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The global courier, parcel, and express market is consistently growing along with rising demand and customer expectations. This market has increased from $157 billion in 2010 to $330.34 billion in 2019, according to the data published by Statista. With the growing volume, the demand for quicker and more reliable deliveries has increased as well.

If you are in this industry, then here are 3 amazing hacks to ensure more efficient operations and on-time deliveries:

1. FOCUS MORE ON WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT

You may be tracking your parcels during delivery. However, it is also important to keep a track of your inventory inside the warehouse. If you can’t identify the exact location of each item in your warehouse, it will be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. So, you can use delivery management software with an integrated warehouse management feature. It will enable efficient management, improved protection of data, and real-time information through a single dashboard, according to Key Software Systems.

You can also encourage automation at other steps in the process. For instance, try barcode scanners and wireless scanners to save time and reduce the risk of human error.

2. OPTIMIZE ROUTES

It may sound like a cliché but route optimization is essential for increasing service delivery efficiency. You should have access to all the necessary information about the orders, routes, vehicles, and drivers. With optimized routes, you can send the right vehicles and drivers at the right time to the right locations. It is an efficient way to boost production delivery efficiency without adding more vehicles and/or drivers.

Additionally, if you know about the driver’s availability and your fleet, you can avoid space wastage in the vehicles and assign the right tasks to your drivers.

3. PRIORITIZE

It is a simple yet efficient hack to optimize your delivery process. You know that all deliveries are not equally important and with limited resources, you may have to leave certain things for another day. That is why setting priorities for orders based on the on-site location, urgency, equipment available, servicing requirements, and delivery time is extremely important.

For same-day deliveries, you need better solutions. Deploy an order management software that allows you to make changes and adjustments to be made at a moment’s notice and proactively offer solutions to potential client issues, says an article published by Accenture. It will allow you to re-route your team and re-prioritize work orders instantly.

Constantly working on improving your delivery operations processes is crucial for both the customer and your business. These simple hacks can help you boost productivity, monitor real-time data at each step, and keep every member of your organization updated at all times.

The key to improving delivery management is working on improving operational efficiency at each step of the delivery process. It is essential regardless of whether your company is a startup, a global brand, or anywhere in between. Your delivery operations should always be aimed at achieving optimal customer satisfaction while using minimal resources, despite high volumes of deliveries.

Here are some helpful tips to optimize your delivery management process:

1. ENCOURAGE AUTOMATION

You need to constantly work on automation if you want to run an on-demand delivery service. The same-day and instant deliveries are expected to reach a combined share of 20%-25% of the entire last-mile delivery market by 2025, according to an article by McKinsey & Co. So, if you want to maximize this opportunity, invest in an automated dispatch solution. It will automatically assign orders to the nearest drivers, enabling them to reach customers within a short time frame. This software plays a key role in automating the flow of valuable, customizable, and time-sensitive information to ensure accuracy, accountability, and greater profits, according to Key Software Systems.

2. UTILIZE AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human capabilities and eliminate routine work. You can use it to optimize your delivery management in several different ways – customer service chat-bots, anomaly detection, quality assurance through picture-, video- and data monitoring, fraud detection cameras, image recognition, and even delivery robots.

3. FOCUS ON IMPROVING INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

If you are in this industry, you need to ensure that your employees communicate efficiently. For instance, if your drivers can communicate with the back-end team instantly, they can resolve any issues that hinder them from making timely deliveries. You can improve internal communication with the right delivery management solution that offers visibility into the details of the delivery and driver location.

4. OFFER TRACK & TRACE AND NOTIFY YOUR CUSTOMERS

73% of customers wanted to receive their shipment in a convenient time slot rather than receiving it quickly, according to a report published by Capgemini Research Institute. So, while optimizing your delivery routes, you need to make sure that up a delivery route plan that will allow your driver to carry a particular shipment and arrive at the designated time. With efficient tracking tools, you can notify your customers about their delivery time and ensure that you get happy and satisfied customers.

5. PROCESS RETURNS EFFICIENTLY

You should keep a track of the products that get returned and ensure that your infrastructure i.e. warehouse, staff, and delivery management system can support an easy returns process. It will help you maintain customer loyalty and reduce the number of calls to your customer services team.

It may seem challenging to maintain a smooth and efficient delivery management process. But, with the right set of tools and solutions, you can ensure optimization at each step to ensure current and long-term profitability.

