Whether you’re a business owner of a company that deals in wholesaling or retail, manufactures, or operates as a specific transport venture, it’s vital to utilize the various tech tools that make business cheaper, faster, and better.
Here are some of the top tech options you should consider investing in if you haven’t already.
Parcel Tracking and Management Tools
One of the essential elements of shipping is ensuring parcels make it where they need to be on time and intact. You also need to let your customers know, along the way, the rough trajectory of goods and keep people updated with likely delivery timeframes. Consumers are used to being given access to all sorts of information these days, and in real-time, too, which means they expect logistics companies not to withhold details.
In the realm of shipping, finding the right 3PL software is crucial for ensuring parcels reach their destinations on time and intact. This technology empowers logistics companies to provide customers with real-time updates on the trajectory of goods, keeping them informed about likely delivery timeframes. In an era where consumers expect access to comprehensive information, selecting the appropriate 3PL software becomes an essential element in meeting these evolving expectations.
Happily, 24/7 parcel tracking is not only expected but much easier than ever to execute, thanks to parcel tracking and management tools. You can utilize top tech devices, such as RFID tags and other sensors, to locate items anywhere along their transport path and automatically update clients with the latest details as soon as they change.
As a result, customers get the info right away, which makes them happier, and businesses don’t have to spend so much time and money on fielding queries and sending updates by phone, email, etc. Parcel tracking tools can also be set up to let all relevant parties know if delays occur in transit.
You can also use handy technology products to help ensure goods stay safe and sound while being moved from point to point. Take advantage of helpful freeze indicators and other impact sensors and indicators that alert drivers and anyone else who handles parcels if they have become dangerous along their journey (e.g., items becoming loose or shaken up too much) or if they drop below or go above the required temperature range that keeps them in good condition.
Enhanced GPS and Routing Software
Enhanced GPS and routing software programs can also help logistics firms significantly in 2023 and beyond. You want parcels to go on the shortest and quickest route possible so that they arrive at their destinations sooner. Plus, more direct travel leads to cost savings due to less gas being used, reduced vehicle wear and tear, and shorter working hours for staff members.
Get your drivers taking the best possible routes for efficient logistics thanks to the latest GPS equipment showing the quickest route to a destination. This route is calculated according to traffic conditions and any incidences of roadwork, accidents, backed-up vehicles due to heavy traffic, etc.
Route optimization software is also worth using because it provides drivers (and others in the business who need the data) with updates on the best route to change to if hazards or other impediments suddenly occur along the way to a destination. Drivers can enjoy feeling less stressed while doing their jobs, too, since the tools they use map out which way to go for each route, and there’s therefore zero need to worry about getting lost.
Driver Behavior Monitoring Programs
You also want to keep an eye on the behavior of your logistics drivers to keep productivity high and reduce the likelihood of staff members falling asleep, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or otherwise engaging in potentially dangerous driving. Use tech programs to let you know the number of hours each of your drivers work per shift, per week and per month, so none end up being on the road more than the allowed maximum timeframe.
You can also learn if vehicles have traveled over the speed limit or made unauthorized stops along the way to a delivery point, among other things. The more you learn about your drivers’ behavior when on the clock, the better you can use this information to keep costs down and safety higher.
Predictive Vehicle Maintenance Software
Another excellent technology that firms in the logistics arena should be taking advantage of is predictive vehicle maintenance software. Companies involved in transporting goods invest a lot of money into buying, servicing, repairing, and otherwise maintaining cars, trucks, vans, utes, etc., which adds up a lot over time. To save money, then, it’s imperative to take care of vehicles well, so they stay on the roads for longer, need replacing less often, and there’s less chance of downtime occurring unexpectedly and pushing deliveries back.
Predictive maintenance tools are available that monitor vehicle performance from afar and alert workers to times when there’s a need for a service or repair. The software can also send reminders about when to book scheduled maintenance time throughout the year to increase the working life of automotive assets.
These are just some of the ways that technology is helping companies in the logistics sector to operate more effectively and profitably. If you’re not already using all the tech mentioned above, it’s time to update your processes and learn new tools.
