How businesses can use cloud telephony solutions to run and deliver efficient logistics.
Analysts predict that the 3rd party logistic industry (3PLs) in India would increase by 8.36 percent during the next four years, from 2018 to 2022. Such expansion demonstrates the industry's enormous potential.
The 3rd party logistic firm, on the other hand, necessitates a reliable communication system that improves operational efficiency and consequently lowers operational expenses. Operational effectiveness and competitive margins are essential for survival in a sector of the economy.
The cloud telephony solution has emerged as the weapon of choice for most logistics service providers. Companies may now reduce frequent incurring expenditures, resulting in a sustainable model that allows them to cut overall operational costs while increasing efficiency and profitability, thanks to these solutions.
Creating and preserving a physical copy for transactions was done with pen and paper. Even if some organizations continue to utilize this method to track their delivery, the issues that come with it are still relevant. File misplacement, incorrect input, and other human errors were all too common. The delivery agent updates the order status summary only when the day's work is completed. The information is compiled and distributed to all parties. This can cause delays and, more often than not, inaccuracies. Smart gadgets, such as smartphones and tablets, are used in modern solutions. To track and complete deliveries, delivery agents use the custom-built app installed on these devices.
The same application is used to update and share the status with all stakeholders once the delivery is complete. The approach is an excellent alternative to the time-consuming pen and paper method such as,
1. Connection to the Internet is unreliable:
A solid internet connection is required for the custom-built app. However, especially in a developing country like India, last-mile data connectivity remains a concern.
As a result, poor internet access has the potential to render this solution obsolete, causing more harm than good. This inefficiency can cause delays and inaccuracies in the logistics cycle, producing a disruption.
2. Problems with Dispute Resolution:
Most logistics service providers either do not have a contingency in place or the lead time to discover the discrepancy is very long and difficult for both the business and the customer in the case of misplaced deliveries, protracted delays, erroneous status updates, and so on.
These problems and delays are the results of a lack of effective communication infrastructure that enables real-time updates across the supply chain, whether or not there is internet access.
3. Data entry mistakes:
To function properly, the logistics business necessitates near-perfect data entry. The company can't afford faults because it relies on timely and reliable data. However, there is no infrastructure in place to help employees and, more critically, delivery agents do the same. This urgently needs a more practical method by Agents. These are only a few of the numerous difficulties that 3PLs confront. Other issues that 3PLs encounter include order delivery status clarity and a lack of communication between the customer and delivery employees, both of which result in high reimbursement costs and, in the worst-case scenario, an increase in COD order returns.
4. Real-Time Tracking:
With cloud telephony technologies like automated IVR, agents can easily place a call and change the delivery status based on the selection. By integrating this service with the business' CRM system, all stakeholders will be able to receive immediate notices. These developments are made feasible by cloud telephony technology, which offers really last-mile integration without requiring internet connectivity.
5. Simple monitoring:
Cloud telephony systems provide real-time monitoring by recording and examining all customer-facing calls. Thanks to analytics tools, managers may quickly understand anomalies and take action.
6. Address the issue as soon as possible:
By providing real-time updates across platforms and a reliable communication framework, cloud telephony solutions support effective inventory management and uniform reports throughout the supply chain. As a result, any discrepancies are immediately recognized and addressed, considerably accelerating the problem-solving process.
Ikontel’s cloud technologies will help you run your business more efficiently.
