Dispatch software FAQs, benefits and why it’s a game changer for enterprises
By FarEye | October 13, 2022
Dispatch software is a revolution in the field of logistics. It makes the entire process of product delivery from sorting and job allocation to real-time tracking and same-day delivery possible. Machine learning is set to grow exponentially in its impact on the logistics industry in the coming decade. Modern dispatch software works by making use of machine learning algorithms. These algorithms identify delivery routes and optimize delivery in terms of speed and distance.
Trucking dispatch software helps with automation, making hub management much easier overall. In a nutshell, it's key in leveraging efficiency and digitization to make same-day deliveries possible around the world.
What Is dispatch software?
To complete dispatching, it's important for dispatchers, drivers, and the end consumer to be coordinated. It is also essential to have a strong level of communication to successfully carry out dispatching tasks. Dispatching software is a tool that can help connect with technicians and select jobs for them. Additionally, movements can be tracked and logged.
Truck dispatch software can send route plans and load information to drivers' mobile devices. This way, you're sure that all stakeholders, including the management, can stay in the loop throughout the delivery period. An efficient dispatch platform is essential for businesses in various sectors like food delivery, courier services, and even taxi services.
The pandemic had a huge effect on last-mile delivery. It made the need for automation more apparent in today's scenario. Advanced logistics tools like a modern dispatch platform can help by automatically processing order sorting, delivery route optimization, and real-time order tracking. It is a powerful tool for dispatchers because it helps drivers get the right jobs with the surety of real-time tracking.
Dynamic route optimization can reduce delivery time drastically. It also works to reduce labor costs because the entire process is automated by advanced machine learning algorithms. These algorithms can be used to analyze complex routes and optimize them for time and fuel consumption. This in turn helps drivers earn more overall from a more efficient delivery and logistics process.
Why do businesses need modern dispatch management software?
Real-Time Delivery Tracking
Job Allocation
Route Optimization
Package Sorting
Mobile Applications
Push Notifications & Real-Time Alerts
Digitized Invoicing
Proof Of Delivery
Driver Performance Statistics
Customer Satisfaction Insights
How The Truck Dispatch System Works
The truck dispatch system works by connecting the dispatcher with available carriers in the area of pickup and delivery. Lowered turnaround times lead to greater levels of overall performance and customer satisfaction. Top dispatch management systems optimize travel time for carriers, allowing them to save on fuel and time. It also helps connect dispatchers with carriers so that they can communicate openly.
This adds a new level of transparency to the entire logistics process. Now, customers can track their packages and stay in the loop regarding the status of their orders. Dispatchers can correctly assign loads to available carriers. Overall, a dispatch platform works to make the dispatch system more efficient for every stakeholder involved in the entire process.
The Top 5 Challenges in Dispatching
1. Disconnect Between Stakeholders
The logistics process has long suffered from the communication gap between dispatchers and 3PL partners like LTL providers. Challenges such as order tracking, same-day deliveries, and lack of push notifications can result in lowered performance and operational inefficiency. Without powerful dispatching tools, it's impossible to optimize delivery routes, track delivery vehicles, and gauge customer satisfaction levels. Besides this, it also leads to a lack of transparency and clarity about the entire delivery process.
A dispatch platform aims to connect shipper's dispatching software with 3PL or LTL systems. Now, all stakeholders in the logistics process including customers can be connected on the same platform with real-time tracking. This solves the inability to track dispatching operations. The added advantage of push notifications via mobile updates helps provide information about developments during delivery. Such transportation dispatch software can be used to solve the issue of poor customer-driver communication.
2. Delivery Time Constraints
Remember, 57% of your customers will leave if you fail to deliver on time. When it comes to delivering packages to customers, the process is a race against time. Logistics companies work to expedite processes to make sure that orders can be delivered before deadlines. Late deliveries mean unhappy customers who are less likely to order again.
Same-day deliveries are more challenging to successfully fulfill. It is not exactly easy to sort, label, process, and assign packages to drivers. An advanced dispatching platform works to intelligently allocate tasks to make available drivers stay on the move. It maximizes productivity and driver earning potential. Through dynamic routing and multi-drop route planning, modern dispatching tools can effectively help dispatchers to work on tighter time constraints. It is what helps make same-day deliveries possible around the world.
