At OGL, we understand the important role efficient delivery routes can play in boosting operational effectiveness and keeping your customers satisfied. However, optimising your delivery route can be difficult, especially with so many unknowns like traffic and fuel costs.
This is why many companies choose to automate the process. Using ERP software with delivery route integration, you can make the entire process quick and easy. Read on for a comprehensive guide that will inform you how to navigate the complexities of optimising your delivery route.
First, let’s focus on why deliveries can be tough. On any given delivery route, many issues can cause deliveries to be late and customers to be dissatisfied. One major factor is traffic congestion, which can cause delays and disrupt your route. While heavy traffic might be out of your control, it can be avoided with proper planning.
Another common issue is incomplete or incorrect addresses. These can waste the time of delivery drivers as they must search for the correct locations. Address errors can also increase fuel consumption and overall operational costs.
The last common problem is inefficient route planning. Without proper optimisation, drivers might not pick the shortest or most efficient route. This leads to unnecessary mileage and ultimately wasted money.
They might also have to face tough weather conditions, road closures or areas with restricted access. All of these can slow down the delivery process.
These challenges are all examples of why a business needs to optimise its deliveries.
Delivery route optimisation refers to the fine-tuning of delivery routes to ensure you get maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
There was a time when delivery routes were optimised only with pen-and-paper planning, but these days there are automated tools that can do it for you. Using advanced algorithms and software, you will be able to find the most efficient routes for your deliveries.
This process typically considers many factors including distance, traffic, delivery time windows, vehicle capacities and fuel. By optimising each aspect of a delivery route, a business can reduce the time it takes to travel and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.
ERP software allows businesses to streamline their operations. With various integrated functions, ERP software simplifies daily processes and offers real-time insights. Some of the most common functions of ERP software include:
Many businesses choose to integrate delivery tools with their existing ERP software. At OGL Software, we understand the importance of this functionality and how useful specialised delivery tools can be. By integrating powerful tools such as MaxOptra and Loqate with Profit4, you can streamline each aspect of your delivery process.
MaxOptra is a powerful delivery management tool. When integrated with ERP software like Profit4, it can enhance many different aspects of your delivery operations.
MaxOptra offers route optimisation and signature capture functionality. Its seamless integration allows MaxOptra jobs to be created directly through Profit4, with constant status updates and automated signature image download and attachment.
Here’s a closer look at what it can do…
By using advanced algorithms, MaxOptra will determine the most efficient routes for your deliveries. This not only reduces travel time, but also minimises your fuel consumption and ensures lightning-fast deliveries. All of this contributes to lower operational costs and satisfied customers.
You can keep track of delivery progress with live updates. With real-time visibility, you will gain the ability to proactively manage potential issues, and make sure you keep your customers informed with estimated times.
MaxOptra also allows you to capture signatures electronically. These signatures will be automatically downloaded, and then attached to the corresponding orders in your Profit4 dashboard. This can enhance both accountability and your customer relationships.
When it comes to logistics, bad data quality can have a big impact on your customer experience. Inaccurate or incomplete addresses can lead to failed deliveries, increased costs and dissatisfied customers.
By using a powerful tool such as Loqate, you can solve these issues by verifying addresses at the point of capture using a simple address validation API. Loqate instead focuses on the very foundation of your deliveries – address data – ensuring it is accurate and reliable. Here are some of its main features:
Loqate ensures all addresses are accurate. This means you will have reliable customer data with immediate verification.
Loqate’s address validation API is easy to integrate with Profit4, offering a seamless enhancement of your existing system with no need to get used to a different interface.
Accurate addresses lead to fewer delivery issues. This can reduce the cost of potential logistical problems. Not only can this save you money, but it also improves customer satisfaction as deliveries will arrive as expected.
Loqate’s technology supports address verification and geocoding for locations worldwide. If your business operates on an international scale, you will be able to verify addresses no matter where your customers are.
Your deliveries don’t have to rely on luck to go well. With Profit4, a fully integrated, cloud-based ERP software, you will have several tools at your disposal to streamline the process. With MaxOptra and Loqate integration, you can optimise your delivery routes and enhance your customer experience.
These integrated features combine with a number of other tools to help you run your business, including reporting, finance, order management and stock control. Profit4 is an all-in-one solution to increase efficiency from order to delivery.