Logistics and supply-chain play an important role in the success of almost every business in the service industry. That is why the market size of the couriers and local delivery services industry in the US has witnessed a growth of 4.7% per year on average between 2016 and 2021, reaching 118 billion dollars in 2021, according to the figures released by IBIS World. In this huge industry, some businesses often make some mistakes that cost them both time and money.

Here are four such common delivery mistakes and the steps to help avoid them:

1. USE OF OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY

Digitization is essential for a company that wants to succeed in this competitive modern world. If you are using outdated technology, it means that you cannot effectively communicate with your customers or keep them updated on the order status. If you implement and adapt to technology in your logistics strategies, you can significantly boost your revenue and end up with more satisfied customers. For instance, supply-chain management software can consolidate integrations, increase visibility to key metrics, optimize efficiency throughout the delivery process, and maximize brand management, according to Key Software Systems.

2. IMPROPER WAREHOUSE STORAGE

A common mistake in warehouses is that the fast pickup areas are not separated from bulk storage. It creates a big clutter and makes it hard to locate urgently required parcels. Businesses can avoid this problem by designating a spot for placing fast-moving goods away from primary stock storage. It enables them to keep several different products within a restricted space and storing bulk quantities in other parts of the warehouse.

3. INABILITY TO SCALE

Every business should properly measure its growth potential as it is crucial for efficient logistics operations. Any imbalances between your stock and storage space can result in unnecessary expenses. You can employ advanced systems with a maximum- and minimum-reorder feature to ensure proper calculations when restocking. Additionally, you can use a forecasting tool to scale your operations based on current logistics statistics.

4. LACK OF TRACKING TOOLS

Almost 49% of respondents revealed that losing their parcel was one of the most common reasons for their dissatisfaction with online order shipping providers, according to a survey by Statista. You can eliminate this problem by using an efficient tracking tool that regularly updates your customers about the progress of their parcels and when to expect them. It also ensures that the parcel reaches the preferred destination and avoids losses caused by false claims about shipping issues.

Deliveries can be a challenging and confusing aspect of running a business, especially if any mistakes in the process can cut into your business’s bottom line. However, if you are aware of these mistakes and take steps to avoid them, you can eliminate unnecessary costs and errors, and provide your customers with an unparalleled experience.

With increasing demand and customer expectations, efficient dispatch management is becoming more important for businesses to stay competitive in the industry. In a 2018 survey, 92% of respondents revealed that they wouldn’t choose the same delivery company after three or four instances of poor customer service, according to an article by Forbes. So, you can’t afford to make any mistakes in your delivery process.

Effective dispatch management is crucial for ensuring fast and flexible delivery operations. Here are some helpful tips to maintain its efficiency:

1. AUTOMATE DISPATCHING

You can’t possibly run an on-demand delivery service without an automated dispatching process. You get more time to plan scheduled deliveries, but on-demand couriers need to be sent out as quickly as possible. It is estimated that same-day and instant deliveries might reach a combined share of 20%-25% of the entire last-mile delivery market by 2025, according to an article by McKinsey & Co.

To keep up with this growing trend, you need to invest in an automated dispatch solution that automatically assigns orders to the nearest drivers, enabling them to reach customers within a short time frame. This software automates the flow of valuable, customizable, and time-sensitive information to ensure accuracy, accountability, and greater profits, according to Key Software Systems.

2. OPTIMIZE DELIVERY ROUTES

If you are using route optimization software, your drivers can get access to the most efficient routes in a matter of minutes. This software takes into account several variables such as driver schedule, delivery windows, weather and traffic conditions, etc. to provide more accurate ETAs. It also allows you to plan for flexible delivery schedules, thus ensuring higher customer satisfaction levels.

3. EMPHASIZE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

Many businesses are optimizing their courier dispatch process with the help of mobile devices. These on-the-go or mobility solutions offer several benefits such as image retrieval for digital proof of deliveries, real-time tracking, instant communication, and efficient route navigation. You can focus more on these solutions to optimize the courier dispatch system and increase revenue.

4. USE BIG DATA

With access to huge volumes of data, you can use predictive analytics to optimize your dispatch process. Big data is the next big thing for the dispatchers as you can use the actionable insights for rerouting, planning, inventory management, and even job allocation. It can also help you make well-informed decisions to boost your revenue.

