Do you offer delivery but haven’t yet optimized the process by going digital? It’s now or never! Using technology to automate your deliveries and offer a seamless experience to customers is not just a must anymore — it is a necessity.
Technology: how to survive in 2021
The pandemic has accelerated the switch towards technology, with companies acknowledging the importance of automating their processes. In fact, with competitors getting more aggressive and customers’ expectations getting higher, you may not last long if you don’t start to embrace technology.
For some industries, it’s even an “embrace it or die” mentality. With such fierce competition, only businesses that are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and improve the customer experience will survive. Here is why you should use technology to manage your delivery operations.
Reason #1: It reduces road planning by up to 93%
If you aren’t currently using delivery software, it likely takes you hours to build routes for your drivers. Planning routes can be very time-consuming and stressful, especially when you have a high volume of deliveries.
This is why delivery software is a vital tool for any business that delivers goods. Usually equipped with a powerful route builder, delivery software allows you to plan routes in only a few seconds instead of hours. Trips are optimized continuously as route builders use real-time data. Therefore, your drivers will always be on the fastest path to deliver their parcels. This will reduce road time and allow you to increase the number of daily deliveries.
Reason #2: No more mistakes
If you’ve had to plan all your deliveries manually, it is almost certain you have made some mistakes in the past. Humans are humans, and they make mistakes. Despite your best efforts, errors will likely continue to happen if you don’t change your ways.
Route builders don’t make mistakes. It takes the information you enter and will use it efficiently to dispatch deliveries. You can’t go wrong with intelligent technology; you’ll avoid mixing up orders, entering the wrong address for deliveries, among other blunders.
Reason #3: You can keep control of your deliveries and fix issues quickly
Another reason why technology is an absolute must in 2021 is because it allows you to keep track of what’s happening at any time. Delivery software gives you this option by tracking your drivers in real-time and allowing you to communicate with them if need be.
If customers call to ask where their package is, you will be able to tell them precisely when it will arrive. However, if you use a delivery software with a tracking option, it is likely your customers won’t call you if they have access to it. More on that later.
What if a product gets damaged? Drivers can snap photos in the app to be stored in the customer’s file, so you can quickly take action and offer a solution to your customers. This will show your customers that you are responsive and that their satisfaction is your priority.
Reason #4: You’ve got all the information in the same place
Being organized is essential and makes life much easier when you are looking for information. However, when things get busy, information may get lost and you will have to spend time searching for it.
With delivery software, you won’t risk losing information, because everything is gathered in the same place, so you can access it any time you want to. Thus, if your customers call and ask questions about their deliveries, you will be able to go directly to their file and get the information you need.
You will be able to obtain proof of delivery with a signature or a photo that proves your drivers came to the customers’ house. If you’re a 3PL business, your customers can also have their own log-in and get access to their information.
Reason #5: Digital payment tips for your drivers
The world turning digital also means fewer cash payments. Since we are used to paying for everything by card, this can have some negative consequences on delivery drivers, who are used to receiving cash tips, especially in the furniture industry. Tips were previously significant, representing about 30% of the drivers’ salaries. But with people not using cash as often, it has become difficult to tip.
At Cigo Tracker, we noticed that issue and we came up with a solution that will please your drivers and make it easier for you to hire them. We created Cigo Pay, a platform related to our delivery software that allows your customers to tip your drivers virtually.
We know finding drivers is not an easy task nowadays. With Cigo Pay, drivers will be able to make more money and will be more willing to work for a company that allows them to make 30% more with digital payment tips.
Reason #6: It allows your customers to track their packages in real time
Last but not least, technology has the power to make a delivery experience more enjoyable for customers. How? By allowing them to track their deliveries in real-time. This enables them to know precisely when their delivery is arriving so that they can plan their day accordingly.
Customers want to be there to receive their package as much as you want them to, so they will make sure they don’t miss the driver.
Meet CIGO Tracker
CIGO Tracker is a best-in-class, cloud-based platform to increase deliveries, service calls, and pick-ups for your business. It scales as you need it and provides a state-of-the-art, “last mile” delivery experience that will thrill your customers.
Driven by innovation, an unwavering commitment to customer service, honesty, and trust, CIGO delivers the best, most flexible delivery tracking software in the industry.
At CIGO, we are always on the lookout for new features that we can add to our delivery software to improve your daily operations. If you would like to learn more about our delivery software.
