Optimizing Last-Mile Delivery: How Downstream Supply Chain Management Software Keeps Logistics on Track

Logistics and supply chain companies, especially last-mile delivery management operations, are under pressure from global markets, competition, and changing client needs. Thus, optimizing last-mile delivery with best practices and the use of Downstream Supply Chain Management Software will grow their operations, fulfil consumer requests, and increase profitability.

So, what exactly is last-mile delivery

Last-mile delivery is the final segment of the supply chain and logistics network where products travel before arriving at the customer’s front door. It ensures timely and trouble-free delivery to achieve customer satisfaction. After all, customers rule!

Listed below are top 10 tips for any logistics & supply chain or delivery business. These tips develop, streamline, manage, measure, and improve last-mile delivery performance.

1.   Detailed planning

A detailed plan is an initial stage considering the many players in the supply chain that must collaborate to deliver parcels to clients at competitive prices and short delivery windows.

Since raw material supply, industrial employees, warehouse, inventory, fleet cars, drivers, delivery, and logistics must all operate toward the same goals, a master plan is necessary. Having one stakeholder at odds with another can lead to delays, inefficiency, and increased costs. A good operational plan must be adaptable, continually monitor changes, and improve operations.

2.   Adapt new technologies

Automation is the most significant improvement in current Downstream Supply Chain Management Software. It has ‘brought online’ all components of present complicated supply chains and greatly enhanced their efficiency.

Real-time information, 100% visibility, and live tracking assist Logistics Managers in managing an effective operation using the software’s comprehensive capabilities, which integrates smoothly across all functional areas.

3.   Data evaluation

Once your Downstream Supply Chain Management Software is designed, operational, and has some history, examine data to uncover strategy holes. Your customized software linked with business information helps you find cost-saving opportunities. With the correct outsourcing partner, you can also require a capability that restricts information access to the right people at the right time.

4.   Standardize methods

Optimization is possible only when company operational procedures are designed, analyzed, implemented, measured, and controlled. Once created and executed, processes aren’t fixed in stone. Instead, the best techniques that work well evolve with technology, best practices, innovation, rivals, and customer preferences. Only then can logistics organizations attain high operational standards that boost performance and profitability.

5.   Focus on monitoring the driver, not solely the vehicle

Many logistics and supply chain companies focus primarily on the truck, wasting driver productivity. DHL believes 40-60% of drivers’ time away from distribution centres needs to be spent driving. Track and analyze drivers’ actions at each stop to maximize this time. To get drivers on the road faster, monitor regular operations like vehicle checks and loading time and manage them better.

6.   Manage your customers as well

Customer performance monitoring is more crucial than you think. Tracking and keeping customer history reveals consumer-caused delivery issues.

Occasionally, customers require assistance in recognizing their role in delivery issues, and logistics and supply chain companies collaborate with them to find solutions.

7.   Inventory tracking

Real-time monitoring is a remarkable feature of the Downstream Supply Chain Management Software. Centralized control rooms allow logistics managers to track all operations. This ensures compliance, checks for deviations and malpractices, assists delivery teams with issues, and maintains control.

8.   Manage third-party drivers

Driver performance monitoring is another key to last-mile performance. Logistics firms often rely on third-party drivers to meet their specific demands, and the surge in e-commerce has intensified these requirements. Therefore, a clear and transparent Downstream Supply Chain Management Software that incorporates all drivers’ roles and duties, timetables, performance standards, and pay calculations is essential.

9.   Automatic route-optimization

The Downstream Supply Chain Management Software optimize routes, one of the most significant benefits of automation. Logistics Managers balance destination locality, cargo type, fleet vehicles, road conditions, weather patterns, freelance or company drivers, weekday/weekend delivery, number of stops on a route, and more to find the most efficient routes using the abundant data. This dramatically improves last-mile delivery.

10.   Electronic Proof-of-Delivery (ePOD)

Old signature collection procedures from consumers, warehouse officers, logistics team members, and other logistics network workers caused lost documentation, dirty receipts, malpractices, and warehouse space pressure. All such concerns are avoided with ePOD by Downstream Supply Chain Management Software, which digitally tracks all critical papers. It enhances security and allows team access.

Go The Extra Mile in Last-Mile Delivery With Downstream Supply Chain Management Software

Last-mile delivery is increasingly important to customer service. Logistics and supply chain companies need 24/7 customer support, a website, a mobile app, and social media. Nural’s Downstream Supply Chain Management Software is the automated answer you need if you want to improve last-mile operations. To learn more and improve your delivery performance, get in touch with us right away.