When it comes to running a supply chain business there is nothing more important than speed & delivery.
If one business can guarantee same day delivery compared to another that offers a 2-day turnaround time, which one would you pick?
That brings us to the question. How Can Your Business Improve Delivery Times?
EasyVend has put together 5 Ways Your Business Can Improve Delivery Times in 2023.
Let’s get into it.
Optimising Warehouse Operations
Fast deliveries depend on what happens inside the warehouse first. When the warehouse is disorganised, drivers lose time finding orders, loading products, and correcting mistakes before deliveries even begin.
By using a centralised order management system, your team can pick and load stock in the exact order the driver needs it. Centralised management stops the morning scramble and ensures the first delivery of the day is the last thing loaded onto the truck, so there’s no digging around for boxes at the first stop.
When your warehouse runs smoothly, drivers can leave on time instead of getting delayed by bottlenecks. Even starting deliveries fifteen minutes earlier can help drivers avoid heavy traffic and stay on schedule.
Monitoring Performance Metrics
You can’t really get faster if you aren’t actually looking at how long the job takes. Keeping an eye on your drop-off times and route efficiency helps you spot exactly where you’re losing time. Modern delivery management software tracks these times for you. You can use the data to tweak your routes and warehouse habits, making sure your order management system for deliveries is actually helping you find the quickest way to get the day done.
1. Live Tracking
Technology is changing the way that Supply Chain Businesses Operate. Years ago, businesses would wait for drivers to call to let them know they were on their way back from a run to fulfil the next batch of deliveries.
One of the best ways to improve your businesses delivery times is to implement a designated live driver app. The benefit of using a driver app is it will give your business real time updates on where your drivers are, how many deliveries are left on their current run sheet and most importantly how far away they are.
Having quick access to driver positions will allow your team to plan and have orders fulfilled by the time the driver arrives. No delays, your drivers can simply return, pick up and proceed to the next batch of deliveries!
2. Automate Route Management
One of the biggest reasons why so many businesses have delivery issues is because they create and manage delivery routes on the run.
Another great way your business can improve delivery times is by automating the route management process. Using an industry specific management software like EasyVend, businesses can automate the entire route management process. Once a customer has placed their order, a delivery job automatically assigns to a driver’s run sheet for delivery. Additionally, businesses can Add/edit deliveries, on the go and whilst drivers are out on a run!
3. Open Team Collaboration
The key to having a strong delivery turnaround time is having open team collaboration. Improving delivery times doesn’t just come down to driver performance. Everything from the person who takes the order, to the fulfillment team and the driver will impact delivery times.
The only way that your business will be able to improve delivery times is by collaborating effectively. Each team member will need to pull their weight and get their tasks completed on time. A delay in any part of the ordering and fulfilment process will lead to longer delivery turn around times!
4. Centralise Operations
This may surprise you to hear but one of the main reasons why so many businesses face delivery delays is because they manage different areas of their business in multiple different software applications.
The problem with using different applications to manage different areas of your business is it limits collaboration and doesn’t put each team member on the same page.
To improve delivery turnaround times every member of the fulfilment and delivery process needs to be in sync and understand where other departments are at throughout the process.
5. Adapt
Let’s face it, the world is constantly changing. The way that businesses managed the delivery process 5 – 10 years ago is much different to the way they do it today.
To improve your business’ delivery times it is important that you keep on top of and adapt to any new changes in the industry. Keep an eye on any new technologies, tips, or advice. Adapting your processes will lead to greater efficiencies, reduced costs, and happier customers.
Final Word,
Delivery Times often make or break a business’ success. Having the fastest and most accurate delivery times will lead to happier customers and greater retention. The 5 tips presented are a few proven ways your business can improve delivery times in 2023.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. To read more articles like this, please visit the EasyVend latest news page here.
About EasyVend,
For Supply Chain Businesses, EasyVend supports and automates every part of your business, freeing you up to grow your sales simply, unlike other ERP systems.
EasyVend includes key everyday features like Inventory Management, Online Ordering, Invoicing, Receipting, Automatic Credit Card Payments, Xero Accounting Integration, Route Management, Business reporting and more.
Using the latest technologies, EasyVend removes common frustrations making business more streamlined today!
To learn more about EasyVend or to get a no-obligation Trial EasyVend of the software, call us today on 1300 473 744 or submit the form below.
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FAQs
How can live driver tracking improve delivery efficiency?
It lets you see where your vans are in real time so you can help drivers skip past traffic jams or accidents. It also means you can give customers a quick update so they’re actually ready to unload when the van pulls up.
What are the benefits of automating route management?
Automating route management stops you from having to guess the best way to get around. The software finds the fastest path for every van instantly, which keeps your drivers from backtracking across town and saves a massive amount of time on the road.
How does centralising operations reduce delivery delays?
It keeps everyone looking at the same list, so orders don’t get lost in emails or on different papers. The warehouse knows exactly what’s coming and can have the next load prepped before the driver even gets back.
What role does team collaboration play in faster deliveries?
It’s basically about making sure the office staff and the loaders have interaction. If everyone is on the same page, the driver isn’t sitting around waiting for paperwork or a missing box while the clock is ticking.
How often should a business review its delivery processes?
Try to take a look at your delivery times at least once a month. Roadworks change, and new customers pop up, so checking in regularly helps you fix small delays.