An ideal 3PL software must possess features that promote these essential strategies to address existing pain points. Besides being embedded with recent technologies, the platform must be scalable and updatable, with an infrastructure that isn’t meant to be phased out in the next few years.
Software with artificial intelligence capabilities may be the best choice. Successful implementors have reported cutting logistics costs by 15%, improving inventory levels by 35%, and service levels by 65%, versus their non-AI-enabled competitors.
- Comprehensive data collection and processing
The abovementioned 3PL study also saw an emerging trend of businesses using analytics to improve results and dynamics. Automation makes data more available, allowing organizations and their partners to gather relevant operational information.
Depending on specific data requirements, a company can review the shipper’s operations and underline its strengths and weaknesses. On the other hand, service providers can improve their workflows to address deficiencies.
Internally, businesses can also use the software to generate reports to monitor customer orders, stock positions, and inventory levels, to name a few. These insights can help them prepare for and adapt to market changes, shifts in consumer behavior, and supply chain disruptions.
- Accessibility and visibility through cloud technology
Companies rely on logistics service providers to streamline information flow and sharing, such as in notifying and tracking orders and issuing invoices and shipment notices, among other relevant information. The best 3PL software must allow all players on the supply chain to access and get notified of real-time data. Using a cloud-based application offers the best solution.
A cloud-based 3PL software allows businesses 24-hour access to reports and analytics using any device. Clients can also manage their fulfillment processes while on the go and receive or initiate purchase orders as soon as possible.
Visibility can also help enhance customer satisfaction. An online market research firm has discovered that 66% of online shoppers consider delivery update notifications more important than speed or customer support on delivery issues. This underlines the importance of integrating real-time order tracking features for customer satisfaction.
- Seamless integration with existing business platforms
Easy integration is also a must-have feature for the best 3PL software. Your organization may already have an existing IT infrastructure, so your application must work seamlessly with these systems.
