Small and medium-sized express and last-mile delivery providers in Singapore are increasingly recognizing the need for automation to stay ahead of competition in today’s digital age. A logistics ERP system that is integrated with Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transport Management System (TMS) modules offers a comprehensive solution that can streamline and transform your operations.
In this article, our logistics software experts at One Logis will guide you through the key features to consider when choosing a high-quality system that is tailored to the unique needs of express and last-mile delivery providers.
Read on to learn more!
1. Real-Time Tracking Visibility:
One of the most important features that a TMS should offer is real-time tracking visibility.
This allows you to monitor the status of deliveries and provide live updates to both your operations team and customers. With real-time tracking, you can proactively address any delays, communicate accurate delivery times, and ensure transparency throughout the entire delivery process.
For instance, imagine a mother has placed an online order for a milk bottle for her new-born baby, and is eagerly awaiting the delivery of the package so that she can plan the feeding schedule. With a TMS, you can provide the merchant with a tracking link that enables your customer to monitor the progress of their delivery in real-time. This feature builds trust and enhances the overall customer experience.
A good system will also allow you to deliver the experience via your own branded web portal, so that it helps build brand awareness for your logistics business and is easily accessible by the customers.
2. Route Optimization with Order & Dispatch Management:
Even though Singapore is a small country, efficient route optimization and order/dispatch management are nevertheless vital features for express and last-mile delivery providers.
A robust TMS should offer intelligent algorithms that optimize routes based on factors like traffic conditions, delivery schedules, and vehicle capacities. By optimizing routes, you can minimize fuel costs, reduce delivery times, and improve resource allocation, especially during peak hours. Your delivery assets can cover more densely populated towns in Singapore within a shorter distance.
To illustrate, when a new order comes in, the TMS can automatically assign it to the appropriate driver based on proximity of his current location and existing workload. Order dispatchers can view the delivery routes on an electronic map and make necessary adjustments if needed. Drivers receive real-time updates on their mobile devices, providing them with updated directions and estimated time of arrivals.
Therefore, effective order and dispatch management features enable seamless coordination between drivers and dispatchers. With real-time updates and clear visibility into order statuses, you can ensure smooth operations and better productivity!
3. Warehouse Management and Inventory Control:
Express and last-mile delivery providers often deal with large sorting hubs or distribution warehouses with complex inventory management requirements. A logistics ERP system should provide comprehensive warehouse management system (WMS) and inventory control features to optimize storage space, improve picking accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.
Features such as barcode & RFID scanning and real-time inventory updates can greatly streamline operations. These features minimize errors, reduce manual efforts, and enable accurate tracking of stock levels.
With efficient warehouse management and inventory control, you can ensure that the right products are readily available for delivery, resulting in faster order fulfillment and utilization of your warehouse assets.
4. Electronic Proof of Delivery:
The electronic proof of delivery (e-POD) feature is a critical component for express and last-mile delivery providers. This feature allows you to capture and store electronic signatures and images, which can provide supporting evidence that confirms the successful completion of a delivery.
By digitizing the traditional paper process, you can achieve several benefits below:
- Improve efficiency – less manual paperwork means more time for deliveries!
- Reduce the risk of lost or misplaced delivery records – save cost by replace filing system and the need to provide physical storage.
- Minimize risk of theft – promotes accountability and transparency. Coupled with real-time tracking feature, e-POD serves as huge deterrent for errant drivers.
- Improve customer relationships – customers can access the information through portals or automated notifications, providing them with the reassurance that their delivery has been completed and minimize any disputes.
5. Integration Capabilities:
When choosing a logistics ERP system, it is crucial to consider its integration capabilities.
Express delivery operations are highly complex and often require partnership with other stakeholders. Seamless integration with these stakeholders such as transportation carriers and e-commerce platforms help to ensure consistency across operations.
Furthermore, it is also useful to ensure smooth integration with other systems such as customer relationship management (CRM), TMS, WMS and accounting systems to minimize data entry errors.
The integration also needs to be highly secured given the importance of data protection. A good system will need to ensure that secure implementation protocols are adopted, and robust authentication mechanisms are available, to safeguard against data breaches.
6. Financial Reporting and Analytics
Finally, a comprehensive logistics ERP system should provide robust financial reporting and analytics capabilities. By leveraging automation, you can streamline your accounting processes and gain valuable insights into your business performance.
Powerful reporting and analytics features enable you to track key financial metrics in a timely fashion. You can study revenue per package and direct cost per package data to understand unit economics and profitability trends. Timely reporting of relevant information empowers you to identify areas for improvement and make better operational decisions to maximize your profits!
Accelerate Your Express and Last-Mile Delivery Business Growth with Transport Management System Today!
Choosing the right logistics ERP system is essential for small and medium-sized express and last-mile delivery providers looking to digitize their workflows. With features such as real-time tracking visibility, route optimization, warehouse management, ePOD, integration capabilities and financial reporting, you can automate your operations and maximize productivity.
One Logis is a proven provider of digital solutions for express and last-mile delivery providers with almost two decades of experience since our founding in 2006.
Contact our friendly consultants today to learn more about our unique solutions that help you transform your business and gain a competitive edge over your peers!