Shipment Tracking Software Overview
Shipment tracking software is an invaluable tool for businesses to manage and monitor the progress of their shipments as they are transported around the world. This type of software enables businesses to stay on top of shipping trends and statuses, ensuring that their merchandise is delivered efficiently to its destination. With real-time visibility into a shipment's location, companies can plan ahead for any potential delays or other issues that could arise during transit.
At its most basic level, shipment tracking software utilizes GPS technology to track a package’s journey from point A to point B. This allows users to log in at any time and find out where their package is located, what stage of transit it has reached, and how close it is to reaching its destination. The system also provides detailed information about the journey such as estimated delivery times, delivery estimates based on traffic conditions, and estimated arrival time.
However, this type of software offers much more than just tracking capabilities; many solutions provide additional features such as notifications via email or text message when a package arrives at certain locations along the way. Additionally, some systems allow users to set parameters such as temperature ranges while in transit so they can be alerted if something goes wrong along the way (i.e., if perishable items get too hot or cold during transport).
The other major benefit associated with shipment tracking software is data analysis capabilities which allow managers to gain deeper insights into their supply chain operations. For example, managers can use the collected data points from each shipment journey (destination city/state/country; pickup and dropoff dates/times; distance traveled; etc.) to analyze trends over time or locate areas within their operations that may need improvement moving forward. Additionally, integration between freight forwarding companies and shippers often allows users access to real-time details about various carriers prior to selecting one for a specific job, including pricing comparisons between different providers based on speed/distance of route taken, etc. This helps ensure that companies select the most cost-effective option for each job every single time, saving them both money and hassle.
Overall, there are numerous benefits associated with using reliable shipment tracking software solutions—improving operational efficiency by providing accurate visibility into packages' whereabouts throughout transit while simultaneously helping businesses identify trends in order fulfillment costs over time so they can make informed decisions moving forward.
Why Use Shipment Tracking Software?
- Improved Efficiency: Shipment tracking software provides an efficient and streamlined system to monitor the progress of shipments. It allows companies to easily track shipments in real-time, ensuring that they can quickly address any delays or issues that may arise.
- Enhanced Visibility: With shipment tracking software, companies have greater visibility over their entire supply chain network. They are able to monitor exactly where a shipment is at all times, allowing them to accurately anticipate when the shipment will arrive and adjust processes accordingly.
- Increased Accuracy: Shipment tracking software reduces the risk of lost or misplaced shipments by providing up-to-date information about a package’s journey from point A to B. Companies also gain more accuracy in reporting arrival dates for customers due to the improved visibility afforded by this technology.
- Reduced Costs: By having an organized process for monitoring shipping operations, costs associated with rerouting services or purchasing additional supplies due to errors can be minimized. Furthermore, the improved accuracy of data provided by these systems helps avoid costly mistakes that may result from human error.
- Automated Record Keeping: The use of shipment tracking software eliminates manual processes such as double entering data which saves time and money invested in employee labor costs while avoiding potential errors made during manual keying in tasks as well as consistent speedup of delivery timelines without compromising on accuracy.
The Importance of Shipment Tracking Software
Shipment tracking software is important for businesses to use because it helps them provide better customer service and maintain accurate records.
At the most basic level, shipment tracking software enables customers to easily track their orders from the time they are placed until delivery. Knowing when a package will arrive gives customers peace of mind so they can plan accordingly. This kind of transparency is essential in providing good customer service and building trust with clients.
From a business perspective, having shipment tracking software simplifies the process of keeping track of inventory levels and shipments sent out. This leads to more efficient operations and fewer mistakes. Businesses can monitor incoming deliveries as well as outgoing merchandise which allows them to quickly identify any issues or discrepancies should they arise during transit. With an accurate record of all current shipments, managers are able to make better decisions about future orders and stock up on necessary items in a timely manner.
Additionally, shipment tracking software also provides useful data that businesses can use for marketing purposes or to strategize new strategies for improving operations further down the line. Detailed information such as delivery routes, costs, trends over time and even shipping methods used by competitors can be gathered from shipment tracking software and used to gain insight into areas where improvements could be made within the company's own processes or services offered overall.
Overall, using shipment tracking software is beneficial for both businesses and customers alike since it promotes better service quality all around while facilitating data-driven decision making that ultimately leads to more efficient operations and satisfied clients who feel confident trusting your business with their orders again in the future.
What Features Does Shipment Tracking Software Provide?
- Real-Time Tracking: Shipments tracking software provide real-time tracking information, allowing customers to review a package’s current location and estimated delivery time.
- Route Optimization: Many shipment tracking providers utilize the latest optimization technologies to route packages in the most efficient manner possible, reducing shipping costs and transit times for businesses.
- Delivery Notifications: End users are provided with notifications about their packages that are being tracked, alerting them when shipments have been delivered or have had delays due to circumstances outside of their control.
- Live Customer Support: Live customer support is typically offered through the app or website, ensuring customers always receive quick responses and assistance in resolving any issues that may arise with their order.