3. Routing Challenges
Dispatching gets complicated quickly when it comes to routing, especially when it involves rerouting and route optimization. Often, customers may provide addresses for delivery that are part of multi-drop processes. This means that dispatchers have to take the time to plan out route maps. While this isn't impossible, it can get incredibly difficult during periods of high volume orders and disputes.
A dispatch platform can make use of artificial intelligence algorithms that can optimize routes for drivers. The software can make sense of multi-drop job allocations and plan for deliveries to be made. It effectively solves the issue of complex routing for dispatchers. It also serves to help drivers save fuel and time by following the best possible routes for their deliveries.
4. Out-of-Loop Customers
Customers were previously largely out of the loop regarding the status of their deliveries. They had to just hope for the best when it came to when their package would be delivered, whether or not their delivery driver would call them, and if there would be any delays. It also leads to a high number of concerned customer query calls.
With the power of a state-of-the-art dispatch management system, customers can now communicate with the delivery drivers and exchange information. In this way, the software works to improve customer satisfaction levels, by improving the standard for transparency during the whole process.
5. Lack of Automation
Automation is helpful because it can make mundane, repetitive tasks happen automatically without the need for human intervention. At times, smaller companies can't bear the cost of labor to analyze and optimize each driver delivery route. Oftentimes, it ends up left to the driver to navigate multi-drop deliveries. Job allocation is also another area where automation can be effectively implemented. Automation means that drivers can avoid wasted time waiting for appropriate jobs and information to be assigned to them.
Route optimization, automated invoicing, and digital proof of delivery service to make the industry more efficient overall. They're all part of the digital automation that is made possible with the help of intelligent dispatch management system.
Importance Of Freight Dispatch Software In LTL Management
Among other things, freight dispatch software helps improve efficiency by automating many processes in the logistics chain. Firstly, a freight dispatch platform can automatically assign jobs to drivers on-the-fly. Using intelligent algorithms, the software can assign the right load to the right carrier. This takes into account driver availability, location, route optimization, and many other factors. Many of these factors work to overall reduce delivery turnaround time (TAT).
Logistics software can be effectively used to improve your company's bottom line. One of the most powerful features of such software is route optimization. Dispatchers can view route plans and track packages throughout the logistics process. This helps provide a new level of transparency in the entire operation. Overall, dispatch platform or software helps improve carrier performance by minimizing downtime and maximizing operational time.
In addition to this, it serves as a platform to understand customer behavior. It can study order data to provide insight into order frequency and product preference. For LTL shippers, dispatching tools can help improve visibility during the delivery process. It also helps shippers receive live quotes during spikes in demand.
Why Businesses Need To Embrace Intermodal Dispatch Software
The need for automation is ever-increasing, and while there may be resistance to the new concept of intermodal dispatch software, more companies are going to embrace it over time. A certain amount of resistance is always present during times of industry disruption, which such software serves to be.
While many more traditional companies may feel like the older methods of operation still work for them, there are plenty of benefits to using intermodal dispatch platforms. Companies today are on the lookout for the best intermodal dispatch software on the market. A key feature is that it enables dynamic routing. It helps sort and assign packages, works as a delivery tracking system, and helps make contactless delivery possible.
Key Features of Service Dispatch Software
1. Automated Package Sorting
With FarEye's advanced dispatch management system, there is no longer a need to manually sort through packages. Now, a dispatch platform can assign packages for delivery based on their size and destination. Drivers can then deliver packages that follow specific route plans. Among other things, automated package sorting works to save all stakeholders' valuable time and resources.
2. Delivery Tracking Systems
Companies can boost customer confidence and satisfaction by simply letting them know where their package is at all times. Real-time delivery tracking helps keep dispatchers and customers in the know about where a specific package is, its estimated time of delivery, and its delivery status.
Such software is equipped to send automatic notifications to customers the moment their item is dispatched, along with the expected date of delivery, as well as a link or a masked number to contact the last mile delivery agent responsible for delivering the item. In case of any delay, both you and the customer are automatically notified, which helps in managing customer expectations better.
