But with so many different products out there serving every niche from dispatch and delivery to full-enterprise logistics suites, selecting the right logistics system can present a challenge.
What is Logistics Management Software?
Logistics software is designed to provide freight forwarding and logistics service providers the necessary tools to support them in the execution and management of their product delivery business. There are basically two sides to this kind of software:
• Supply Chain Management
These are the features that manage the execution of the freight pick-up, tracking and delivery. SCM entails managing all the inventory and transportation details to get the product to its final destination.
• Brokerage and Bidding
Since most logistics operators serve third parties on a contract basis, freight brokerage software needs to manage the business aspect, too. Freight broker software can include bid and contract management, CRM, accounting and other essential business functions.
Logistics Application Categories
- Inventory Control
Manages purchase orders and supply levels, tracking the on-hand, allocated and ordered quantities along with historical and trend information for forecasting purposes. Supports order fulfillment, warehouse control and supplier sourcing.
- Transportation Management
Includes automated carrier selection (to determine the smartest carrier or shipping method for each delivery), shipment consolidation, route optimization, real-time tracking of cargo and dispatch scheduling.
- Warehouse Management
Usually includes barcode or RFID scanning, inventory transfer and smart storage tools to support the warehouse manager in storage location decisions and assistance with picking/packing.
- Import/Export Support
Since many freight carriers deal with international cargo, most systems support you in managing currency exchanges, customs, taxes, multiple languages, trade regulations, etc.
- Risk Management
Helps make the best out of bad situations by simplifying accident processing, insurance claims, lost freight or other incidents. Can also be used to identify potential areas to mitigate risk.
- Integrated Accounting
Handles quotes, expenses, billing, invoicing, receivables, and even currency transactions to ensure seamless information transfer between the management of freight and payment.
- Customer Relationship Management
Supports sales and marketing practices, as well as help desk and customer satisfaction.
For more information on logistics software go to www.softlinkglobal.com
0 Comments