Due to the increasing ubiquity of the term “Multi-carrier parcel management solution,” businesses have begun using it to describe their digital supply chains, which are essential for implementing an omnichannel order fulfillment strategy and shipping packages efficiently.
What Is A Package Locker?
A package locker is a delivery method that streamlines the process of receiving, storing, and retrieving packages. Provided in a convenient common area or lobby, parcel lockers allow couriers to deliver packages swiftly and securely.
In some cases, a package locker will contain a section just for your particular apartment building’s packages. Using these methods, all packages for a single unit are kept together in one location. There are locker systems with unassigned sections as an alternative. Residents who have lockers with unassigned compartments will get a notification letting them know which one is for their packages in the event that one becomes available.
What Does A Multi-Carrier Parcel Management Solution Involve?
Parcel management solutions let firms identify the best parcel carrier from among all contracted carriers. There are several factors that go into this decision, including order parameters like weight, dimensional properties, and shipping rules, as well as carrier performance and pricing differentials. Shippers can also use these technologies to control the generation of labels, make shipper manifests, send messages to customers or customer support personnel, and regulate carrier rates.
The ERP and/or WMS systems of a firm can be integrated with multi-carrier parcel management solutions to create a streamlined supply chain. To reduce order-to-delivery time and create benefits such as the following, orders flow effortlessly between the many technologies in the ecosystem:
- Effort reductions
- Lower transportation costs and higher per-parcel earnings
- A rise in the number of positive reviews
- Making well-informed choices
- Collaboration between supply chain stakeholders has been made easier.
- An operational size that is both affordable and efficient
Identifying the Appropriate Multi-Carrier Parcel Management Solution
The package delivery operations of every shipper are unique. The multi-carrier parcel management solutions on the market, on the other hand, are just as complex. In addition to the standard rating, shopping, and labelling options, some also provide more complex features like returns management and Business Intelligence reporting.
If you want the above benefits and a speedy return on your investment, you need to pick the solution that’s right for your company. Before implementing any new technology, it’s imperative to fully grasp the implications of each feature and assess whether or not it will benefit your particular shipping environment.
Basic capabilities in most multi-carrier parcel management solutions unleash operational efficiency and supply chain visibility, according to Gartner. These are just a few examples:
- Carrier Compliance
- Reporting/Analytics
- Parcel Execution
- Parcel Consolidation
- Parcel Contract Management
- Label and Document Creation
- Real-Time Parcel Visibility
Despite the fact that most shippers place a high value on cost reduction and the ability to work within a wide carrier services network, additional capabilities beyond those described above can improve the overall shipping process, provide better customer service, and make better use of data. Some examples of these advanced features:
- Mobile Solutions
- Last-Mile Delivery
- Parcel Optimisation
- Automated Rate Shopping
- Parcel Freight Payment
- Procurement and Bid Optimisation
- Returns and Claims Management
It’s easy for even the most seasoned industry professional to become befuddled when trying to adopt a new multi-carrier parcel management solution because there are so many features and functions available. You should always keep in mind that the optimal solution for your organization will be one that can grow and shrink with it, so your order fulfillment strategy will always have the features you need to accomplish it.
Reduce Transportation Costs by Using A Multi-Carrier Parcel Management Solution
Using a multi-carrier parcel management solution, you may save money on shipping no matter where your packages are going or when they arrive.
Comparing Carrier Rates: Multiple carrier parcel management solutions allow shippers to access all of their carrier rates in one system, allowing them to choose the best rate for each shipment based on their business rules and ensuring that every shipment is in compliance with each carrier’s labelling and communication standards, as well as any applicable trade regulations.
Paying Carrier Invoices Correctly: You can save money on shipping costs by ensuring that you are paying your carrier invoices correctly. Auditing carrier bills is critical for shippers who transport big quantities of packages. Mistakes are possible, and they happen. Carrier billing may include charges for services not rendered, such as those promised but not obtained, or additional fees that were not anticipated. These mistakes build up rapidly and can have a significant impact on the bottom line.
Moreover, shippers can automate carrier invoice audits by utilizing a multi-carrier parcel management solution. Data from carrier contracts to delivery events to carrier invoices are all collected and normalized by the multi-carrier parcel management solution, allowing shippers greater control over their transportation spending.
Improving Visibility: Shippers who use a multi-carrier parcel management solution have better access to information about their supply chain. For the efficient operation of the supply chain and the satisfaction of consumers, all stakeholders use a single platform to check delivery status updates and to get delivery event alerts. In the event of a delivery delay, for example, the shipper can take efforts to ensure that the product arrives on time by sending it from another distribution location.
Difference between A Cloud and an On-Premise Multi-Carrier Parcel Management Solution
There are a variety of ways to set up and use multi-carrier parcel management software. For many early adopters of new transportation technology, on-premise was the norm.
You host the system at your office, which is what it means when you talk about an on-premises multi-carrier parcel management solution delivery model (aka your servers). Your network and IT resources will be required to run the system, making it vulnerable to failure.
While this can lead to quicker LAN speeds and file access, it also necessitates the proper infrastructure to manage the security, maintenance, IT, updates, and support of your system. Many organizations find that they soon become waterlogged as they scale.
A cloud multi-carrier parcel management solution, on the other hand, is managed by a third party and made available to consumers over the internet. A “lease” model is used rather than installing and hosting the program on your own servers.
When it comes to parcel shipping, it’s becoming more and more common to use the cloud delivery model because it allows for greater scalability, accessibility, and security while requiring fewer upfront expenses and IT investment. Users may track and evaluate parcel shipment in a single solution that improves response time and collaboration, as well as making better decisions.
Cloud multi-carrier parcel management software doesn’t take up any of your servers’ space or IT resources because it’s hosted and maintained by the provider. There are no upfront costs, and the solution provider is responsible for all maintenance and upgrades, which means that the solution can be deployed more rapidly. You may reap the benefits of expedited implementation and integration processes without having to fork over an initial investment.
In addition, it’s worth noting that cloud computing provides other security advantages. If you lack adequate IT resources, people, controls, or experience, a credible cloud multi-carrier parcel management solution may be able to provide better data protection than you could.
