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If you are looking for a way to increase the profitability of your carrier service, you are likely wondering what you can do to reach your goal. You can only achieve so much on your own, and you need a carrier software system to reach the highest level of success.

These software platforms save time and boost your profit more than you once thought possible. In this Key Software Systems post, you will discover the many benefits of using a carrier software platform. You can enjoy these benefits no matter the size of your business

AUTOMATED DISPATCHING

One benefit of courier delivery software is that you can use automated dispatching. Dispatching plays a central role in the success and profitability of your carrier service. The right dispatcher will select the best truck and route for each shipment, but doing so can take time and effort. A courier software system can handle dispatching or help your current dispatcher do the job faster and more effectively than ever.

SHIPMENT TRACKING

Tracking each shipment that goes through your carrier service can seem like a daunting task. You need to track when you receive the shipment, when it leaves your warehouse and when it arrives at the customer’s door. Delivery management software empowers you to track each shipment with ease and peace of mind. Attach a barcode to your shipments, and scan them during each part of the process so that you can track them without effort.

MOBILE INTERFACE

Our software systems aim to make running your carrier service easier than you once thought possible. While you can track your fleet and shipments from your online account, you can also track them using a mobile interface. You can view shipments, orders and fleet locations from any location on the planet that has cell service.

You can monitor your business and make sure everything is running well even while away from the office. Our mobile interface is easy to use and keeps your needs in mind from the start.

GETTING STARTED

Key Software Systems aims to make running a carrier service straightforward and simple, which is why we provide high-end software solutions that offer peace of mind. We want our software platform to increase your profit, boost your productivity and minimize your overhead expenses.

With our software, you can track, manage and monitor every aspect of your operation from anywhere you want. You can find the fastest routes so that you can keep up with the top carrier services in the industry. If you would like to learn more about Key Software Systems and what our technology can do for you, contact us today for more information.

Electric vehicles, the environment friendly alternative to their petrol and diesel counterparts, can revolutionize the current delivery systems. This green tech can bring about a radical transformation for both logistics service providers and the economy as a whole. No wonder, the global electric vehicle industry stood at $118,864 million in 2017, with expectations of it touching a whopping $567,299 million by 2025, according to a report by Allied Market Research.

One great way to optimize delivery is to ensure a planned route and use GPS data to avoid traffic, according to an article by Key Software Systems. Electric cars can ensure unparalleled experiences by ensuring three times faster rides, with greater focus on road safety.

Here are a few areas in which electric cars can have a powerful impact on supply chains.

ROAD SAFETY

Thousands of Americans meet with road accidents each year. The main cause is driver negligence, due to intoxication, distraction or exhaustion. Electric cars prioritize human safety and ensure there are less road crashes. Traditional components like the gear box and combustion engine are removed. Instead, brake by wire, adaptive cruise control and lane guidance features are adopted for enhanced safety.

SUSTAINABILITY

Most electric cars have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 90%. Along with hitting your business goals, you help preserve the environment too. Consumers today are on the lookout for logistic companies that are environmentally conscious and committed to being eco-friendly. It is a great initiative towards fighting climate change and is already popular among environmentalists, according to an article on NPR. When you are committed to social wellbeing, your company definitely earns a good reputation.

OPERATIONAL COSTS

Electric vehicles can save you quite a few bucks. Most cars come with their own lithium-ion battery packs, which only need to be recharged. Therefore, they cost must less than gasoline vehicles. Although the initial cost could be high, running the car will not burn a hole in your pocket. They are perfect for deliveries, since the cars can run for miles on a daily basis. When compared to traditional vehicles, it will cost less than half as much to travel equal distances. Vehicles equipped with large batteries can run for 100 miles till the next plug in. In fact, the more efficient ones can run for 200 miles on single charge.

Electric vehicles are soon to become mainstream and widespread. Undoubtedly, they will bring about a great technological shift in the supply chain industry.

Technology advances have changed the way courier services operate. Not even a decade ago, last mile delivery services were utilizing white boards more than anything else to track the process and execution of deliveries. Today, data is available in the palm of our hands and we have access to more information than ever. However, mobile devices can still be improved to help the courier industries. Below are advancements that smartphones need to look to endure, in order to optimize how courier businesses operate.

