How Mobile ePOD Software Optimizes Last-Mile Delivery Operations

Mobile ePOD has become essential for businesses, and we will discuss how it optimises last-mile delivery operations. Most companies have started relying on contactless deliveries, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is something that they will continue to use even post-pandemic. Consumers are also looking to receive their packages quickly and have a great buying experience.

 

Mobile ePOD software benefits

Mobile electronic proof of delivery, which is ePOD, is the acknowledgement of the paper delivery note. Using ePOD assists last-mile drivers in capturing data like delivery confirmation on their mobile devices. The capturing of data happens by taking the customer’s electronic signature after a successful delivery or capturing a picture of the delivered package. Regardless of your company’s industry, there are many benefits that you can expect from using mobile ePOD, and these benefits include.

 

1.    Improves on-site service

Drivers using handwritten paper notes for deliveries can be challenging and, in some instances, unprofessional. If it was raining, there is a chance that the delivery notes would end up soaked, which will also affect efficiency. When your business switches to proof of delivery software, it will improve on-site processes, ensure that drivers have all the details required for deliveries, and enhance brand image. Improving on-site services through easy-to-use applications will also alleviate pressure off drivers, which ensures that they provide customers with exceptional service.

 

2.    Offers real-time visibility

Since your customer service and operational teams receive data directly from the field in real-time, they will be able to stay up-to-date, enabling them to address any issues that might occur a lot quicker. This can be beneficial if a driver experiences delays earlier in the day. Your team can reallocate some of their jobs to avoid late deliveries, leading to customer satisfaction.

 

3.    Creates consistent processes across your fleet

Mobile workers can follow the pre-set procedures you have created using mobile ePOD software when mobile workers use the same application. It will assist in creating consistent processes. Since you can standardise your mobile processes, it will ensure that customers also receive a consistent and reliable brand experience.

 

4.    Decrease time spent on internal communication

Using the software ensures that office staff receive alerts which will inform them when high-priority issues occur without needing drivers to call into the office. The processes required for each delivery type can be centrally configured by you and the drivers using the app, which means that drivers do not need to call office staff to receive instructions, making communication quick.

 

 Ways mobile ePOD software optimises last-mile delivery

Last-mile delivery is the very last step of the delivery process. A package is moved from a transportation hub until it reaches the final destination, usually the customer’s doorstep. Last-mile delivery is the essential step in the delivery process, and it has become necessary that it is as efficient and fast as possible. Businesses that utilise mobile ePOD software in last-mile delivery operations can assist in optimising the delivery operations, and we will look at how it does this.

 

1.    Increases productivity

Mobile ePOD software improves the on-ground personnel’s on-site delivery experience. With the software on their mobile devices, your delivery representatives will not need to carry delivery receipts and packages. They would only need to capture delivery confirmation on the ePOD application, and they can share the status with the office staff. The software also helps establish a standard last-mile delivery guideline for your team, which speeds up the delivery process.

 

2.    Boosts customer satisfaction

Customers who have negative delivery experiences are not likely to return. To ensure that customers have a positive delivery experience, offer real-time interaction throughout the entire delivery process as it keeps customers in the loop. After they receive their packages, delivery agents can also send out an ePOD to the customer and office staff in no time. Mobile ePOD software is both automated and secure, leaving out room for miscommunication about the delivery. Using ePOD instead of manual paperwork builds a consistent and professional buying experience, which leaves customers with a better impression of your brand.

 

3.    Enhances visibility into the supply chain

Customers demand real-time visibility into the status of their orders, and ePOD serves as an essential tool to increase end-to-end visibility in logistics. The software assists in simplifying the collection of data that field workers record, and it also sends out real-time status updates to office staff. It will also alert office staff when any issues or disputes occur in the delivery process. These alerts are beneficial as they will assist the team in taking timely measures, such as rearranging the delivery or negotiating with customers. The data sent in real-time is crucial in monitoring delivery staff, creating daily productivity, analysing trends, and identifying areas in the delivery process that require improvement.

 

4.    Decreases paperwork and human errors

With manual paperwork, a lot of time is spent on data entry, and there is also the administrative burden of damaged or lost paper delivery notes. However, when using mobile ePOD software, these issues are eliminated. The software is user-friendly. It also removes the frustrations of delivery paperwork and makes daily tasks easier. Eliminating manual paperwork reduces drivers’ chances of errors in the delivery process, resulting in greater accuracy in last-mile delivery operations. Mobile ePOD software is also a more sustainable option as it reduces the carbon footprint and is a step towards green logistics.

 

5.    Allows for contactless deliveries

Contactless deliveries have become incredibly popular amongst consumers. Contactless deliveries assist field agents and drivers in verifying customer details and delivering products on time. Businesses can provide their customers with this delivery option using mobile ePOD software as it enables the collection of contactless signatures and photo proofs of packages without the presence of customers.

 

6.    Reduces failed delivery costs

One of the greatest concerns in the logistics industry is failed deliveries, and they affect on-time deliveries and the customer’s last-mile experience. ePOD software assists field agents in validating customers, and fleet managers will be informed about the delivery status. The software provides real-time notifications and alerts you about failed deliveries. The data gained about failed deliveries will assist fleet managers in identifying the reasons for failed deliveries, which helps address these issues.