How to Optimise Logistics and Delivery Services Through Technology

Technology has revolutionised the logistics industry, enabling firms to offer faster, more reliable delivery services. It has provided innovative solutions and new ways of processing parcels, organising warehouses and helped to shape last-mile services.

With the rise of ecommerce and an increase in customer demand, innovations are continuing, So, whether you are a business owner looking for ways to bolster your brand’s reputation, or want to increase customer satisfaction with the aim of boosting retention rates, here is how you technology is being used to optimise delivery services.

Utilise Tracking

Among many other developments, the incorporation of technology within the logistics sector has allowed for accurate real-time tracking. While tracking has been around for some time, in the last few years this technology has become increasingly accurate and reliable. Reducing administration time by reducing paperwork, this can help delivery companies to adopt a greener approach.

Furthermore, tracking provides customers with peace of mind, allowing them to keep an eye on the progress of their parcels and receive automatic delivery updates at every step of the shipment process, from loading to the last-mile.

Optimise Warehouse

A delivery service is about more than the last-mile journey to customers. There are many other steps including order generation, collection and loading. As such, this means that better communication and optimisation in the warehouse can make a huge difference to the effectiveness of delivery, and this is where technology can help.

Using software to assist with location and picking, scanning barcodes to log information and finding the best routes around a warehouse, are all examples of how tech can improve delivery. Moving forward, artificial intelligence may also become more widely used in this way and some companies already utilising this technology, with robot involvement in order  picking.

Alternative Delivery

Bettering first time delivery rates – this refers to how many deliveries are able to be made on the first attempt – is important for logistics companies. Not only can it increase customer satisfaction, but it also frees up space in the warehouse and delivery vehicles, which could allow firms to expand their services. As such, technology has been used to develop alternative delivery methods.

This includes automatic lockers where customers receive a unique code via an app, email or SMS to access their parcel at a convenient location. Another is drone delivery, an idea that has taken off in Iceland and could soon be a reality in more countries across the globe. Both of these tech enhancements bypass busy traffic, could provide faster services and have the potential to reduce wait time.

Routes and GPS

Lastly, technology is also being increasingly used in route planning. With the use of GPS, drivers are able to access live-traffic updates and get information about potential problems, allowing them to modify their journey.

In every city, there are different levels of congestion depending on the day and time of delivery. As such, being able to access this technology could allow delivery drivers to find the fastest routes and meet smaller, more accurate delivery estimates.