Overview

eCommerce logistics is always about faster versus bigger; and here, faster deliver wins.

With an estimated 32% rise in 2020, ¹ eCommerce can be safely termed as the most lucrative business space. However, the only challenge is to deliver on time.

eCommerce banks heavily on order fulfilment, flexibility, and speed – the new game of the new generation. Third-party logistics cannot meet customer demands always because of the complexities of their networks.

eCommerce sales increased because of the pandemic. It pushed more and more people to buy online. We have witnessed the world changing during the pandemic and the lockdown that brought the world indoors. The sudden spike of online shoppers was no surprise.

However, the increasing sales gladdened retailers but also made them apprehensive. The sudden rise in online buying behaviour made running delivery businesses more challenging.

In comes eCommerce logistics.

How Do You Define eCommerce Logistics?

eCommerce logistics is all about the 6 important supply chain functions. It encompasses many aspects of order processing, inventory and warehouse management, packaging, shipping or transpiration, as well as cargo handling. The complete cycle sums up order fulfilment for an online store.

While businesses often choose third-parties to outsource order fulfilment, others have their resources with last-mile technology for handling order fulfilment.

But, what happens when you face one of the following situations:

• Sudden outpouring orders
• A driver is underworked or overworked
• Driver speeds to meet a deadline
• Provide correct ETA

A delivery management system can help you with this. RoutPlaner is a software, or routing app, with different features for smooth and seamless delivery.

Features of Routing Software To Assist Delivery Management

Let us understand how delivery management system or routing software can boost delivery services amidst this boon:

Route Planner & Optimiser

When you are delivering to several customers, you cannot depend on manual route planning. It is not a practical option anymore. Rather, it is a time-consuming affair. Moreover, it is humanly impossible to predict weather conditions, traffic, and other constraints. A software like RoutPlaner comes with dynamic features to optimise routes and assist you to plan the routes with multiple halts in seconds. Besides, the software also allows you to add stops on the route without restricting users.

Route Re-optimisation

RoutPlaner also optimises the route based on real-time road situations. For instance, if there are changes in the traffic conditions, it helps you to re-plan quickly.

A pre-installed app on the smartphone of the drivers is always better. The software allows the re-planning of halts adhering to real-time traffic. You can add or delete stops and check the average time spent per stop for accurate ETA management.

GPS Tracking & Route Monitoring

GPS tracking is the most efficient technique to monitor deliveries. If an order has not been reached on time, it can help you to update the customer when they query. You need not connect with the driver to ask them about their location or ETA.

Integrated tracking of routes is an excellent feature that allows you to track drivers and determine their ETAs. However, that is not all. You can also utilise other features like vehicle tracking for multiple routes planning to ensure the safety of your drivers.

Receiver Notification

Do not lay back thinking that customers are happy with an ETA notification. Customers demand a better experience. Your role is to keep your customers informed at every step and enable Live Tracking. RoutPlaner can do that for your business.

The inbuilt customer alert and notification is a feature that allows you to send alerts via email/voice calls/SMS to customers regarding orders. Customers can also use the dashboard to track the delivery status. Besides the alert notifying customers about the orders and arrival, the feature also satisfies online shoppers.

Precisely, notify customers with ETA, and ensure to meet it, for trust and loyalty. Both are rewarding in a business.

Delivery Proof

For a smooth and seamless experience, proof of delivery is necessary. You can either capture a signature or take a photo for verification. If customers have to sign the package, drivers can take signatures online through the app installed on the smartphone. Only a stylus or finger is enough.

In case the customer is not available for receiving the package, the driver could leave the parcel in a secured location and take a photo. In both ways, customers receive the final notification of package delivery.

eCommerce Logistics Best Practices

Customers want options when it comes to shipping. They want fast and sustainable free shipping. Here are your options as a business:

• Free Shipping: This is a sure-fire way to drive your sales. Customers do not want to spend a dime on shipping. So, make a note and let your business grow.
• Prescheduled Delivery: Companies can process several deliveries in a shot with this feature. Your business can cut costs as they combine deliveries into a single job.
• Same Day Shipping: This also remains customers’ favourite but logistics have to be lightning-fast for this. Retailers offering this option usually have more customers. They can also increase their cost-per-delivery, as customers are willing to pay for this.
• Zero Emission Delivery: Green logistics is coming up in a big way. It is good for consumers, retailers, as well as the plant. All retail giants introduced sustainable strategies for distribution, which is carbon-neutral shipping. When businesses find it difficult to fulfil a sustainable order, this is the best way.
• Paperless Delivery: Another way of promoting sustainability within an online store is by choosing paperless shipping. You can implement the necessary software to empower electronic signatures.
• No Contact Delivery: During the pandemic, no contact delivery has been the new norm. Even drop-shipping is a popular option. It keeps customers safer and it is cheaper from a business perspective too.

Reverse Logistics: Returns are processed through reverse logistics – wherein, products come back from customers to business. Having a robust system is necessary to cater to clients on a large scale, as returns are unavoidable for any eCommerce business.

Final Thoughts

The RoutPlaner app is designed for modern eCommerce businesses. The app is targeted to make deliveries more streamlined and efficient by sourcing the best route, connecting the driver with the dispatch team to make necessary route adjustments, allowing additional details according to changing preferences, providing information to drivers to complete stops quickly, and providing accurate updates to customers.

RoutPlaner includes all the necessary features to boost the delivery process.