In 2023, technology will be the knight in shining armor for the logistics industry. The logistics industry is facing unique challenges as the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. But fear not, for technology is stepping up to the plate to boost growth and productivity, all while ensuring safety for consumers, clients, and drivers.
Logistics businesses grapple with supply chain difficulties, driver shortages, and retention problems. Other pressing concerns include compliance, safety, accountability, congestion and delays at customer facilities, vehicle capacity management, and driver fatigue.
The logistics industry is seeking technological solutions to modern-day delivery problems. One promising solution is the use of delivery management software. These robust platforms come in handy when streaming location and vehicle information, enabling real-time tracking of fleets, managing maintenance checks, and delivering shipments. In addition, by considering factors such as speed, traffic, weather, and more, accurate predictions can be made about arrival times.
Delivery management systems like NetworkON can readily integrate your existing technology stack to automate operations, create faster check-in and check-out processes, and enable shorter turnaround times. In the case of white-glove deliveries and transportation of large and bulky goods from warehouses, automation plays an integral role in increasing efficiency. Automated inventory progress is much faster and more accurate than manual processes, offering transparency to improve pick-up and drop-off efficiency.
How Delivery Management Software Makes the Lives of Delivery Partners Easier
Delivery management technology is a valuable tool for drivers. It allows them to streamline their routes, communicate with dispatch and customers, and access important information in real time. In addition, logistics and last-mile delivery businesses can leverage delivery management technologies in various ways. Some of them include the following.
- Automating the job allocation process with clear addresses on digital devices to reduce confusion
- Generating accurate ETAs for orders into the system and communicating it to the customers
- Using AI-powered capabilities to generate the most efficient routes for the driver
- Reducing delivery costs by saving drivers significant amounts of time and fuel
- Decreasing the amount of wear and tear on their vehicles with regular checks
- Giving delivery partners the ability to communicate with dispatch and customers in real-time
- Enabling push notifications for updating the status of a delivery job and making it visible to the dispatch team and customers in real-time
- Orchestrating digital proof of delivery for promoting transparency and accountability during a delivery
Delivery management technology also allows drivers to access important information, such as delivery instructions, customer contact information, and delivery history, all in one place. This can save drivers time and reduce the risk of errors, as they no longer have to rely on paper documents or multiple systems.
Safety of the Delivery Partners on the Road
Finally, with optimized routes and all the capabilities discussed above, drivers improve their safety on the road. How? Tracking and analyzing driver behavior, such as speeding and harsh braking, can be used to improve training and promote safer driving practices.
With detailed driver schedules available with the dispatch staff, they can restrict drivers with fatigue from receiving new jobs. Driving a vehicle when fatigued poses a significant risk to the driver and other road users. It can impair a person’s ability to focus, react quickly, and make safe decisions, all of which are critical skills for safe driving.
One of the most significant risks associated with driving when tired is the increased crash risk. Studies have shown that fatigue is a prominent contributor to motor vehicle accidents and that the risk of a crash increases as a person becomes more tired. In addition, it is common for drivers to have difficulty staying in their lane, maintaining a consistent speed, and responding to unexpected events on the road.
Overcoming Staffing Issues for Delivery Businesses
The logistics industry is always looking for skilled delivery partners but is often understaffed, leading to delays in the supply chain. While self-driving vehicles or drone deliveries may be the ultimate solution, they are not widely available. However, delivery management technology can still play a crucial role in alleviating this problem.
By integrating your existing technology platforms and POS with NetworkON, pickup and delivery businesses can boost driver productivity and reduce delays, making the job less taxing and promoting better driver retention. Additionally, appealing to Millennials who are comfortable with new technologies can help fill the driver gap caused by an aging workforce.
To retain skilled delivery partners reducing stress is key. For example, automating job assignments and fleet inspections can ease the burden on delivery partners. In addition, mobile technology can assist with navigation, route optimization, and weather monitoring, while wearable devices can track driver fatigue and alert them and the fleet of potential hazards.
Overall, technology can assist fleets and drivers in navigating compliance, safety, and accountability regulations while making the job easier and more efficient.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let supply chain challenges slow down your pickup and delivery business. Instead, start using NetworkON today and experience the benefits of increased driver efficiency, streamlined compliance adherence, and real-time tracking for all your deliveries. Schedule a demo with our experts today to see how NetworkON can transform your delivery business and help you scale it up to the next level.
For more information about our product and services, email us at info@networkon.io. You can learn more about NetworkON features here or visit our website for additional information.
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