3. Safe Contactless Delivery
A dispatch platform saves lives by enabling contactless delivery of packages to customers. Contactless delivery includes the delivery driver placing the package at the doorstep or pre-designated location and uploading an image of the package as proof of delivery.
Since the pandemic, companies all around the world are moving towards accepting payments through online gateways, minimizing the need to circulate cash. It also works to ensure high levels of safety and personal hygiene for everyone involved in the last-mile delivery process.
4. GPS Mapping
Digital dispatching tools allow dispatchers to have GPS tracking and mapping enabled on their delivery vehicles. GPS mapping allows drivers to receive dynamic route optimization updates. This helps them save time and fuel while performing deliveries. Additionally, it also allows them to track the position of loads and understand other statistics like the number of deliveries per day, a driver's individual performance, locations of trucks, and much more. A dispatch platform provides visibility and transparency for customers to be able to track their packages and stay informed about their expected deliveries.
5. Automatic Push Notifications & Mobile Access
With the help of cutting-edge dispatching software, dispatchers and customers can now enjoy detailed push notifications via mobile applications. These notifications serve to inform customers about the status of their delivery, package tracking, and driver information. It also enables them to contact the driver in case of any changes during the delivery process. A dispatch platform also makes it possible to track driver performance. Besides this, it also provides information like load details, route optimization, and more.
6. Digital Billing Process & Invoicing
Digital dispatch tools provide companies with the ability to issue digital invoices to their customers. Customers can receive a detailed tally of their expenses incurred and make payments for their deliveries through contactless, online payment gateways.
All things considered, digital billing saves time, effort, and resources and makes the invoicing process more effective.
Advantages of Logistics Dispatch Software
1. Better Communications & Visibility Across All Segments
Logistics dispatch software means all members of the logistics process can communicate throughout the delivery process. It improves transparency and allows customers to track their packages. This further contributes to customer satisfaction because they remain reassured about the status of their packages. This way, drivers have more information about their delivery locations and dispatchers understand where carriers are. They're also able to get more information about their status and how much load they're carrying.
2. Increased Efficiency & Scalability
Smart dispatch platform makes it possible to efficiently scale your operations over time. There are no restraints on the number of deliveries you can perform, the jobs that can be assigned, and the carriers that you can communicate with. Dispatching tools effectively make it possible for you to scale your operations infinitely with the same framework in place that scales with your business.
3. Improved Customer Service
Customers don't like feeling left in the dark about the status of their packages. It can be daunting to wait for the delivery without having any means to contact the driver or the dispatcher for more information. Lack of order tracking facilities means that the customer does not know where their order is.
However, that all changes with the implementation of a dispatch platform. Now, customers can stay in touch with drivers, receive push updates to their mobile phones, and report issues on the fly. This leads to better overall customer service and is a major benefit of such software.
4. Providing Timely Deliveries
An advanced dispatch platform helps companies provide timely deliveries for their customers. A major deciding factor that affects customer satisfaction is whether or not they receive their deliveries on time.
such software helps make sure that deliveries are made on time with the help of good route planning, adequate job allocation, and carrier tracking.
5. Intelligent Automation & Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing means that drivers can have updates on their delivery locations including situations that include multi-drop. Auto-routing can help save time for drivers, dispatchers, and customers on the whole. Intelligent automation helps optimize last-mile delivery systems.
How Online Dispatch Software Can Boost Driver Productivity
Intelligent & Automated Scheduling of Delivery Jobs
Thanks to intelligent machine learning algorithms, dispatchers can schedule and assign jobs to drivers in a much more effective way. It works for drivers because it minimizes their waiting time between job assignments. With the latest advancements in software and technology, logistics dispatch software can automatically schedule delivery jobs for drivers, saving on both time and labor costs.
Real-Time Route Optimization
Dispatch management software means that drivers can have their routes optimized in real-time. Optimized routes can greatly contribute to the success of logistics operations. With the help of efficient route planning, drivers that accidentally deviate from set routes can have GPS tracking systems reroute them. This means that drivers never get lost or go to the wrong location. They can constantly receive updates about route information and this way, an online dispatch system can effectively improve productivity.
