3PL Software: Case Study
A case study for any 3PL provider of delivery or third-party logistics to clients. We look at how route optimization and analytics software helps with efficiency and reporting.
Deliver-It
When third-party logistics (3PL) company, Deliver-it, approached us to be their delivery route planner they had just onboarded a new client who had presented them with a great opportunity. In order to accept the contract, Deliver-It faced a challenge. The new contract meant that owner, Barry Rabbitt, would need to increase his fleet and hire new drivers and become more efficient.
What we will take a look at in this case study:
3PL Deliveries Solution
Deliver-It had received the data on where his drop-offs would be and the predicted volume and frequency of orders from the new client. They could then upload this data and optimize his routes and vehicle designation. In doing so, he was confidently able to guarantee that he could meet his customers demands and obligations.
Once the new contract started, Deliver-it were able to immediately begin using SmartRoutes' courier software. Each evening, their client would send over the order list, delivery addresses, and any specific dispatch notes pertaining to them. Previously, they would have had to manually plan which vans would take which items. Now, however, Barry simply needed to upload the data from his client to the SmartRoutes Desktop Route Planner. The planner did the work for him and at the click of a button, he was able to send all his routes directly to his drivers.
Initially, Barry had queried how receptive his drivers would be of the app. At SmartRoutes, we’ve worked hard to make our app completely user-friendly and intuitive. Not alone did drivers embrace the app, but they reported that it made their job easier. They could now see their routes the night before, keep track of any undeliverables and keep all their POD's securely.
Throughout the day, Barry was able to keep track of all his vans and drivers from his route planning dashboard. This visibility and oversight of his new drivers was critical and put his mind at ease. It also meant that he was able to give his client real-time ETA's updates on the deliveries.
The Goals
- Integrating new client & existing customer/drop-off data to speed up onboarding
- Putting a system in place that would make multi-drop routing as efficient as possible, saving on time, money & resources
- Establishing a way of bulk distributing routes to drivers the night before
- Keeping real-time oversight of van locations throughout the day and track proof-of delivery
Key Features for Deliver-It
Route planning
Poor planning of last mile delivery can increase your overall logistical costs by 20-40% making your operations unprofitable. Poor planning leads to long time windows and missed deliveries resulting in customer churn. Using a delivery planning software solves this problem for you. Reduction in the administrative overhead of planning routes frees up your time.
Route optimization
Our route optimizing algorithm will reduce cost per delivery by at least 33% versus traditional planning and allow you to factor in complex variables like time windows, load balancing, zonal territories and even vehicle variables to avoid missed deliveries and deadlines. Vehicles leaving the depot fully loaded results in greater profitability.
Fleet tracking
Visualize your delivery fleet with a live map to manage and adjust routes in real-time. Be more efficient and take the guesswork out of delivery operations. Be less dependent on a driver’s local knowledge by implementing a data-driven model of fleet tracking.
Delivery driver app
Your drivers are your greatest asset and you need to give them great tools. Our delivery driver apps optimize and navigate their delivery route. It also allows them to capture proof of delivery and keeps them in constant contact with the depot through dispatch and driver notes. With driver turnover rates at 25% on average annually driver apps will help to retain staff and improve efficiency.
Delivery management
A total solution to delivery management is critical for all business types in order to control costs and protect the customer experience with you. Lack of investment in delivery management can result in 38% customer churn and spiraling delivery costs as a result particularly of missed deliveries that need to be repeated. Contactless delivery options also need to be considered to safeguard public health.
Delivery experience
Excel at the delivery experience for your customers keeping them in the loop with real-time notifications and a live package tracking portal. Cut out missed deliveries and unhappy customers with a simple to implement solution that anyone in your business can use. Increase customer return rates and control your costs on the most expensive section of your logistics journey.
Proof of delivery
Capture proof of delivery by e-signature, photo or barcode scan for total security and compliance. Automate email confirmation to customers or to the relevant ERP system.
Delivery notifications
Stay in constant contact with your customers over the last-mile with delivery notifications and updates by text or email. Automate the customer support requirements and provide certainty to customers. Reduce delivery windows and increase delivery hit rates to decrease cost per delivery and reduce customer churn.
Zone management
Create zones of delivery and allow our AI to intelligently assign and manage work within this area. Route and territory optimization all in one.
Reporting capability
Become a data-driven delivery team with end-of-day reports on all aspects of your operation. Measure your success and improve your performance month on month.
Multi-depot management
Scale your organization and reflect the scope of your logistics team with SmartRoutes multi-depot management. Create a network of SmartRoutes accounts to manage large distributed organizations with Super Admin role permissions and regional depot managers depending on requirements.
Customer mapping software
A customer map that acts like a visual CRM SmartRoutes can get your maintenance, delivery or sales teams out in the field. See at a glance who needs a visit or what order needs to be fulfilled and meet that need for your customers.
"My whole company is now using SmartRoutes in some capacity, and the support they’ve received from their team has been exceptional. It’s made life easier for everyone and made my operations more efficient across the board"
- Barry Rabbit, Owner
Results
2,000
hours per year saved on driver & admin time
€5,000
saved on fuel based on existing routes over 1st year
24,000
less miles traveled in the first year
4.12
tonnes of emissions prevented from entering the atmosphere over first year
Outcome
The outcome of our project with Deliver-It surpassed all expectations. Driven by necessity to accept a new contract originally, the resulting impact on the business was much more widespread than anticipated.
Bench-marking off existing contracts and operations, Deliver-It estimated that they required 1 less van than they would have with their existing manual routing process. Fuel costs alone we reduced by at least €100 per week as a result.
To read more case studies you can check them out on our Customer Stories page. If you would like to know more about our services then you can contact us here and a member of our team will be in touch!