1. UTILIZING A GPS AND OPTIMIZING ROUTE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

When a last mile delivery employee uses a smartphone, the mobile device’s GPS can provide detailed maps, offer helpful instructions, examine nearby traffic and improve a driver’s safety. Once you install our courier tracking software, you may inspect each courier’s route, the individual’s current location and numerous stops. However, GPS accuracy needs to continue enhance, as often times, suggested routes are not the most efficient for time.

2. INCREASING THE BATTERY LIFE AND ENHANCING EACH BATTERY’S DURABILITY

Numerous reports have suggested that at least 35 percent of mobile devices have insufficient batteries. If a customer simultaneously uses many mobile applications, a smartphone’s battery could quickly become drained, and when examining a smartphone’s battery life, a customer can evaluate additional features, the screen’s efficiency and the mobile device’s software. Sometimes, high temperatures can also reduce battery life because excessive heat may affect a battery’s internal electrodes.

If a mobile device features a durable battery, carriers could effectively utilize dispatch scheduling software during long workdays, and by improving courier software management, the employees may enhance efficiency, reduce the duration of each task, decrease a company’s long-term expenses, and optimize communication. Likewise, the durable batteries can allow couriers to simultaneously utilize numerous software programs.

3. REDUCING THE NUMBER OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Several reports have indicated that more than 85 percent of smartphones contain mobile applications that inefficiently reduce battery life. Ideally, businesses could eliminate unnecessary software or redundant features, and by removing inefficient software, manufacturers could augment each device’s battery life, enhance the satisfaction of buyers, optimize the efficiency of beneficial software and increase storage space.

4. IMPROVING INTEGRATION AND OPTIMIZING USABILITY

In January 2018, several experts suggested that companies should create smartphones that are compatible with many networks. By optimizing integration, businesses could reduce long-term costs, enhance innovation, augment the values of many smartphones and decrease the likelihood of technological issues.

5. CREATING DURABLE SCREENS AND SELECTING HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS

Many smartphones have fragile screens that could swiftly become cracked, yet some manufacturers have added reinforced glass that can prevent scratches, reduce the effects of broken screens and withstand numerous impacts. By developing screens that feature reinforced glass, a business could increase the values of many smartphones, protect the internal components and improve the company’s overall reputation.

CHOOSING HOME DELIVERY SOFTWARE THAT CAN BENEFIT COURIERS AND CUSTOMERS

When a courier utilizes route optimization software, they improve the efficiency of every route, avoid numerous obstacles and reduce the duration of each task. The dispatch management software will effectively enhance each courier’s accuracy. According to various reviews, the courier software system could also help companies to retain experienced employees, and when a business utilizes courier tracking software, the business can reduce long-term expenses, improve the satisfaction of each client and offer timely deliveries.

EXAMINING OUR SERVICES

If you want to learn additional information about our courier management service. You can contact our business by calling 732-409-6068, and our knowledgeable team can answer your questions, and describe all the features our all-in-one delivery management solution offers.

By 2025, the global last mile delivery market is estimated to reach $61,573 million, up from $31,198 million in 2018, according to a press release by MarketWatch. An increase in the demand for efficient delivery, along with rapid growth in the logistics industry, is the key factor behind these figures. Last mile delivery aims at customer satisfaction, without raising costs significantly for the courier company.

A few challenges faced by courier companies today are high costs, delayed deliveries and inability to provide real time updates. To gain a cutting edge over the competition, it is crucial to have efficient tools, such as an analytics dashboard.

WHAT IS AN ANALYTICS DASHBOARD?

An analytic dashboard lets you keep track of the overall performance of your business. In fact, 41% organizations say that they believe a visual representation of the data is the right approach to understanding the huge volumes of information. It also eases the process of separating useful data from outdated ones. An analytics dashboard helps to bring down humongous data into manageable formats, such as tables, graphs and charts, so that users can get a quick look at all the necessary information in one place.

HOW USEFUL IS THE ANALYTICS DASHBOARD?