Courier dispatch management may seem challenging at times. But, equipped with the right tools, you can optimize each process to ensure current and long-term profitability.

There were 5,333 fatal occupational injuries in 2019, the largest annual number since 2007, according to the figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means that a worker died every 99 minutes from a work-related injury in 2019. Worker safety is a major concern in the logistics industry as well. That is why automation is recommended to not only help reduce the human error that can cause hazards, but also maximize efficiency and productivity.

Here are four big reasons why should invest in delivery management software to improve warehouse efficiency:

#1 INTERNAL AUTOMATION

Using delivery software with an integrated warehouse management feature, you can ensure process automation within your warehouse. Software on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets can be used for more efficient management, improved protection of data, and real-time information through a single dashboard, according to a blog published by Key Software Systems.

#2 IMPROVE ACCURACY AND EFFICIENCY

Human beings are capable of many great things. But with an automated software created specifically for inventory management, companies can increase work efficiencies while minimizing error. Tracking inventory is a big challenge in every warehouse. It is estimated that American retailers suffered inventory loss (or shrinkage) amounting to $46.8 billion in 2018, according to an article by Forbes. Using the inventory management feature, you can find the right stock in no time and ensure greater inventory control.

#3 INCREASE SPEED

Speed is as important as accuracy within the warehouse, especially for distribution centers that serve retailers and shoppers. Automation helps in fulfilling the order requirements within no time and gives businesses a competitive advantage.

Using delivery management software speeds up the entire process because it automatically processes and integrates data in real-time. For instance, each time a product is taken off a shelf and scanned by a worker, an alert is sent to the managers to stock levels and enables them to take action accordingly. It improves efficiency and reduces the time required to fulfill the next order.

#4 REDUCE OPERATING EXPENSES

An integrated inventory management system in the delivery software often has floor simulators that allow managers to create potential floor plans within the system. You can determine the best place to keep certain materials, products, and equipment to optimize the flow of your warehouse. This kind of visibility also helps with creating demand forecasts that provide you valuable insights.

You can assess the products that are most popular with customers during specific times of the year and maintain stock accordingly. It will help you significantly increase profits while bringing down the operating costs.

Choosing a delivery software for your business can significantly improve the overall management. Embracing this technology and automating warehouse processes will help you achieve more streamlined and efficient business operations.

There has been an exponential growth in online shopping over the years that has continuously pushed businesses to improve their logistics. It is estimated that last-mile delivery accounts for almost 53% of the total delivery costs, according to an article by PwC in 2019. This makes it extremely important for logistics providers to look for any significant challenges in this process and figure out their solutions.

Here are the top 3 challenges in the last-mile delivery industry and their solutions:

#1 HIGH SHIPPING COSTS

Costs are important to every business operation. And the last-mile delivery often gets expensive due to lack of planning, delayed delivery penalties, and other inefficiencies in the process. The increasing demand for same-day or quick deliveries by customers may also result in higher shipping costs.

Solution

Since the cost of delivery is directly related to the distance between the pick and drop points of the packages, the delivery routes should be optimized to prevent any unnecessary delays. Courier and dispatch software and GPS tracking can be used for route optimization which can significantly bring down the shipping costs, according to a blog published by Key Software Systems.

#2 DELAYS IN DELIVERY

In this fast-paced age of same-day deliveries, businesses can lose their customers if there are any delays in the delivery schedule. Its importance can be seen from the fact that nearly 13% of customers said that they may not order again from the same place in case of a late delivery, according to a survey by Oracle in 2019. Several factors can cause delays in the last-mile deliveries such as road closure, transport glitches, etc.

Solution

Advanced dispatch software allows businesses to find the most optimal route using GPS technology. It considers things such as traffic density, road blockages, and any stops the driver is required to make faster deliveries. Maintaining prompt and timely deliveries is the sure-shot way to ensure customer satisfaction.

#3 RETURNED DELIVERIES

Packages are often returned due to customer unavailability, an incorrect address, or maybe the customer didn’t like it. It increases the delivery’s potential costs and adds a burden on the logistics company.

Solution

Companies should have a proper returns management plan in place to minimize the costs of product returns. They should also ensure robust inventory management. These measures will reduce the capital tied into inventory and will improve the overall transparency of the delivery process.

The last-mile delivery landscape is rapidly changing. Companies have to constantly adjust to this transforming industry and overcome the challenges that come with it. The sooner the automated delivery systems and highly planned solutions are put in place, the sooner their productivity and efficiency will improve.

