Top in-demand parcel shipping services technologies
With the world fast turning into a global village, shipping has become increasingly inevitable for nations and individuals. With worldwide revenue of just over $350 billion generated in 2019 alone, this industry is worth investing in. However, it comes with its own share of challenges. Most notably, inadequate planning and preparation may present logistical nightmares of great proportions.
Each year, billions of dollars are lost in an attempt to rectify shipping errors. Wrong destinations, parcel weight miscalculations, improper packaging, and poor freight management are just some of the many costly mistakes made by shipping companies.
Fortunately, in today’s digital era these errors are avoidable. Innovative software development companies have come up with top-notch solutions that can make the management and tracking of delivery much easier. Below is a list of the most sought-after parcel shipping technologies to minimize your expenses and save you time.
Multi-carrier shipping system software
This software serves as a database for carriers. It helps shipping companies find the right carrier company to do their bidding. Furthermore, it will enable them to process all the required documentation, shipping, arrival dates, and find the most affordable carrier. Managing to perform all these tasks on a single platform is convenient, saving companies money and time. This software is recommended for all shipping companies wishing to transport their goods quickly and hassle-free.
FREIGHT BROKERS SOFTWARE
Freight brokers are the middlemen between shipping companies and carrier companies. These brokers are constantly looking for new clients, paying their current carriers, inspecting and approving carriers, and invoicing new jobs. These are just a few of the many jobs that the freight brokers’ software may assist brokers with. All the activities may be monitored and modified from one platform, making it faster and convenient.
ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
An order management system(OMS) is the software purposed for tracking the shipment process of an order from the time it is placed till it reaches its final destination. The software begins working as soon as the order requisition is made. It informs the shipping company on whether the product requested is in stock or not. If many storage units are used, it tells them which one of them has the required product. Furthermore, if a particular product runs out of stock, the software alerts the storage personnel to take appropriate action.
Algorithms within this software allow the user to calculate the fees that would have to be paid before it reaches its destination. This works well in executing a flawless transaction and helps choose the most cost-effective strategy to get the goods delivered. OMS software even allows manufacturers to get goods delivered directly to the consumers. The benefits associated with this software are many and can help save plenty of time and money.
SHIPPING LABEL SOFTWARE
Shipping comes with several labeling regulations that need to be followed. Placing a sticker on the side of a crate may at times not be enough. To avoid delays and the consequent loss of money, great care must be taken to ensure that all shipment labels are up to standard. The shipping label software allows shippers to design and print the correct labels depending on the shipped goods. Some of the purposes of these labels include ensuring safety standards are followed, allowing shipments to be identified, proper handling, adherence to shipping regulations, and help cover the contents being shipped.
SHIPMENT TRACKING SOFTWARE
It is natural for anyone with a parcel on the move to want to know where it is at any given time. This helps with planning for its arrival as well as acting quickly in case of any hindrances. Shipment tracking software is available to provide shippers with real-time updates on the whereabouts of their goods. Some of this shipment tracking software allows shippers to develop a cost-effective route and give instructions to their carrier company. Additionally, the ability to provide clients real-time feedback serves as a marketing tool. This is because the convenience of the shipment tracking software allows shippers and clients to rest easy knowing their shipment is en route to its destination.
IN CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 pandemic has fast-tracked the growth of e-commerce. More people now prefer placing an order for something they would have otherwise gone to their local store for. Therefore, supply chain professionals should improve their services to stay competitive and gain from this e-commerce boom.
Many now available and in development software tools, help shipping companies go about their business with ease. Depending on the specifics of your business, you may choose any of these software to save time and money by reducing inventory errors, additional overhead costs, and delays. Customized software can help with specific needs and improve records keeping using a custom-made system that will allow a seamless integration into your everyday business activities. As some software may be expensive to acquire, choosing the wrong software would be a step in the wrong direction.
Innovative industry 5.0 technologies like multi-carrier shipping software and OMS have revolutionized shipping services. Companies with these in their tech stack offer clients visibility into every step of the process, thus gaining their trust.