions have a set of basic features, such as:
Streamlined Interface. Good logistics management software should be user-friendly and easy to navigate. The product should be easy enough to get fast access to all its main features. Customizable management software can be tailored to better answer company infrastructure and challenges.
Bill of the Lading Generation. This is a critical document in the shipping chain. It’s vital to look for a solution that can automatically generate them. This will ease a seamless exchange of goods between the shipper and the logistics company.
CRM. Logistics management software should also be tailored for the clients. For example, so that they could track the status of deliveries. This is true for both outbound and inbound logistics. Customers can use the CRM to get answers and information, as well as make adjustments to the delivery.
Forecasts. Logistics and management software must have the ability to make forecasts. It helps address the gaps in supply and demand by enhancing the business processes. Forecasting demand, supply, and prices can aid supply chain management with proper scheduling. This helps keep the clients satisfied and cut shortages.
Inventory Tracking Solutions. with their own inventory tracking system in the supply chain’s financial side. There are many types of transactions involved in logistics. Having a dedicated inventory control feature makes the processing easier. It also increases the chance the customer invoices get delivered on time.
Multi-Client Architecture. This feature is a must-have for all companies that work with many customers. It should have inventory and purchase orders. This allows dealing with several clients at the same time or at different stages of the process.
Transactional Integration. The software should come equipped with integrated transactional features. Such aspects as a general ledger streamline bookkeeping and login transactional records. It’s way better than using a separate product.
Conclusion
Choosing to work with a software solution is a huge step. It makes both logistical and supply chain operations more streamlined and simple. Making processes faster and more efficient does a few things. This includes saving funds and improving customer satisfaction. Not to mention improving the chance of finding new clients.
You might also like our blog post about features of custom logistic software
Finding the right development team that will take everything into account is tricky. But, it will make sure that the logistical process will be smooth and fast. Take time to browse through all available firms and find the right one for you. Your partners and customers will thank you.