How is technology changing the logistics industry?
Technology has pervaded our everyday lives and increased our reliance on digital communications to an extent that we could never have imagined; for example, businesses can operate from remote locations around the globe with all their employees connected in real-time, at all times.
Technology has not only changed the way we live and do business but has also had a dramatic effect on the logistics industry. People’s perceptions and expectations have changed, with consigning a parcel to a courier company and forgetting about it a thing of the past. Now, businesses demand real-time tracking updates, guaranteed on-time deliveries, proof of delivery, and exceptional levels of customer service. They also want value for money.
Changing services and mindsets
Adapting to the needs of the modern consumer is essential for logistics companies to survive, making it impossible to compete without implementing technological innovations. Companies such as All About Freight combine technological know-how with age-old collaboration, establishing wide logistics networks to deliver same day collection and delivery services in under an hour of booking from anywhere in the UK.
Although customer service staff continue to stand by to receive phone calls and emails, the vast majority of same day courier Sheffield orders are now placed online. This offers cost efficiencies, as errors are minimised and customers enter the consignment details, collection and delivery locations, and calculate the costs themselves.
Trackers fitted to vehicles allow consignments to be tracked at every stage of their journey, with delay notifications issued automatically in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The result is improved customer communication and satisfaction.
The future of deliveries
Although unmanned deliveries have been trialled overseas with varying degrees of success over the last few years, Amazon’s recent announcement that UK shoppers will be able to receive orders via drone delivery as early as next year may galvanise other logistics firms into exploring innovative delivery possibilities.
In conclusion, technology is essential for courier companies to survive and thrive in today’s modern world, but this must never be at the expense of customer satisfaction.