What to Look for in Dispatch Management Software
- Advanced Integration Capability: Over one third of the respondents of the Field Service Management Software Survey 2014 stated that they found integrating systems to be a problem. Seamless communication between systems could help provide the kind of visibility that is needed to repeatedly meet one's Key Performance Index. It is therefore imperative to ensure that the software chosen to manage dispatch should integrate with the existing IT structure of the company.
- Comprehensive Mobility: Cloud-based management software accords mobility to all involved by providing access to data at any time and from anywhere. Incorporating MDM solutions means that existing devices can be used to access crucial data, and at the same time, being protected by data security protocols. Dispatch management software should be able to work seamlessly with the mobile solution for field management.
- Intuitive Dashboards: This is often the most overlooked aspect when choosing management software. Asset intensive companies can seldom spare employees for lengthy training and, therefore, the software must be equipped with an intuitive user experience. The courier software provider should have provisions for effective training of personnel, if and when required.
- Real-Time Updates: Not only should the software allow for automation of dispatch, it should also generate automatic dispatch-to-dispatch communications, synchronized in such a manner that each party concerned can be privy to crucial, time sensitive information. This will save time by eliminating the need for emails, phone calls and faxes. At the same time, scan history should also be just as accessible, so that it can be referred to whenever required.