As Christmas fast approaches the message to e-retailers is clear – delivery processes must be well-organized and robust if they’re to cope with increased order volumes and heightened customer demand.
The Christmas rush brings with it considerable logistical challenges.
Research findings from Webfleet have called into question consumer confidence in punctual deliveries and revealed their tolerance thresholds. Retailers pay heed – future revenues may depend on it.
With the danger of festive spirits being dampened by shoppers’ gifts for their nearest and dearest not arriving on time – the efficiency of Christmas deliveries can make or break a retailer’s reputation.
Indeed good customer service can differentiate a company from the competition, whatever the time of year and these findings suggest that some businesses must look to raise their game. They reinforce the findings of a wider study conducted by Webfleet three years ago which revealed that 92 per cent of UK consumers have suffered delivery firms, and tradesmen, turning up late for appointments.
The availability and effective use of fleet data can hold the key to efficient logistics.
Smarter routes and improved planning
Live traffic and historic road use data can be generated by telematics systems to provide companies with accurate journey times, taking account of congestion, time of day and the best available route.
By making use of journey time data, customers can be provided with accurate ETAs and be kept informed if there are changes to schedules.
With these systems in place, delivery drivers are less likely to face unrealistic timetables, be frustrated by traffic delays or disappoint customers.
Furthermore, the most appropriate delivery vehicles can be dispatched, based on who will arrive the quickest, and delivery itineraries planned more accurately.
Connected systems for improved workflow
Open telematics platforms are allowing businesses to create a seamless flow of data from office to customer. By integrating separate hardware and software systems, companies can benefit from more efficient workflow.
Telematics systems can be integrated with routing and scheduling software, for example, to use a wealth of information – including journey times, traffic data and the location of drivers – to create smarter itineraries that can be altered at a moment’s notice.
So what do you want for your fleet this year? Please add your comments below.