Best Logistics Software

What is Logistics Software?

Logistics software is a computer program that allows you to integrate transportation, material handling, packaging, inventory, and security associated with the supply chain process. The software also helps you manage and schedule the mailing, shipping, and tracking of packages, equipment, and letters. Some advanced logistics solutions also automate the process of shipping and tracking processing. 

Common Features of Logistics Software

Each logistics management system is different and has a unique set of functionalities. But there are some common features that you should look for in every logistics management software solution. These features include:

1. Supply Chain Visibility

End-to-end, real-time supply chain visibility is an essential feature of the best logistics solutions. As a logistics manager, you need immediate access to multiple aspects of the supply chain to overcome bottlenecks and make informed decisions. 

With real-time visibility, you can oversee supply chain operations at all stages and respond to changes more effectively. While real-time functionalities are a must for larger enterprises, smaller organizations can also leverage this feature to streamline their operations. 

2. Order and Billing Management

Order and billing management is a crucial part of logistics and supply chain management. Most logistics software solutions allow you to create bills and orders for your customers and partners. This helps you automate a substantial share of your order management process and eliminates the need for complex paperwork and manual, repetitive tasks. 

Order and billing capabilities also help you meet unique needs. With customer requirements continuously changing, having flexible order management features allows you to be agile and fulfill the needs of diverse customers. 

3. Optimization Tools

The chances of complications, inaccuracies, and increased costs are high in logistics and supply chain management. Therefore, logistics management software comes with optimization tools that help logistics managers transport materials efficiently at a minimum possible cost. With these tools on hand, you can manage fuel, resources, and other expenses. 

A logistics management system with robust optimization tools can go a long way in reducing operational costs. These tools can help professionals who oversee freight management, yard management, appointments, and other processes associated with logistics and transportation. 

4. Forecasting Tools

With the logistics and supply chain landscape becoming more competitive, organizations in this field need to keep up with the changes and maintain a competitive edge. To achieve that, you need accurate forecasting tools, which come with the best logistics software for small business. 

These tools enable you to forecast customer demand and future trends that might dictate the industry’s future. These solutions can also help you better manage inventory levels. As a result, you can avoid purchasing too much stock, thereby reducing storage requirements and costs. 

5. Reports and Analytics

Ensure that the logistics management software you invest in comes with comprehensive supply chain analytics capabilities. Analytics tools powered by Business Intelligence (BI) enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the supply chain and logistics process. You can identify and resolve problems and disruptions. 

Having access to in-depth data also assists you in updating existing strategies and formulating new ones. The more data you have, the better understanding you get of your business. When you know your business well, you can make informed decisions that help you become more efficient and profitable. 

6. Multi-Platform Support

Lastly, all modern-day logistics management systems include support for multiple platforms. With remote work becoming the new normal, organizations should look for solutions that work on mobile devices, tablets, and laptops. Keeping these requirements in mind, most logistics software vendors now offer support for multiple platforms and operating systems. 

Benefits of Using Logistics Software

If you’re a new logistics business that wants to get a headstart or an existing logistics company that wants to optimize its operations, logistics management software can help. Let’s look at how a logistics management system can add value to your logistics and supply chain business. 

1. Improved Control and Efficiency

Implementing a logistics management system allows you to control all your logistics operations from one place. As a result, you can manage transportation and delivery of goods more efficiently and effectively. A logistics solution enables you to manage your logistics operations like an expert without the need for any expertise. 

2. Reduced Risk of Error

Common errors in logistics and supply chain management are:

• Not preparing for the change
• Poor cost management
• Poor cybersecurity
• Choosing too many or fewer vendors
• Failure to utilize data
• Bad customer experience
• Not cultivating good supplier relationships
• Not sharing crucial information 

All these mistakes can pile up and cost your business. Logistics management software keeps all the data up to date, thereby reducing the risk of errors. 

3. Better Freight Management

The best logistics solutions help you improve the freight management process. Manual freight management can be tedious and time-consuming. A logistics software automates recurring freight management tasks, like vehicle maintenance and gathering quotes. Thus, you can save time and resources you’d have otherwise spent on manual freight management activities. 

4. Save Time

A logistics management system automates a majority of logistics and supply chain tasks. This helps you save a lot of time, which you can spend on core tasks that add real value to your business. 

5. Increased Profitability

Finally, implementing a logistics management system improves profitability. When you automate administrative tasks, you reduce labor costs. You also eliminate the costs of paper and ink. Besides, the reduced risk of errors and improved operational efficiency result in increased revenue and profitability. 

Things to Consider while Buying Logistic Software

A logistics software solution can add substantial value to your business. But to avail of those benefits, you need to choose the right software. 

Here are a few things to consider when selecting a logistics software solution. 

1. Easy of Use

The purpose of implementing a logistics management system is to make life easier for you and your team. If the software is complex and difficult to use, your team will have to spend a lot of time getting used to it, which will nullify its benefits. Therefore, be sure to find a solution that’s easy to use so that all members of your team can learn to use it quickly. 

2. Features

Selecting the right features is essential when investing in a logistics system. Please note that the best logistics solutions come with an array of features, but you may not need all of them. Besides, the more features you request, the more the cost will rise. Understand your requirements properly and opt for only the features that you need. 

3. Pricing

Pricing is another crucial aspect to consider. The end goal of deploying a logistics management system is to reduce costs and increase profitability. But if the solution is too expensive, it’ll increase your overhead expenses and negate your profits. While you shouldn’t go for the cheapest options available, ensure that you stay within your budget. 

4. Supported Platforms

The choice of platforms will depend on your requirements. If you’re a business that uses Windows-powered computers and laptops only, don’t increase the cost by opting for multiple platforms. But if you have a remote team, support for various platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS is a must. 

5. Cloud Capabilities

If you have a remote workforce, it’s essential to choose a solution with cloud capabilities. A cloud-enabled system can be accessed anywhere, anytime, and from any device. As a result, you can allow your team to work regardless of where they are. 

Latest Trends in Logistic Management Software

Some latest trends and developments in logistic management software are:

1. AI and ML

As the importance of data in the logistics sector continues to increase, logistics software vendors are adding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities to their products. This will enable businesses to make better sense of data and make informed decisions. 

2. IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a major trend in the logistics industry. With autonomous hardware devices, such as robots, taking over the logistics space, IoT capabilities allow logistics managers to manage these machines remotely. 

3. Computer Vision

Computer Vision (CV) allows logistics managers to monitor vehicles and drivers in real-time. The best logistics solutions support CV, enabling you to get a real-time view of your fleet and drivers. 

4. Globalization

Logistics companies are going global to increase revenue and profitability. Modern-day logistics solutions help logistics managers stay compliant when it comes to dealing with international customers and vendors. 

5. Integrated 3PL

The immense growth of eCommerce has led to the rise of integrated 3PL (third-party logistics) services. The best logistics software now supports API integrations that connect stores and warehouses with fulfillment centers.