Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Automated Shipment Tracking?
- Top 4 Advantages of Automated Shipment Tracking Systems
- Key Features of Automated Shipment Tracking
- Tips to Choose the Best Automated Shipment Tracking System
- Empower Your Brand with Shipway’s Automated Order Tracking System
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Running an eCommerce business is an intricate endeavor, especially when managing shipments from various stores and platforms. It’s a logistical juggle that becomes even more taxing with numerous carriers and a large team. Tracking and updating shipments was once a manual, tedious task, often managed through carrier websites or Excel spreadsheets.
Even with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, the tracking capabilities are limited to a few carriers, leaving retailers with unsupported carriers, a significant issue for large-scale operations. However, the advent of all-in-one shipment tracking software has transformed the process, offering a centralized solution for order and shipment management. This blog will delve into the nuances, advantages, and key features of automated shipment tracking systems in 2024, and how they can elevate your eCommerce business.
What is Automated Shipment Tracking?
Automated shipment tracking integrates shipping software or logistics aggregators to streamline operations. These systems can monitor hundreds of parcels in real time and send updates to both customers and businesses. Real-time tracking is crucial for medium to large eCommerce ventures, as it improves transparency and customer satisfaction.
Beyond tracking, automated systems like Shipway Xperience offer additional functionalities, such as gauging customer satisfaction, cross-selling, upselling, and simplifying returns and exchanges.
Top 4 Advantages of Automated Shipment Tracking Systems
1. Real-Time Visibility
Real-time shipment monitoring is a game-changer for customer experience. Automated tracking systems continuously follow carrier movements, keeping both businesses and customers updated on the latest order statuses. This transparency helps manage delivery expectations and efficiently handle any shipment delays. These systems also send automatic updates via WhatsApp, Email, and SMS, building trust and enhancing satisfaction.
2. Resource Optimization
Automated tracking systems maximize resource utilization by optimizing delivery fleets and organizing consignments according to pre-planned routes. This results in quicker deliveries, fewer trips, and lower logistics costs. These systems also help identify the best couriers based on performance, service locations, and shipping costs, ensuring cost-effective and timely deliveries.
3. Lower Operational Costs and Greater Efficiency
Automation enhances efficiency at every step of the courier process. By integrating seamlessly with top courier aggregators, companies can streamline courier selection. Reducing manual errors and failed deliveries minimizes order status inquiries, saving time and operational expenses. Employees can then focus on other critical functions such as planning, customer support, and sales.
4. Reduced WISMO Calls and Support Tickets
Automated tracking solutions offer close monitoring of goods within the supply chain, helping businesses keep tabs on items in transit, delayed orders, lost shipments, and undelivered parcels. This proactive approach enables companies to address issues proactively, reducing the frequency of WISMO (Where Is My Order) calls. Transparency in order status allows businesses to inform customers promptly about delays, boosting customer satisfaction and fostering repeat business.
Key Features of Automated Shipment Tracking
The effectiveness of shipment tracking solutions hinges on cutting-edge technology. Here are some crucial features:
1. GPS Technology
GPS tracking provides real-time updates on package locations, allowing businesses to monitor fleet movements—including routes, start-stops, and fuel efficiency. GPS can also alert drivers to roadblocks, weather conditions, and the shortest routes to their destinations using live traffic data.
2. Sensor Technology (RFID and Barcoding)
Sensor technology through RFID tags or barcodes offers precise location tracking of shipments. The data collected by these sensors on a centralized platform provides detailed information, such as an item’s temperature and condition.
3. Estimated Delivery Date Projection
Automated tracking systems often include estimated delivery date (EDD) projections, which are displayed on product and checkout pages. EDDs help manage customer expectations by allowing them to check delivery times based on their zip codes or PIN.
Tips to Choose the Best Automated Shipment Tracking System
Selecting the right automated tracking system is crucial for eCommerce businesses. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Centralized Tracking
Centralized tracking systems allow brands to monitor orders across various websites and marketplaces from a single dashboard. This feature helps identify delayed, in-transit, or returned shipments and streamline the entire tracking process.
2. Easy Integration with Existing Systems
Businesses often use multiple tech stacks, such as CRMs, ERPs, WMS, and OMS. It's essential to choose an automated order-tracking system that integrates seamlessly with these existing systems to maintain uninterrupted operations.
3. Multi-Carrier Support
Most eCommerce businesses rely on multiple courier delivery partners for domestic and international orders. The chosen tracking system must support multiple carriers, leveraging carrier APIs to provide real-time package tracking notifications and ensuring comprehensive visibility.
4. Customizable Features
Given the diverse needs of online stores, the tracking solution should offer customizable features, such as notifications via WhatsApp, Email, and SMS.
5. Branded Tracking
Branded tracking pages maintain brand continuity and enhance customer experience, showing the brand’s logo, color scheme, and lettering. This not only fortifies the brand image but also aids in upselling and cross-selling.
6. Proof of Delivery
Digital proof of delivery (POD) is vital for combating eCommerce fraud and confirming deliveries. Select a tracking solution that offers digital PODs through partnerships with carriers.
7. Hassle-Free Onboarding
A user-friendly shipping solution with a smooth onboarding process ensures that businesses can quickly and efficiently use the tracking platform without operational hiccups.
Empower Your Brand with Shipway’s Automated Order Tracking System
Shipway Xperience is a leading post-purchase and order-tracking platform, offering merchants the ease of monitoring all shipments from a single dashboard. This powerful tool allows seamless merging, canceling, and tracking of multiple shipments, simplifying logistics operations. The customizable branded tracking pages and real-time updates via emails, WhatsApp, and SMS ensure exceptional customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Automated shipment tracking has become essential for eCommerce businesses, providing numerous benefits such as cost savings, improved accuracy, time efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction. With advancements in AI, data science, IoT, and blockchain, the future of automated shipment tracking looks promising.
Modern tracking solutions extend beyond real-time updates, encompassing essential tasks like generating shipping labels, managing delays, and implementing data-driven strategies for fleet management. Shipway Xperience offers a comprehensive solution leveraging cutting-edge technologies to streamline your logistics operations. Elevate your eCommerce business with Shipway Xperience, ensuring seamless tracking, greater efficiency, and outstanding customer service.
FAQ
What are the core benefits of automated shipment tracking?
Automated shipment tracking offers real-time visibility, resource optimization, reduced operational costs, and enhanced efficiency, minimizing customer service inquiries and dissatisfaction.
How does GPS technology benefit shipment tracking?
GPS technology provides real-time updates, optimizing routes and fuel efficiency while alerting drivers to potential hindrances like roadblocks or adverse weather conditions.
Why is multi-carrier support crucial in a tracking system?
Multi-carrier support ensures comprehensive visibility across all shipments, whether domestic or international, leveraging real-time notifications to keep customers and businesses informed.
What should businesses look for in a tracking system for easy integration?
Seek a system that integrates seamlessly with existing tech stacks (CRMs, ERPs, etc.) without disrupting current operations or causing downtime, ensuring smooth and continuous functionality.
How do branded tracking pages enhance customer experience?
Branded tracking pages maintain consistency in brand representation and can increase customer engagement and sales through upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