Route optimization means determining the most efficient routes in terms of cost, resources, and time for a mobile workforce. It plays a crucial role in reducing overall costs in the logistics industry by saving both time and money.

The total market share of couriers and local delivery services in the United States crossed 114 billion dollars in 2020, according to the data published by Statista. This market has been witnessing steady growth since 2017 even despite the coronavirus pandemic. For every player in this market, route optimization software has been the key to calculate the fastest and most fuel-efficient route while taking into account multiple stops and limited delivery time windows. It offers several important benefits and must be a part of the delivery process.

BENEFITS OF ROUTE OPTIMIZATION SOFTWARE

Improves Efficiency and Reduces Cost

With dynamic route optimization software, managers can promptly plan the best routes for deliveries and adjust them at the last minute with real-time data. It also helps in identifying inefficiencies to take corrective action, reducing vehicle wear and tear, and minimizing overtime payments, thereby lowering overall operational costs, according to a blog published by Key Software Systems. It also helps in bringing down fuel consumption with specific delivery time windows and backtracking and improves the efficiency of the entire process.

Ensures Driver Safety

Apart from route optimization, the safety of drivers is also an important concern in this industry. There were 7.3 million highway vehicle crashes and accidents of all levels of severity in the United States in 2017, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2018. Additionally, highway fatalities accounted for almost 95% of all transportation fatalities and highway injuries and more than 99% of transportation injuries. Using route optimization software, delivery schedules can be prepared in advance and drivers can be given an optimized and easy-to-follow route with turn-by-turn directions. It will help in reducing driver stress and the risk of stress-induced road accidents.

Enhances Customer Experience

The easiest way to ensure customer satisfaction is by providing them accurate and real-time updates on delivery schedules. Using route optimization software will eliminate the problem of incorrect ETAs and also accommodate any last-minute customer requests by modifying the existing routes. It will help in delivering an amazing experience every time and retaining customers over time.

Performance Analytics

With route optimization software, companies get access to every little detail of the delivery process. They can compare completed routes to those that were planned and check for order status history, distance traveled, duration of the delivery, arrival accuracy, etc. It helps them in making more informed decisions about their business in the future.

Route optimization improves every aspect of the delivery process, right from planning routes and efficiently managing delivery operations to ensuring timely deliveries. As the couriers and local delivery service market grows, so does the competition to be the best in the market. That is why it is important to use route optimization software and match your customer expectations with efficient deliveries.

Technological advancements, especially smartphones, have effectively transformed the world around us. They have become an easily accessible source of information and services for individual users as well as businesses. With mobile technology contributing more than ever before, more and more companies are realizing their importance in business operations due to factors like improved consistency, accuracy, time savings, and customer satisfaction.

The United States is one of the largest smartphone markets in the world with over 260 million smartphone users, according to data published by Statista. The smartphone penetration rate in the country has grown consistently over the past ten to fifteen years to more than 80% today. The entire world has witnessed the same growth and its impact on the logistics industry has been significant.

IMPACT OF SMARTPHONES ON THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

Enhanced Mobility

Smartphones have made it extremely convenient to communicate and collaborate with the team as well as the customers. They encourage seamless business communication without being chained to the office desk. This workplace allows companies to instantly reach employees who work remotely and improves workplace communication and boosts productivity, according to a blog published by Key Software Systems.

Improved Data Flow and Accuracy

Smartphones have replaced traditional paper-based processes and linked virtually everything to the business’ software systems. Earlier, the paperwork order forms and service orders often got lost or ended incomplete, incorrect, and illegible. Using mobile apps and mobile forms has minimized the possibility for human error and enabled the collection of data and automated measuring of relevant metrics.

Precise Location Tracking

Almost every smartphone is equipped with an integrated GPS that allows precise location tracking of every truck and shipment at any moment. It helps in avoiding transportation delays, managing customer expectations, and developing contingency plans when necessary. This level of accuracy and transparency ensures efficient management of the supply chain.

Effective Inventory Management

Logistics is much more than simple transportation and delivery of goods. It is also about effectively managing warehouses. With mobile apps, it is easy to track the quantity and location of goods and check the inventory as all the information is available in a database. Stock levels can also be continually updated in real-time to ensure optimization of inventory and purchasing processes. It cuts down the operational costs and improves efficiency and accuracy with a better workflow.

