If you’re starting a logistics or delivery business, read on. It’s definitely a bit overwhelming too, isn’t it? Behind the scenes, you’re responsible for fleet management, order tracking, customer service and making sure your workers are paid promptly. For this reason, a big concern for founders is which software is needed to make their businesses run smoothly.
Yes, you can pick and choose technologies as you go, and the right technology stack will greatly improve your scaling and worry levels. How about we analyze this further?
1. Fleet Management Software
If your company depends on vehicles, you have to manage them properly. For that reason, companies usually rely on software from Samsara, Fleetio or Verizon Connect.
They provide you with the means to:
- Keep an eye on vehicle locations as they happen
- Always make sure to examine how much fuel you use and keep an eye on overall operating condition.
- Configure when your drivers will work and reminders for them
- Make deliveries more efficient
Picture being able to see the location of each vehicle, every one, without needing to check every phone in the fleet. Are you thinking right now, how peaceful that would be?
2. Following Tracking & Saving Time
Let’s look at deliveries now. People now want to find out their estimated arrival times in real time and have them be correct. Tools on Onfleet, Circuit and Route4Me help you find the best routes, cut down on delivery times and keep your customers notified.
You’re essentially making your dispatch team more powerful. Does your work as a fleet manager include your drivers? They’ll like it if they can go in the right direction more of the time.
3. Software for Single Order and Inventory Management
For those delivering products, it’s important to have a system that lets you see what is coming and going. If you’re starting up, Zoho Inventory, QuickBooks Commerce and TradeGecko (part of QuickBooks) are all great solutions.
- They make things easier for you.
- Manage the stock available in stock rooms
- Log where your products are across all of your warehouses.
- Use an app to let you know when your stocks are running low.
- Connect your business with your online or physical sales systems.
It’s best to not be a startup that said you could deliver within 24 hours, without realizing you had no more stock. Right?
4. Customer Relationship Management
Responding quickly is just a part of great customer service, the other part is getting to know what your customers want and need. That is where HubSpot, Freshsales or Zoho CRM do a good job.
Keep an eye on how your customers talk to you, automate reminders when needed and resolve problems more efficiently. And when your company grows and more reps or customer service workers are hired, a system with all customer information is very useful.
Ever spent time looking through past emails to see what a customer complained about? Exactly. CRMs take much of the hard work out of the sales process.
5. Payroll Software
We shouldn’t forget to thank your drivers, warehouse staff, support team and those in the office who help your business grow.
The growth of your startup eventually makes managing pay difficult this way. You’ll need payroll software like Gusto, ADP, or QuickBooks to stay on top of things.
These platforms are able to:
- Make salaries an automated process.
- Calculate your taxes and what you’re allowed to deduct
- Send payslips and the reports requested.
- Make sure your business follows all labor rules in your town.
Why should this matter to us? There’s nothing worse for team spirit than knowing you won’t get paid on time or incorrectly. Using a bold and reliable system ensures everyone is paid accurately and on time, no awkward conversations required.
6. Software for Accounting & Bookkeeping
Simply moving goods doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep track of your finances. Keeping your finances in order is easy with help from Xero, FreshBooks or QuickBooks Online.
They make it easier for you by providing:
- Track expenses
- Send invoices
- Keep track of invoices and how you handle supplier payments
- Check how your company earns profits.
Bonus? A lot of them sync up easily with other applications you’re already familiar with.
7. Communication & Collaboration Tools
Staying in communication with your team whether everyone works together or apart is essential. Quick discussions can be had on Slack, Zoom is for meeting online and you can organize your daily activities with Trello or ClickUp.
WhatsApp Business is good for letting both customers and drivers know what’s happening, yet having an official internal system keeps your setup organized and scalable.
Wrapping Up
Why start a logistics or delivery business? You need to move, both products and your response, change and progress, if you want to succeed. Using suitable technology removes obstacles, helps you make choices faster and lets your company grow with control.
Still can’t figure out how to start your lesson planning? Make sure fleet tracking and delivery management are your top priorities since they’ll affect your service quality the most. Then add tools for CRM and inventory.
Do you want to move your startup from being reactive to working smoothly? The right tools could make your marketing success story a reality.
