How to Choose The Best Last-Mile Delivery Software?

Choosing the best last-mile delivery software will help logistics companies to achieve cost optimization, on-time deliveries, and customer satisfaction.

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With the penetration of the internet in the most remote areas of the world, the spending power of the masses has increased. This is causing drastic changes and growth in the last-mile delivery landscape. Covid acted as a catalyst for market segments like FMCG, retail, eCommerce, etc., which left the companies wondering how to manage on-demand deliveries or less than 30-minute deliveries. By opting for the best last-mile delivery software, it can be achieved with ease.

This gave rise to the need for automation of last-mile delivery logistics, which echoed well with the customers. They are now aware of the fact that goods can be delivered to them within a few hours. However, this has raised the bar for fulfilling the expectation of consumers, thus adding to the burden.

Through last-mile delivery software, logistics companies can streamline their functions, allowing them to cut down their expenses. Additionally, it brings visibility, enabling the companies to utilize their resources, including delivery agents, most effectively. 

But even more important is that you must invest in last-mile delivery software that is best suited for your business. Keep reading the blog to know the must-have features of last-mile delivery software.

What are the Reasons to Invest in Last-Mile Delivery Software?

Why is it that logistics companies are searching for that one perfect last-mile delivery system? Is it because it allows companies to deliver customers a seamless experience? After all, customer satisfaction is the prime reason many retailers choose logistics companies that will help them deliver the promise of free and fast delivery. 

Another reason the last mile delivery software is in demand is that companies must reduce operating costs. Last-mile delivery is the last leg of the supply chain but is also the most expensive. It accounts for more than half of the entire supply chain operating cost. The reasons are failed deliveries, lack of optimized routes, fuel costs, idling, and downtime. These factors contribute to making this leg the most expensive.

Cost is not the only problem that the last mile is riddled with. Last-mile managers also suffer from a lack of visibility required for smooth deliveries. Even obsolete technology and manual method of working and assigning deliveries also hinder the companies from providing consumers with an exceptional delivery experience. 

Consumers today want convenience and price concessions which is possible only with the D2C e-commerce model. D2C businesses are looking to strengthen their last-mile capabilities, or they might lose against the competition. To reduce the gap between regional warehouses and consumer doorsteps, D2C brands are looking to adopt last-mile delivery solutions. They are looking to gain convince, flexibility, and sustainability through the software. 

These problems drive logistics fleet tracking companies to adopt a last-mile delivery platform.

Essential Features of Last-Mile Software

The fact that a last-mile delivery system can help you address all the challenges and difficulties of the process is reason enough to invest in it. But the question arises- what to select when selecting. 

But no need to worry; we are here to help you and make the process of choosing the last-mile delivery software easier. We do this by listing a series of features and solutions that are a must in the software of your choice. Scroll down to get a better understanding of the features. 👇

Delivery Automation

How wonderful it would be that the tasks and deliveries get auto-assigned. Well, to fulfil that wish of yours, an efficient last-mile delivery software offers the automation of assigning deliveries.

Route Optimization

Route optimization is one feature that will ensure your delivery agents deliver the parcel on time. Not only this but through the optimization of routes, companies will move towards minimizing delivery instances and charges/costs.

This feature considers various factors such as a delivery address, road conditions, traffic or roadblocks and weather conditions, the force available, and distance, to name a few. Balancing these factors automatically suggests an effective and shortest route.

Furthermore, managers have the option to customize and geofence paths and stops and auto-save routes for regular deliveries.

Dynamic Dispatcher

Building upon the previous point, the automated or dynamic dispatch feature is vital for successful last-mile delivery. Dynamic dispatcher automatically puts forth the orders that are on a priority basis, along with displaying a chart of best-suited vehicles based on the path and delivery agent. 

The feature allows managers to utilize the available resources and workforce optimally.

Real-Time Monitoring

It is vital for managers to get real-time visibility of delivery agents’ whereabouts and actions, and deliveries. And only through the software’s automated monitoring feature can you track them without slowing them down.

This means managers know where their delivery agents are and receive instant alerts if they deviate from the assigned routes. In addition, the software’s application lets managers keep track of the entire delivery team in real-time by highlighting their progress on a route map.

ETAs and POD

Providing your customers with accurate ETAs is essential for customer satisfaction; last-mile delivery software can help attain this. Nowadays, even customers demand real-time updates on their orders, and why not! Estimated-time-of-arrival update keeps the customers informed at every step of the delivery process.

Another essential feature of last-mile delivery software is POD. It is crucial as it signifies the successful delivery of orders and the end of the last-mile process. The software offers electronic POD through OPT, e-signature, OR code scan, and automatic to make it easy for delivery agents.

Data and Metrics

Managers can record, analyze and measure the delivery workforce’s performance through automated analytical reports. For example, they get consolidated reports on every alert sent, times the agent deviates from the path, and total expenses incurred and reimbursed, etc.

Rider Roster Management

To prevent you from wasting time and effort on manually planning out the delivery schedules of the riders, the last-mile delivery software offers rider roster management. Through it, you can automate scheduling morning and night shifts according to the workforce and vehicles available.

Customer Feedback

For logistic companies to improve their delivery services, they require two things: last-mile delivery software and second to hear the feedback of the customers. And delivery agents are the perfect way to collect customer feedback and suggestions. They can do it through the happiness code. In it, the customers receive an SMS to share a happiness code.

Dual App

There is a separate app for staff managers and a rider app.

In the rider app, the delivery agents get remote access to data and gain information like the address of the receiver, route to undertake, stops to make, etc. It also has an inbuilt chat box through which they can connect with their in-office staff when faced with an obstacle.

Whereas the staff manager app consists of features that allow them to gain real time updates on the agents’ on-ground activity. Through it, the managers can view the attendance and absence of delivery agents as well as schedule deliveries.

What Services To Expect From Your Last-Mile Delivery Software Provider?

Before investing in last-mile delivery software, you need to be well-versed with the software provider. This is because they are the ones who you will be dealing with when investing, tweaking the software, and calling for solving glitches.

Elastic Customization

There is no limit to the amount of customization we offer. Right from adding required alerts and notifications to altering features, we do it all for our customers. This is because TrackoMile aims to help logistics businesses to scale by attaining customer satisfaction.

24×7 Technical Support

We provide 24×7 technical support to all our clients. Even at the slightest inconvenience, they can connect with our team of expert technicians on WhatsApp.

Cross Delivery Methods

The software is flexible and adaptive in nature. This means businesses dealing with last-mile, quick delivery, or hyperlocal deliveries can adopt the platform to ensure on-time delivery to customers.

Your Order has Been Delivered Successfully!👍

Successful and on-time deliveries are not only expected by customers but also by logistics companies. Because failed deliveries only mean disappointed customers and increased costs due to reattempt delivery. So to make your delivery execution foolproof, investing in last-mile delivery software is best.

TrackoMile is the best last-mile delivery software that offers solutions to automate your operations with great efficiency.