Customer Satisfaction

Smartphones have enabled customers to access real-time information of inventory levels at multiple locations instantaneously and buy products based on pricing, availability, and convenience. These enhanced capabilities provide more services and help deliver a smoother customer experience.

While online searches in travel and logistics are constantly increasing, the proportionate searches on smartphones are increasing as well. They comprised nearly around 43% of all travel-related requests and 23% of logistics-related searches in 2017, according to a report published by McKinsey & Company in 2018. That is why companies are enthusiastically adopting a “mobile-first” mindset and prioritizing quick and easy mobile interactions. More advancement in technology will make the role of smartphones in the logistics industry almost indispensable.

Optimizing field operations is all about prompt reactions and efficient allocation and management of resources. Driven by B2C growth, it is estimated that the Courier-Express-Parcel (CEP) market will increase at a CAGR of 5.78% between 2016 and 2020 and reach $343 billion, according to an article published by Accenture. The article further states that nearly 89% of retail, manufacturing, and logistics companies agreed that e-commerce is driving the need for faster delivery.

In the CEP market, dispatch management software helps in promptly identifying, assigning, and re-assigning workforce to optimize the delivery process. Following are some ways in which dispatch software increases the productivity of the businesses:

HELPS OPTIMIZING THE SCHEDULE AND STAYING CONNECTED

Dispatch software allows streamlining the operation, adjusting the process as per the customer’s request, and prioritizing workers and assignments to complete the most profitable jobs. With synchronized and real-time automated dispatch-to-dispatch communications system, it allows each partner company to see critical time-sensitive information, say experts at Key Software Systems. You can also constantly monitor and communicate with your drivers from one place and inform them of any special requests from customers prior to the delivery.

SAVES TIME AND MONEY

Dispatch software comes equipped with features like dynamic route optimization and automation that account for potential traffic-related delays, job priority, pre-assigned jobs, and location. It also saves the time invested by teams in back-office operations while reducing errors and paperwork and doing calculations with more reliable accuracy. A good dispatch software ensures completion of maximum jobs with efficiency and allows room for more productivity by saving valuable resources.

PROVIDES AN INCREDIBLE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

A successful business is all about customer experience and dispatch software ensures just that for you. The increased efficiency with the help of error-free scheduling, and comparative analysis improves the entire process. With automation and access to machine learning, dispatch software is a reliable tool for providing valuable information to customers by sending timely system-generated notifications. And an informed customer is a happy customer.

TRACKS AND ANALYZES DATA

One of the biggest advantages of using dispatch software is that it provides you access to valuable data. You can get detailed reports, analyze metrics, and gain insights for making important decisions that can help you improve productivity and expand your business in the future.

In 2020, the total market size of couriers and local delivery services in the United States was more than 114 billion U.S. dollars, according to the data published by Statista. These services rely on the efficiency of the field service providers and that is why the role of service dispatch software systems is increasingly becoming important.

The Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market is growing at an exponential rate. It is estimated to be around 90 billion euros in North America in 2020, according to data published by Statista. It is also expected that a compound annual growth rate of 5% will be seen between 2015 and 2025. There have been consistent advancements in the courier industry and the software that optimize service delivery and support are at the forefront.

WHAT IS DELIVERY SOFTWARE

Delivery software is a digital logistics tool that helps at each step of the delivery process including planning, managing, optimizing, and executing the delivery. It is a centralized system of communication that integrates different features such as route optimization, reverse logistics, customer support, or ePOD, into one comprehensive system.

With Delivery Software, even a small operator can conveniently manage distribution across its drivers, from the first to the last mile of delivery. It is a highly flexible and customizable solution that can be adapted to match the demands of a company’s current equipment and infrastructure while improving its overall management.

BENEFITS OF DELIVERY SOFTWARE

Here are a few of its unique capabilities:

• Automated procurement and shipment of deliveries
• Efficiency at first and last-mile
• Real-time driver tracking
• Enhanced visibility and flexibility
• Streamlined communication at all levels
• Optimization and Automation
• Mobile Apps

Using logistics software improves the efficiency and speeds up the entire delivery process. It is of great significance to the delivery companies because nearly 13% of customers said that they would not prefer to order again from the same place in case of a late delivery, according to a survey by Oracle in 2019. That is why these systems are becoming increasingly important for optimizing the delivery process.