The last mile of delivery – from a distribution hub to the customer’s doorstep – represents a major cost for retailers and transportation companies. Real-time tracking technology provides visibility into this critical final leg, enabling data-driven optimizations for efficiency.
Gps enables live etas
Outfitting delivery vehicles with GPS devices allows real-time location tracking. The software can calculate updated ETAs as drivers navigate routes. Customers get live delivery status rather than guesstimates.
Tracking reduces failed deliveries
When customers know the truck is 5 minutes away, they prepare to receive their order. This reduces missed connections and repeat delivery distribution management attempts that waste time and fuel. Drawing a geophone around the delivery address generates an automatic timestamp when the truck enters that location. This confirms successful hand-offs without manual driver scans.
Sensors monitor item condition
Sensors can track package environmental conditions like impacts, light exposure, or temperature. Alerts notify logistics managers if items sustain damage en route.
Route optimization uses live data
Software factors in live traffic, weather delays, and real-time order information to dynamically optimize routes for drivers. Efficiency improves.
Analytics identify delivery patterns
Historical tracking data reveals spikes in volume by day and time. Forecast future delivery needs based on analytics rather than guesswork. At-a-glance dashboard metrics like dwell time per stop, miles driven, or incidents tracked provide delivery insights. Trend analysis guides improvements.
Alert systems enhance reactivity
Real-time alerts notify managers of exceptions like cold storage failures, delayed arrivals, or cancelled orders. Rapid response minimizes problems.
Tracking enables eta communication
Contacting recipients with truck ETAs from an en-route driver enables coordination. Deliveries get handed off rather than tagged and reattempted.
Transit times provide accountability
Saved time-in-transit data benchmarks provider performance. Contracts can penalize carriers for late deliveries.
Supply chain visibility increases
Sharing inbound shipment tracking data across supply chain partners improves coordination for just-in-time inventory and deliveries.
Enhanced customer experience
Order tracking visibility and proactive delivery communications create positive post-purchase experiences, building loyalty.
Predictive analytics forecast the future
Combining tracking data with machine learning algorithms enhances predictive capabilities for demand forecasting and capacity modeling. While implementing live tracking capabilities requires upfront technology investment, the ROI in terms of optimizing last-mile delivery is substantial. Eliminating manual steps, improving reliability, and leveraging data insights drive efficiency miles to positively impact customers and bottom lines. Real-time visibility fuels logistics breakthroughs. Tracking provides insights into driver behaviours like speeding, hard braking, rapid acceleration, and unnecessary idling. Safety and efficiency coaching opportunities emerge.
Proof of delivery audit trails
Timestamped geofencing data, photos, and e-signatures create verifiable delivery records in case of customer disputes. Liability risks are reduced. Monitoring non-employee crowd sourced drivers ensures compliance with routes and service standards through tracking visibility. Telematics data better schedules preventative maintenance like oil changes based on actual mileage and engine diagnostics rather than estimates.
