Millions of online orders placed from consumers all across the world, thousands of market players willing to cater to the online order request of consumers, hundreds of brick & mortar businesses looking at the digital shift, and yet there’s ample room for consolidation in the fragmented marketplace of logistics.
What is that element that holds the potential to set the logistics business apart?
The last mile delivery software for logistics businesses.
The last mile logistics has been making inroads in the logistics industry and rising as a differentiator in the fiercely competitive eCommerce vicinity. What makes it a distinguished factor for businessmen lies in the fact that last mile delivery logistics can ensure a seamless end-user experience with fast delivery, and this is the chance that a logistics company can develop a strong bond with its eCommerce partner.
However, the question arises, what do consumers have to do with the last mile delivery?
Well, Amazon’s prime delivery service wouldn’t be a hit if consumers didn’t show an interest in next- or same- day delivery.
A strengthened middle class income and a proclivity for a better lifestyle has encouraged consumers to break their financial shells and explore more options to be treated qualitatively, and hence, a thoughtfully developed last mile delivery logistics software can do wonders to your business.
What are the key challenges with the existing last mile delivery solutions?
Despite the clear-cut roadmap to success offered by the shifting consumers’ mindset, not all logistics businesses make it big in the industry. However, the problem lies not in the development of last mile delivery app, but in its conceptualization.
Below are 3 factors that withhold logistics companies from offering quality service to their customers:
Consumers need real-time tracking
Gone are the days, when offering a tracking code was deemed synonymous to achieving customer satisfaction. No matter how busy consumers can be, when it comes to receiving a parcel, they need to know the whereabouts. Hence, it becomes crucial to incorporate a real-time tracking system in the logistics app.
Drivers have to struggle from traffic jams
The last mile delivery startups encounter high cost issues, on account of severe traffic jams that drivers face. With no superways to navigate an easy way out from the traffic, fuel cost passes on directly to consumers and not to mention the cost of consumer resentment that is caused due to the delayed delivery. With a well-planned last mile delivery software, drivers can have an optimised route, right at their disposal.
Locating the doorstep can be challenging
Despite advancements in the logistic system, consumers still have to go the conventional way of entering the delivery address. If the address is incomplete or lacks sufficient information, it could add up to the dilemma to the delivery man. Hence, both consumers and drivers need to be well-acquainted with maps and GPS systems to pinpoint the address and locate the address respectively.
Can last mile delivery logistics app optimize shipping business processes?
The range at which technology is operating promises the best of the business processes. With drones and autonomous vehicles being the future of last mile delivery logistic system, it is eminent that logistics startups plan a digital shift to gain a first-mover advantage of the lastest slice of technology.
For the businessmen with an appetite to move scales of the logistics business, here is how you can fix your last mile delivery approach:
The key lies in simplification
Put an end to the drivers’ juggle between a map app and business app with delivery route planning and optimization software. Say for instance, a delivery man is out with 5 different parcels. With an optimized route, delivery can beat the heat of traffic and save on the fuel cost. In addition, a granular-level view on deliveries through a simple mobile app can help them gauge the priority service.
Since time is the essence for the last mile delivery service, an automatic dispatch can help logistics businesses in assigning the right task to the driver right around the corner and save excess idle time.
Take a consumer-centric approach
The business adages – Consumer is the king and Communication is the key – can be derived as the propelling forces for logistics business. However, consumer satisfaction relies on effective communication.
For the development of a last mile delivery software, communication modules can be integrated with a 24X7X365 days service availability. In case of disparities, consumers will find it easy to rely on systems that address their concerns rather than the ones that operate through email concerns.
Another crucial business element is a feedback system. Since logistics businesses operating on the offline last mile delivery modes cannot bridge the gap in to bond with consumers, an integrated feedback system can make consumers feel their importance in the process. This, in turn, can also be useful for logistics companies to view the grey areas in their processes.
Never take data for granted
A good analyst can make a great businessmen.The fact, in fact, portends the importance of reports and analytics for a logistics business. Though simple data such as delivery completed, the consumer cannot be reached, and delivery scheduled, having proper analytics in place is integral for scaling the logistics business.
With the help of an admin-side app, businessmen can determine their key parameters through which they can gauge the performance of their businesses. For example, a dashboard with data regarding total distance traveled by all the drivers combined will help in estimating the monthly fuel cost and ways to control these costs. Similarly, data regarding the service time for each delivery can help in measuring the customer satisfaction rate.
A well-optimized last mile delivery service can help disrupt the entire supply chain and bring in more partnerships with eCommerce companies, meaning, a sustained business model!
Now that you know how important it is to stay one step ahead of the competition with last mile delivery services, it’s time to get to know how to get to that extra mile.
How to go about a last mile delivery management solution?
Despite having the perfect business software, exactly like your competitor, you are bound to fail if you don’t analyze your business requisite. Take for instance, your businesses’ unique selling proposition and build a last mile delivery logistics app around it.
If time is what you are trying to beat, think of an app with lots of route optimization, heat maps, and GPS-integrated features.
If you are looking at achieving customer satisfaction, think of an app from the perspective of a consumer waiting anxiously to receive his parcel. And you will focus on communication modules and real-time tracking of driver.
If you are planning to expand, you are bound to integrate features that tell you about the minutest transaction happening within your business arena with detailed reports and analytics.
However, an ideal last mile delivery logistics system is a blend of time-efficiency, customer satisfaction, and predictive analytics. Since last mile shipping service accounts for ~20% of the total supply chain cost, it is crucial that you have all your delivery operations aligned to make the most out of the resources without having to squeeze your profit margin.
Another aspect lies in experience. Since a distinguished experience can have a long-term impact on your consumers, incorporate features other than that of your competitors to cater to a unique consumer retention cycle. For instance, take your proof of delivery module to new heights. Do away with the traditional paper and pen and barcode system. Try digital signature and OTP and win consumers through convenience.
That being said, the last mile delivery software can take your logistics business to higher scales, when you decide to operate within the range of innovation. However, thoughtful planning must meet action, which becomes easier if you hire a software development company to develop your personalized last mile delivery logistics software.
