Key Features of Automated Shipment Tracking
The effectiveness of shipment tracking solutions relies on advanced technologies. Here are some key features:
1. GPS Technology
GPS tracking provides real-time status updates for packages in transit, allowing businesses to monitor fleet movements, including engine start-stop, routes, and fuel efficiency. After using live traffic data, GPS technology can alert drivers to roadblocks, weather conditions, and the shortest routes to their destinations.
2. Sensor Technology (RFID and Barcoding)
Sensor technology, through RFID tags or barcodes, enables precise location tracking of shipments. Data from these sensors can be collated on a centralized platform, providing detailed information about items, such as their temperature and condition.
3. Estimated Delivery Date Projection
Many automated tracking systems feature estimated delivery date (EDD) projections. Displayed on product and checkout pages, EDDs help manage customer expectations by allowing them to check delivery times based on their PIN or zip codes.
Tips to Choose the Best Automated Shipment Tracking System
In eCommerce, automated tracking systems provide businesses with key solutions to grow online. They do this without worrying about missed shipments or delays.Â
However, the services offered by these systems can vary significantly. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to carefully evaluate the features of each solution. Here are some key characteristics to consider:
1. Centralized Tracking
A centralized order tracking system allows brands to monitor orders across websites, storefronts, and marketplaces from a single dashboard. This feature enables entrepreneurs to filter through orders to identify shipments that are delayed, in transit, or returned. It also displays payment and refund statuses, streamlining the tracking process.
2. Easy Integration with Existing Systems
Businesses often depend on multiple tech stacks like CRMs, ERPs, WMS, and OMS to run an ecommerce store successfully. As a result, it is important to choose an automated order-tracking system that integrates with these existing systems. The new software should complement, not disrupt, the current operations or cause downtimes.
3. Multi-Carrier Support
Most ecommerce companies use various courier delivery partners for international and domestic orders. Therefore, the chosen tracking system must support multiple carriers. The best solutions leverage carrier APIs to provide real-time package tracking notifications, ensuring comprehensive visibility across all shipments.
4. Customizable Features
Online stores have diverse needs, so the courier tracking solution should offer customizable features. Common customizations include customer notifications. For instance, sellers might want to notify customers about their shipment status via channels like WhatsApp, Email, and SMS.
5. Branded Tracking
Branded tracking enhances customer experience by maintaining brand continuity throughout the shopping and post-purchase phases. Shoppers are redirected to a tracking page that mirrors the brand’s logo, color scheme, and lettering. This helps them in driving the additional sales via upselling and cross-selling.
6. Proof of Delivery
A digital proof of delivery (POD) is increasingly important as ecommerce fraud and theft rise. POD ensures businesses are notified when an order is fulfilled and often includes the receiver’s name.Â
In regions like the United States, where curbside and doorstep deliveries are common, digital PODs are essential for confirming deliveries. It’s crucial to select a tracking solution that partners with carriers offering this benefit.
7. Hassle-Free Onboarding
Finally, the shipping solution must provide a smooth onboarding process for the end eCommerce company. This means a shipment tracking platform should need to be properly set up for proper use of it.Â
An easy-to-use software onboarding process means that the shipping solution is simple to use and online businesses can start the shipping & tracking the packages. The interface should be user-friendly and free from any type of errors.
