Improving Delivery Performance with Software: Considerations

It is easier than ever to shop for the things we need whether that be B2C or B2B. With just a few clicks, the selection and order process can be started, and all that’s left to do is wait. But if you are the company owner overseeing a warehouse team, a dispatch office and a fleet of vans with drivers responsible for those deliveries, it’s about creating the kind of order-to-delivery experience that today’s modern customer has come to expect. For many companies, this can mean implementing a software solution to drive efficiency in the order-to-delivery business process.
Why Implement a Solution at all?

The implementation of software solutions for the purpose of improving delivery performance is something that’s become more and more common. Whether it’s online GIS software used to strategically review client revenue by area or type or a smartphone app to manage the receipt of goods at the customer site, a competitive advantage is gained through better visibility of client data (and subsequent strategic decisions) or via the facilitation of seamless driver-dispatch communication.
Considerations when choosing a Solution

There are several factors to consider when choosing software for the purposes of better delivery performance.
Intelligence on the Geographic Level

Many types of software come complete with an extensive digital road network which supports route optimisation for the entire fleet as well as the driver need for directions from stop to stop. Such software provides accurate drive time calculations compared to those delivered manually, with some systems accounting for traffic conditions too. Such software systems are often referred to as Geographic Information Systems, of GIS for short.
Real-time Information Display

Any solution you choose should be able to display the location of drivers, and instant information on any schedule changes. Filters by territory, shipment and any problem areas are also valuable features to look for in the software you’re considering.
Two-Way Connectivity

Integrated communications will enable dispatch and drivers to communicate seamlessly. It will also allow for client facing teams to respond to client queries with near real time, accurate information which should, in turn, lead to enhance customer satisfaction.
Customer-Focused Decisions

A software solution should allow for adaptive route planning. This will place the focus on the customer when decisions about routes and reservations need to be made. Any software should also be able to take into account the real-time status of each delivery. Should there be traffic congestion, the software can then adjust the schedule for the delay and provide updated information about new delivery times for all stops on a driver’s route.
How Software Benefits Companies

When the correct software is chosen, companies can ensure that any shipment, whether inbound or outbound, is operating at maximum efficiency. When the correct software is chosen, companies can ensure that clients are informed at all stages of the order-to-delivery process. When the correct software is chosen, companies can expect to see a significant return on their investment due to improved internal efficiencies and enhanced customer satisfaction.
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