Archive for December, 2019

December 20, 2019

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Last mile delivery continues to be one of the biggest challenges faced by courier and shipping companies. It also tends to be really expensive. In fact, around 53% of the total cost of shipping is accounted for by last mile delivery, according to an article on Business Insider. Some wonder how logistics companies are always trying to find technological solutions to improve this process.

Here are some ways to optimize last mile delivery.

1. NETWORK OF DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

Having distribution centers located close to areas where a majority of the deliveries are made can improve the cost and time efficiency of last mile delivery. It can reduce fuel costs, empty miles, and driving time. It is also vital that you have the right number of distribution centers. If the coverage is spotty, it can lead to a higher probability of delays and reduced productivity, according to a blog post by Key Software Systems. It is also a good idea to take into consideration the weather conditions in the area. For instance, areas prone to tornados and floods can make deliveries difficult.

2. OPTIMIZED DELIVERY ROUTES AND SCHEDULING

Robust courier delivery software that allows for route optimization can be a huge advantage. It uses GPS and traffic data to plan the most efficient delivery routes, minimizing idle time, the need for double backing on any route and avoiding traffic. The routes are planned in accordance with all the deliveries that are to be made in that area. They can also provide additional information, such as where to park the vehicle. This not only reduces delivery time, but also saves fuel. With such software, companies also get analytics about the vehicle and the driver, which they can use to improve their operations.

3 .REAL TIME UPDATES

With the help of tracking codes, it becomes possible to always know where a package is. You can update the customer with the help of emails or text messages. They can also track the package themselves. It increases the confidence of the customers in the process. In addition, real time updates on the vehicle can help fleet managers trouble shoot problems quickly.

4. MEASURE YOUR PERFORMANCE

Last, but not least, it is important that you constantly measure your performance. Statistics, such as on-time delivery rates, can help increase accountability and productivity. Gaining insights from customers and surveys can also help in improving the delivery process.

The delivery process is one of the most important elements in ensuring customer satisfaction. In fact, 55% of the consumers feel that they are willing to switch to another brand if it provides faster deliveries, according to a Capgemini report.

December 11, 2019

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Communication, or information exchanges, is vital for any business. This is not limited to human interaction. API, application programming interface and EDI, electronic data interchange, are a way for businesses to exchange information, which was traditionally done by paper documents.

It may come as a surprise to many that EDI was first developed by the US transportation industry for standardizing electronic transfer between customers and vendors as early as the 1960s, according to an article published by True Commerce. Today EDI and API communications, that specify how software components interact, are being embraced by an increasingly large number of industries and companies, especially with the rise in online transactions. In fact, as many as 59% businesses had EDI capabilities in 2017, according to an article by Data Interchange.

API/EDI solutions have proved to be particularly beneficial in enhancing strategic alliances throughout the supply chain. Here’s how this technology has helped transform supply chain management.

AUTOMATION

Internal management processes, such as sending, generating and recording electronic transactions, can be automated with the help of API/EDI solutions. It also enables the automation of interactions with ERP systems, which in turn helps in processing dispatch notices, invoices and orders, without any human interaction.

BETTER INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Real time updates provided by API/EDIs help companies maintain optimal levels of inventory. Before the advent of EDI, business owners had to make approximations about the expected sales and manage restocking accordingly. With API/EDI solutions and their advancements, companies can effectively prevent both the evils of shortages and overstocking of inventory.

Using API/EDIs, the traceability of a product can also be improved. The location of an item can be monitored by the system at all times.

COST SAVINGS

Paper driven processes are time consuming, add to costs and bring inefficiencies into the process. Expenses associated with printing, paper, reproduction, postage, document retrieval and filing can be saved when a company uses to API/EDI solutions. This is also an ecofriendly option, as it saves paper.

GREATER ACCURACY

The risk of errors is much greater when hardcopies of documents are in use or data is handled by humans. Errors may occur due to a variety of reasons, such as lost faxes, illegible handwriting and re-keying errors. These errors can be eliminated using API/EDIs. With a reduction in paper-based document flow, transmission times of information can also be lowered.

REAL TIME VISIBILITY

With API/EDIs, there is real time visibility into the transaction status of various items. This helps in making quicker decisions and in adapting to changing customer expectations and the dynamic nature of the market. Businesses can adopt a demand-driven model and remain relevant for longer.

API/EDI solutions also enable businesses to shorten their lead times for new product delivery and enter new markets with greater confidence.

December 11, 2019

keysoftwaresystems

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In shipping and logistics, every mile counts. While many companies focus on the start of the journey, it is actually the last mile that can cause so many problems for the industry. According to some estimates, the cost associated with the last mile of shipping can account for up to 40 percent of the overall project. That is why more companies should learn how to properly leverage last mile logistics as part of their courier delivery software.

UNDERSTANDING LAST MILE LOGISTICS

Last mile logistics refers to the last leg of the delivery process. It does not have to be a literal mile. In some cases, it can refer to the last few blocks or the last 50 miles. The distance is irrelevant. Instead, the term describes the last carrier who delivers the package to its final destination. Many large shipping companies focus on traversing the greatest distances of their routes. Accordingly, the final leg is usually transferred over to smaller delivery providers. These logistics are unavoidable. However, there are ways to mitigate the cost and inconvenience with the proper technology in place.

WHAT CONSIDERATIONS IMPACT DELIVERY IN THE LAST MILE

Coordinating last mile delivery is based on numerous factors. First, it is important to pick providers that have the capacity to get the job done. If your company deals with smaller packages, the provider must have enough trucks and drivers to make timely delivery. Larger items can be even trickier. You need a provider that has the ability to transport larger objects on a local scale. Moreover, if the items need to be assembled upon delivery, then you will need to make sure that there are employees capable of completing such a task. With so many conditions, hiring the right company for the right price is easier said than done.

ESTABLISHING A SUPPLY CHAIN

This is all part of establishing a supply chain to streamline your shipping model. Shipping is about getting items from the vendor to the customer. As more people shop online, the demand for such a supply chain is more pressing than ever. The pressure for shipping companies is pronounced as people crave faster shipping speeds. This means that capitalizing on the last mile is critical to success. The supply chain costs money from start to finish. If you are using up too many funds on the last mile, then the entire supply chain will suffer. Customers do not only want their shipments faster. They want them cheaper, which means that shipping companies have to respond in order to survive.

LAST MILE DELIVERY SOFTWARE CAN HELP

The logistics involved with the last mile are significant. That is why the smart choice is to use dispatch management software with last mile delivery tracking included. This software allows you to hook up with the best local providers for fast, efficient service in the last mile. At Key Software Systems, many of our products account for the demands of the last mile. Contact us today to learn more.

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