Plan Highly Efficient Delivery Routes
Drivers can save time, fuel, and wear-and-tear to their vehicles in the long term by gaining access to more efficient delivery route plans beforehand. Artificial intelligence algorithms can plan efficient routes ahead of time using previous delivery data and GPS mapping. This gives drivers more control over their routes on a variety of parameters like speed, distance, fewer toll charges, etc.
Multi-Drop Deliveries
Previously, drivers may have had to manually map out routes for multi-drop deliveries. Today, it is possible to carry out multi-drop deliveries thanks to intelligent software solutions. No more missing drops, incomplete customer information, or unplanned routes. Instead, a dispatch program can intelligently understand multiple drop locations and optimize routes for them. This makes it possible to fulfil deliveries and plan out routes accordingly to save time and effort.
With service dispatch software, relevant information for each drop location can be pushed to the driver as the load arrives at the delivery site. Less than full truckload deliveries can be easily performed by planning out multi-drop deliveries and loading the truck appropriately. This helps keep the entire process of multi-drop delivery more efficient with no hiccups.
Trucking Software Eliminates Unnecessary Delays
Being able to connect all technicians on a platform that allows for open communication is revolutionizing logistics. Now, dispatchers can assign jobs to drivers and help them stay moving throughout. Having access to a wider range of jobs from dispatchers makes it possible for drivers to have to bear less waiting time to receive assignments.
7 Ways Driver Dispatch Tracking Software Boosts Customer Experience
1. Automatic Delivery Scheduling
Advanced intermodal dispatch tracking software makes it much easier for customers to have their deliveries scheduled automatically. With the help of efficient route optimization, customers can enjoy timely updates and same-day delivery of their products.
2. Faster Delivery Fulfillment
Freight dispatch software is critical for the logistics sector, enabling effective on-the-fly route optimization. Dynamic routing helps by saving both the driver and customer precious time. Drivers can ply on the best possible routes to deliver goods to customers. It is then possible to have packages delivered sooner leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction.
3. Availability of Information for Stakeholders
Poor logistics visibility could be hurting your business and customer relationships. An intelligent dispatch management system helps keep everyone involved including dispatchers, drivers, and the customer, well informed about updates in the delivery process. This means that customers know where their product is, drivers know the best routes possible, and dispatchers can track their deliveries - all in real-time.
4. Get Real-time Updates & Notifications
Things can change quickly while on the road, completing deliveries. The best dispatch software offers real-time updates, which means that everyone involved including customers, dispatchers, and drivers can stay connected on the go. Delays and cancellations can be acknowledged with real-time push notifications and the estimated delivery time can be known to customers without them needing to inquire.
5. Digital Invoices & Proof Of Delivery
There are many reasons why you might want to leave paper-based proof of delivery behind. Just some of the reasons include speed, efficiency, and ease of operations. Digital proof of delivery provides both the customer and the company a copy of payment details, confirmation of delivery status, relevant media including invoicing and customer status.
6. Gauge Customer Sentiment
The dispatch system software is an effective way for businesses to receive customer feedback about their delivery experience. It gives them an avenue to report on late deliveries and dissatisfactory service. This helps by giving businesses an insight into their customer's sentiment.
7. Business Analytics & Reports
Online dispatch software helps generate visualized data about delivery times, driver performance, and customer satisfaction. It is an effective tool for dispatchers to understand where the delivery chain is lacking and needs to be optimized to improve performance. It can help save driver's time, assign more jobs to drivers, save fuel and help customers get their packages delivered sooner.
Dedicated analytics software using machine learning algorithms can understand different business processes and provide data based on performance. Overall, it is a tool that can help businesses stay on top of their operations while having a visualization of their logistics operations in real-time.
Why Global Businesses Use FarEye's Digital Trucking Dispatch Software
Global businesses are choosing FarEye's digital truck dispatch system software to help them improve operational efficiency and raise performance. With the help of advanced machine learning algorithms, FarEye's dispatch software can intuitively understand multi-drop deliveries and provide optimized route plans for drivers.
FarEye's digital dispatch platform software keeps drivers, dispatchers, and customers all connected with push notifications and real-time updates about the status of their deliveries. Besides this, it also provides in-depth data and analytics about the logistics process. This top dispatch software provides businesses with incredible value to be able to visualize their performance and understand which areas need improvement and overhaul.