AUTOMATION AND LAST-MILE DELIVERY: HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Automation is rapidly transforming almost every aspect of the entire parcel delivery chain. You will find businesses of all shapes and sizes implementing Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as RFID chips for automated transportation tracking, delicate warehouse management systems, etc. They are constantly investing in new technology to automate the last-mile delivery process so that they can reduce costs and increase efficiency. A crucial aspect of automation is the use of last-mile delivery platforms that seamlessly integrates various parts of this delivery stage to optimize operations.
IMPORTANCE OF LAST-MILE DELIVERY PLATFORMS IN AUTOMATION
An efficient delivery management platform provides automation and tracking visibility to the logistics businesses so that they can effectively close last-mile delivery gaps. The fewer tasks that are handled manually, the more efficiency you will find in the entire process.
One big advantage of using such a platform is that it unifies delivery and fulfillment models onto a single platform that allows you to grow, respond to market demands, and leverage data insights. For instance, you can use it along with an automated dispatch software. It will help you automate the flow of valuable, customizable, and time-sensitive information to ensure accuracy, accountability, and greater profits.
You also get access to Big Data from these platforms with which you can create personalized customer journeys, learn consumer behaviors, and accommodate customers’ purchasing habits. It can significantly boost your revenue and ensure customer satisfaction.
PRIMARY AREAS FOR AUTOMATION
If you are looking to introduce technology to automate the last-mile delivery stage, you should focus on these three core areas for optimal benefits:
Routing and Dispatching
The primary goal of automation in the last-mile delivery process is almost the same as the goal in the rest of the delivery chain – to reduce costs, minimize human error, and promote efficiency. When you automate, you can quickly calculate efficient routes and automatically dispatch drivers for those routes and handle all orders, especially same-day deliveries. It is estimated that the demand for same-day and instant deliveries may reach a combined share of 20%-25% of the entire last-mile delivery market by 2025. So, it becomes extremely important to be able to handle such deliveries and maximize your revenue from this growing market.
Customer Communications
A recent report revealed that 73% of customers would like to receive their parcels in a convenient time slot rather than receiving them quickly. So, simply prompt deliveries won’t be sufficient to keep them happy. This is where automation of the process becomes important. If you can plan the deliveries effectively with automated dispatch software and keep your customers apprised of their order status at all times, you can rest assured that they will choose your services the next time as well.
Invoicing
It is hard to ignore the truth that labor is expensive, and you can’t depend on manual processes if you want to save money. Automating the pick-up process from the warehouse and invoicing at the time of delivery will ensure nothing but better cash flow, fewer errors, and significantly reduced labor time spent on these processes.
The recent wave of technological advancements across the world of parcel delivery offers a wide range of benefits. If you want to make the most of these benefits, then you should encourage automation and technological adoption at almost every step of the delivery process.
