Custom Dispatch Software: How to Know When Your Business Needs it

Trucking dispatch apps/software are essential for logistics companies looking to increase driver performance, customer experience, and business growth. Yet, when it comes to implementing a modern dispatch system, businesses must pick between off-the-shelf software and custom trucking dispatch software.

Let's assess how well each variation applies to the situation.

The Off-the-Shelf Software:

Small businesses that need to manage simple operations and have specific goals should use the off-the-shelf dispatch solution. Even though this kind of digital product is frequently inexpensive, it has several restrictions and downsides that may be a hindrance to advancement.

• First of all, readymade software, also referred to as off-the-shelf software, is vulnerable to hacking because strong security is not guaranteed. 

• Then, customer support is also limited in off-the-shelf-software. This indicates that some consumer inquiries go unanswered because they might be outside the scope of the system's current functionality.

• And lastly, the unique processes cannot be used with off-the-shelf software. To fulfil their needs, you must therefore develop a personalised trend as you follow the one that is already in place. As a result, as you grow with the advanced trend, you must design a unique one to satisfy those requirements.

The Customized Truck Dispatch Software:

Undoubtedly, customized software is the optimal choice for forward-thinking logistics firms with a comprehensive approach to resolving their issues. Despite being slightly pricier than off-the-shelf alternatives, the investment in a customized solution is worthwhile, as it offers significant value in addressing your specific needs

• Complete control can be exerted over the customised solution. You are able to interact with developers, participate in the development lifecycle, and make crucial modifications.

• Your firm’s chances of avoiding data breaches and information leaks are improved by using custom freight dispatch software.

• Custom dispatch software can be integrated with a variety of platforms used by your logistics company, including platforms for fleet management, transportation management, and warehousing.

Dispatch software has brought a revolution in the logistics industry by effectively managing and automating crucial processes. It has become an indispensable tool for managing cargo delivery and transportation due to its effectiveness.

Aurora’s Air Freight Tracking Software system is part of the NOVA Software family. Our air freight tracking software demonstrates how you can boost business output while keeping control over your day-to-day air freight operations. Visit our website or call us at +1 800-304-1488 to know more about our Freight Dispatch Software 

The Impact of Trucking Dispatch Software on Back-Office Productivity

 Like many businesses in these difficult economic times, construction firms are looking at cost-cutting measures that won't compromise productivity and efficiency. A rising number of businesses are seeing the value of leveraging technology to boost productivity, especially in the back office.

Let's look at some typical trucking management software features in more depth to see how they boost productivity and become the back-office team's go-to "pain reliever." 

Paperless Ticketing:

Certain trucking dispatch software suppliers are now offering paperless ticketing, also known as eTicketing, which has become a recent feature. This is because several state DOTs require contactless ticketing, hence the use of digital tickets, or eTickets.

Apart from meeting the "real-time" requirements and ensuring compliance, eTickets offer several advantages that are particularly beneficial for back-office operations. These benefits include reduced dependence on paper-based processes, access to reliable data, and the ability to conduct transactions with greater speed and efficiency.

GPS Verified Routes:

Using trucker dispatch software with real-time GPS tracking eliminates the issue of not knowing whether your own drivers or outside carriers are following approved routes and taking authorised breaks.

Data Sharing:

The utilization of cloud-based truck dispatch software involves the employment of a single, reliable data set for all operations. This consolidated source of information, encompassing both current and past data, serves to eliminate any ambiguities and facilitates accurate reporting and analysis.

Want to use a single transportation management programme to keep track of all the most intricate cargo details?  NOVA Logistics Software handles everything, including dispatching, mobile check calls, shipping information, and invoicing. Our dispatch software makes it simple and easy for dispatchers to see the location of your upcoming shipment! In other words, the main goal of our dispatch software is to improve the practicality and effectiveness of your transportation and dispatch services.

The Pitfalls of Logistics Management Without Trucking Dispatch Software

 With built-in AI and ML features, truck dispatching software is an intelligent platform that enables enterprises to manage their everyday operations through a single interface. Businesses can streamline processes and shorten the turnaround time for deliveries by having access to synced data, such as driver availability and location.

Fleet management and vehicle dispatch end up taking a lot of time and work due to manual dispatch processes. Trucking firms' dispatch operations are a core function, and the absence of an integrated solution to automate the processes invariably has a negative impact on the bottom line of the company. Some difficulties encountered in the absence of trucking dispatch software include:

Interaction Among Siloed Stakeholders:

In the supply chain industry, maintaining a continual channel of communication among managers, dispatchers, and delivery drivers is crucial. However, for dispatchers and third-party logistics (3PL) partners who are not part of the internal team, achieving this can be challenging. Insufficient coordination in areas such as order allocation, delivery tracking, real-time communication, and others may result in reduced efficiency, leading to a lack of transparency throughout the entire delivery process.

By connecting the 3PL system with the shippers' dispatching software, a smart dispatch platform enables a seamless connection. This makes it possible for all stakeholders to understand the crucial delivery KPIs.

Limitations on delivery times:

According to a survey conducted by Oracle Retail, 13% of customers would not reorder from a store if their delivery was delayed. Additionally, the demand for same-day delivery has resulted in even more limited delivery windows. Logistic companies must compete against time to sort, label, process, and allocate items to delivery trucks.

As businesses acknowledge the necessity of quicker deliveries, they are increasingly incorporating intuitive solutions for dispatching truckers into their logistics chain. This technology analyzes real-time data to enhance productivity by automatically assigning available drivers to their respective tasks. Furthermore, dispatchers can design routes with multiple stops to facilitate time-sensitive deliveries.

Lack of Automation:

In a manual trucking dispatch setting, a sizable pool of logistics professionals, whiteboard planning, and several calls between dispatchers and drivers are the standards. The allocation of the consignment and the driver is done in person. It is time-consuming and error-prone to track actions manually.

Businesses can use their valuable human resources for tasks that are more beneficial when they have the right trucking dispatch software in place. They can also use automation to manage, monitor, and regulate the laborious logistics dispatching.