This dashboard can tell you if traffic is normal, whether sales have increased and if your new marketing campaign is working, according to experts at Mixpanel. It also helps to keep you updated on real time information, like processing, receiving and delivery reports. This is important, since a delay of few hours can render information useless. The company is able to act immediately when an issue is detected, before it spirals into something larger.

Apart from this, a dashboard helps manage large scale data, including shipments, returns, dispatches and contact details of customers. Coming from different sources, it is often impossible to manage so much data. This incredible amount of data is organized professionally, leading to smoother business operations.

Actionable information is crucial for business success. An analytics dashboard can help provide relevant information for prompt decision making.

Supply chain management is especially important for pharmaceutical companies. From packaging to medications, there are many types of supplies that pharmaceutical companies rely on daily. More importantly, consumers depend on pharmaceutical companies to deliver finished products that they need to maintain their health.

SUPPLY CHAIN THREATS

Geopolitical issues can threaten the production and shipment of some important supplies. According to Compliance Week, two issues that are top concerns to most companies are shortages and recalls. These two topics are especially critical to the pharmaceutical industry. Raw material shortages mean that some substances may be harder to produce. With some types of shortages, production plants may be forced to close. If pharmaceutical companies have only one supplier for a certain product, a closure or a major delay could cause delays in other operations that rely on that supply.

Medication recalls are on the rise today. For example, Zantac was recently recalled after a probable carcinogen was discovered in it. The carcinogen was also suspected to be in some generic products that were made by other companies. However, a few suppliers still sold the over-the-counter acid reducer for a while. In some cases, tainted ingredients or other impurities that lead to recalls are discovered in one or two suppliers’ ingredients. However, they may not exist in the products of every supplier.

BUILDING AND MANAGING A ROBUST SUPPLY CHAIN

Maintaining a robust supply chain is a multi-faceted strategy. First, it is important to strategically choose raw material suppliers. Pharmaceutical companies should have suppliers in various locations. This will help reduce the likelihood of political or economic issues eliminating supplies. For example, if a company’s three suppliers are all in the same country, shipping delays would become problematic if political turmoil develops. Having suppliers that follow the strictest compliance guidelines for quality production is also important in the pharmaceutical industry.

Another important part of a good supply chain management strategy is having a reliable way to transport shipments. This is true whether the shipments are coming from a raw materials provider or are being sent to another recipient. Although some companies maintain contracts with major global shipping providers, it is also helpful to have on-demand services. When a shipment must be guaranteed to arrive at a destination on time, a courier management service is essential.

With our courier delivery software, a pharmaceutical company or supplier can use tools to plan a route, estimate the delivery time and take advantage of last mile delivery options. Last mile delivery and logistics solutions are ideal for companies that need to get a shipment from a major shipping hub to the recipient as quickly as possible. Although major shipping carriers usually take longer and use standard route planning, our program makes it easier to find faster courier delivery options. Tracking is available for the convenience of the sender and for the peace of mind of the recipient. When there is a robust supply chain and a powerful supply chain management plan in place, pharmaceutical companies are able to better serve their customers’ needs and stay competitive.

Being an established brand in the US trucking industry can be highly rewarding. After all, this industry surpassed $700 billion in annual revenues in 2017, according to a report published by the American Trucking Association.

On the other hand, developing a fleet brand can be hugely challenging, with stiff competition, a tough regulatory environment and highly discerning customers. Amid this landscape, there are a few critical factors that can define the success of a fleet brand. Here’s a look at them.

GET THE RIGHT VEHICLES

For a fleet brand, procuring the vehicles represents the biggest capital investment. So, this is a critical decision. Here are a few things to consider:

Buy, finance or lease the vehicles: There are pros and cons of each, and the decision would depend on your current finances, terms you’re able to secure for financing and leasing and market projections.

Vehicle size: While this will depend on the freight being transported, the total cost of ownership of a light-duty vehicle is significantly lower than that of a heavy-duty one. Fuel costs as well as maintenance and repair costs will be higher for larger vehicles. On the other hand, larger vehicles may have a longer service life.

Carrying capacity: The most painful cost for a fleet brand is operating vehicles carrying freight under their full capacity

Terrains: Consider whether the routes will be mostly lengthy highway commutes or off-road travel.