- Automated Alerts & Reports: Automated alerts and reports allow customers to stay up-to-date on their order's progress without having to constantly monitor it themselves manually. They can also set specific triggers such as “notify me when my package reaches its destination” or “send me a notification if delivery is delayed by more than 8 hours”.
- Customizable Tracking Page: Some shipment tracking providers also offer a customizable tracking page which can be linked directly from your website in order to provide customers with a more personalized experience of monitoring their orders on your platform rather than leaving your site completely for this purpose alone. This not only makes it easier for them but increases customer loyalty as well.
- Analytical Data: By analyzing the data from their shipment tracking software, customers can gain valuable insight into areas where shipping processes and customer service can be improved in the future.
What Types of Users Can Benefit From Shipment Tracking Software?
- Logistics Companies: Shipment tracking software allows logistics companies to easily keep track of packages and shipments from the moment they are sent until they arrive at their destination. This ensures that customers receive their orders on time and in perfect condition.
- Retailers: Retailers can benefit from having real-time tracking information of their products as it travels through the supply chain, allowing them to plan better for future demand.
- Courier Companies: Couriers can use shipment tracking software to provide a better customer experience by providing up-to-date information about delivery times and locations, as well as live updates when any delays occur. It also helps them manage inventory more efficiently.
- Warehouse Operators: Warehouse operators can use shipment tracking software to organize shipments effectively before they reach their destination, minimize manual data entry errors, and improve asset utilization by optimizing inventory levels across warehouses.
- 3PL Providers: Third-party logistics providers can use shipment tracking software to streamline warehouse management operations and make sure all packages are delivered in good condition, reducing overall costs and improving customer satisfaction.
- Businesses with Multiple Locations: Using shipment tracking software enables businesses with multiple locations or those with franchise outlets to track the progress of orders while ensuring accuracy over long distances. The system also gives businesses visibility into inventory levels across different locations so they can adequately prepare for sudden spikes in demand or shortages due to unexpected delays.
- Online Customers: End-users or customers can take advantage of shipment tracking software to find out when their orders will arrive, track deliveries in real-time, and even retrieve lost items quickly. It also allows customers to better plan for the arrival of their orders and make sure they are available when it arrives.
How Much Does Shipment Tracking Software Cost?
The cost of shipment tracking software depends on the specific features and capabilities you require. Some basic, standalone software may start at a few hundred dollars for a one-time purchase, but more comprehensive software packages can range up to thousands of dollars with an ongoing subscription fee.
The most important factor in determining the cost of shipment tracking software is the complexity of your needs. If you use multiple carriers who provide different kinds of services, or if you have a large volume of shipments that need to be tracked and managed, then more comprehensive solutions may be necessary, as well as higher prices. The cost will also vary depending on how often you need updates and support, how much training and technical assistance you require, and if you need additional integrations with existing systems or customized reports.
When evaluating shipment tracking software options, it’s important to consider all facets of your business needs to ensure that the price reflects the value provided by the solution. Many providers offer free trials so that businesses can test out the software before purchasing it. Additionally, some companies offer discounts for bulk purchases or long-term contracts, so it pays to shop around for the best deal possible.
Risks Associated With Shipment Tracking Software
The risks associated with shipment tracking software include:
- System outages or slowdowns which can lead to a delay in getting goods to their destination.
- Data breaches or other unauthorized access which could create security vulnerabilities.
- Incorrect data entry which could lead to inaccurate reports and data discrepancies resulting in miscalculated shipping costs and delays.
- Inadequate training of personnel which could result in incorrect operation of the software and inaccurate reporting.
- Lack of integration into existing infrastructure which can create unnecessary work for staff responsible for interfacing with the software.
- Costly upgrades that may not be necessary if there are no extra features required, but are still important to maintain system performance and stability.
- Potential risks from outside entities gaining access to personal data collected by the software, such as customer addresses and credit card information.
What Does Shipment Tracking Software Integrate With?
Shipment tracking software can integrate with a variety of different types of softwares. Accounting and financial software, such as Quickbooks and MYOB, might be used to track payment information for shipments. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is often integrated with shipment tracking systems to better coordinate the entire supply chain process from order entry to delivery. Warehouse management systems are also often combined with shipment tracking software in order to accurately capture product locations, movement, and related data within the warehouse or distribution center. Finally, customer relationship management (CRM) applications are sometimes linked with shipment tracking tools so that customers can easily access their shipping records online.
Questions To Ask Related To Shipment Tracking Software
- Does the software have real-time tracking capabilities?
- How does the software handle international shipments?
- Does it support multiple carriers and services?
- Is there a way to access shipment history, tracking statuses, and let customers know of any changes in delivery time or date?
- What tooling is available for integrating with existing web storefronts to provide automated updates on the status of purchases?
- What kind of customer service is provided with the software, and how quickly will questions be answered?
- Are there analytics and reporting features that allow me to track trends in shipping, carrier performance, cost analysis, etc.?
- Is there an API available so that we can integrate our own custom applications with this system?
- Is any experience required in order to use the system? If so what kind of training is provided or offered by the software provider?
- What is the cost associated with using this solution compared to other options that may be available on the market today?