The transport logistics sector is an evolving world. Technology has been amongst its biggest investors in an aim to improve service delivery. More and more companies have opted for technology in place of manual labor. However, since this is a complex industry, issues of inefficiency and failure still emerge.
Various problems have been addressed using mobile applications. This invention did come in handy to bridge the gap between drivers, shippers, and clients. Unfortunately, it did not completely solve the problems. The application boosted areas such as communication, tracking, stock, and labor management.
Technology application on transport logistics has had impressive success stories. Developers such as Yalantis.com have come up with even better ways of handling logistics. A single application can help determine delivery, driver number, stock allocation, and costs.
Role of technology
There is no doubt that technology makes work easier, efficient, and effective. Technology now plays a major role in the success of transportation. Here are the roles of technology:
- Tracking
The ability to know the location of the delivery truck is beneficial for logistics companies. This eliminates drivers delaying and stopping spots. As of now, using an app and tracker, the company can monitor shipment as it happens.
- Maps Apps
Transport companies deliver goods to any destination. Some locations are not well known even to drivers. Using the Map Apps, it is easy to get the correct route as well as avoid traffic.
- Customer portals
The service is just a click away. Nothing would have been better than this technology. Customers can easily navigate and choose a service at the tap of a button. This eliminates the struggle of getting customer care help on call.
Major Challenges in the Logistics Industry
Technology has positive gains, but it has not eliminated the logistics problems. The major challenge has been managing and using data effectively and scheduling work processes. Here are some of the challenges:
- Poor Coordination
Coordination of manual labor and process alignment remains a challenge. No app or technology could handle arising errors such as manual labor missing work. The logistics industry involves various parties, and it is hard to control all their activities from a single point. Managers, clients, storekeepers, and manufacturers all work depending on arising demands. The best solution would be software that coordinates all the parties. It is somehow technical, considering the industry does not have specific work schedules.
- Transportation Costs
Transportation costs take a huge chunk of the company’s income. Fuel prices go up and transportation costs continue to rise. The logistics industry relies on fuel prices to determine their overall transportation prices. The increase in fuel prices causes unfair competition, with other carriers opting to lower their costs. The clients, in some cases, use different carriers to lower the general cost.
- Delivery delays
Customers always want their goods delivered in time. Although delivery time varies depending on the speed and transport system, delivery delays are one to avoid. Transport companies are, however, not able to avoid delays, especially when faced with traffic. Technology has brought good technology such as Map Apps, but it cannot eliminate traffic.
- Fragmented communication
Communication remains the most important tool in the service industry. Amongst the biggest challenges is usually fragmented communication. Some delivery locations are isolated with bad network reception. This may remain a challenge until all areas get developed.
- Lack of automation in Logistics
Automation plays a significant role in meeting client’s orders. However, automation requires significant funds. Companies that depend on trucks only as a way of delivery miss out on many clients. Currently, drones and droids have been used in transportation.
The Smartest Solution to All Your Logistics Business Problems
Automation of Logistics
Technology has continued to evolve, bringing forth faster, more convenient methods of delivery. Nowadays, clients want faster delivery which may include same-day delivery. As a logistics company, you may have to improve on delivery methods, including the use of drones and droids.
Improve on Coordination
It is essential to have a system that monitors and issues the flow of activities directly. Companies should allocate delivery based on location and urgency. This should include the use of documentation and a log system for workers.
Digital solutions
Companies usually monitor the delivery truck and so should the clients. It is essential if a client could monitor the location of their goods in transit. This helps the customer feel more relaxed and confident on service delivery. Companies should also look at having a website that covers all their services.
Local warehousing
As technology evolves, different companies are offering faster options to deliver goods. Clients are now looking at how fast the goods will arrive. To enhance the speed of delivery, logistics companies should consider having local warehouses. The local warehouse can cater to same-day delivery options. Automation of the industry may be moving to hours or minutes delivery options. Robots can help in managing the warehouses in terms of stacking goods. The use of robots in warehouses continues to be implemented.
Enhanced Customer Service
Customers require transparency of their goods at any point in time. It is important to have an improved system that connects customers to the support help, driver, and truck location. As technology evolves, there is a need to enhance how customers receive feedback. This can include setting up a chat option.
Amongst the best ways to reduce transportation costs is to minimize stops. A navigation app should help provide optimal routes as well as eliminate trouble spots. These apps are usually very effective and provide a faster route. It is important to choose an app that is convenient and easy to use for drivers and shippers. All the parties should be involved in choosing the app.
Vehicle and Stock Maintenance app
To eliminate cases of truck breakdown and stock shortage, it is crucial to have a maintenance strategy. A vehicle maintenance app should help the company monitor the conditions of the vehicles and get alerts when a service is needed. Stock management is also important in streamlining the logistics process. This could include package types, durability, date of expiry, among others.
Technology has become so beneficial and there is certainly no going back in terms of convenience. As a logistics company investing in technology is crucial, although it can be pricey. Several apps have been developed and seem to make work easier and more coordinated. The most important is considering an application that suits the customer’s needs. However, moving forward, clients are looking into faster delivery options than before.