Capital versus operating costs: For instance, a diesel vehicle costs more but is more economical in fuel consumption as compared to gas powered vehicles. Moreover, diesel vehicles have lower emission and can project your brand as being environment friendly.

MEASURE EVERYTHING!

Operating costs are probably high for your fleet brand. These may include fuel costs, insurance, costs related to maintenance and repair of vehicles, driver costs, vehicle downtime costs, expenses related to providing customer service and many more. The best way to have a real-time view of these costs and measure everything is to select a powerful software solution. This can underline the success of your fleet brand.

Focus on selecting a software solution that gives a comprehensive view and is user customizable, while also being straightforward to implement, say experts at Key Software Systems. They explain that such a solution eliminates the cost and hassles of managing multiple components, while ensuring that your employees have a good experience with the software, which will encourage them to leverage it to the fullest.

Choose a solution that can manage last mile, same day and next day deliveries for providing a top-notch experience to your customers. The software should help you determine the ideal route and schedule work to drivers accordingly.

Compliance will also become easier with the right software. Moreover, you could choose a solution that enhances your brand by allowing you to customize email and SMS alerts for customers and consignees.

INVEST IN DRIVER TRAINING

This is probably the most ignored aspect by fleet brands. With some training, it’s possible to increase their productivity, improves fuel efficiency and reduces vehicle accidents and breakdowns. Driver training can focus on:

• Driving in wet, snowy or hazardous conditions
• How to efficiently brake, accelerate and reduce excess idling
• A basic understanding of the vehicle
• What do to in case of an accident
• How to deal with customers efficiently and courteously

Finally, what makes a fleet brand successful is having a sound business plan and achieving the perfect balance between executing the plan effectively and being flexible enough to grab unexpected opportunities, says a report by Harvard Business Review.

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.

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.

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.

Of the many advancements in logistics and shipping, one of the most powerful is GPS tracking. GPS allows vehicles to be tracked in real time. This means that it is possible to see where every vehicle is at any given moment. The utility of such technology is multifaceted. In fact, for companies on the cutting edge of logistics and shipping, GPS tracking as part of your auto dispatch software is nearly essential.

SAFETY FOR DRIVERS

Driver safety is an important issue for everyone. After all, drivers share the road with everyone, and the long hours on the road can pose real risks across the board. There have been many regulations to promote safety for drivers, but GPS tracking as part of your dispatch management software can revolutionize your safety measures. GPS tracking gives managers insight into how drivers are performing at any given moment. This means that it is possible to see if the driver is going too fast, veering off course or behaving erratically in other ways. If anything strange shows up on the GPS tracking, it is easy for the dispatcher to contact the driver for a wellness check.

EFFICIENCY FOR THE FLEET

If you invest in courier delivery software with GPS tracking, you can boost your fleet’s efficiency. With GPS tracking, it is much easier to see which drivers are in the right position to respond to emerging needs. More than that, the increased visibility of a driver’s performance promotes accountability. Since drivers know that they are being tracked more actively, they are likely to boost their performance. Some estimates suggest that the implementation of GPS tracking can improve productivity by up to 20 percent. Fuel costs can be reduced by 15 percent. This means GPS tracking can streamline your routes and reduce delivery time for improved efficiency across the board.

COST REDUCTION FOR COMPANIES

There are many concerns in the logistics industry, but profitability is always important. After all, if you are not turning a profit, then you cannot support your fleet. Some companies are reluctant to invest in a courier software system because of the cost associated with such systems. However, GPS tracking can make sure that you get your money’s worth. In addition to reducing waste and fuel through route efficiency, there are other cost reductions associated with GPS tracking. GPS tracking minimizes the risk of theft. It also allows you to identify vehicles that are in disrepair. These vehicles are expensive to maintain. Overall, GPS tracking may have an initial cost, but it will save your company money over time.

KEEPING YOUR FLEET UP TO DATE

Ultimately, GPS tracking is no longer an optional service in the modern logistics world. If you want your company to remain competitive, you need to invest in GPS tracking as part of your delivery dispatch software. With Key Software Systems, you can find software to fit your company’s needs. Options like MobileTek provide courier management software that includes GPS tracking as one of its features. Contact Key Software Systems to learn more.