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Last Mile Delivery Software Solutions

Optimising Last-Mile Delivery Software

In addition to the benefits above, Descartes’ last mile software has the capability to; 

  • Increase delivery productivity by up to 35% 
  • Reduce delivery miles by 13% 
  • Reduce CO2 emissions 
  • Improve customer service 
  • Offer customers environmentally friendly delivery options 

To discover how your specific last-mile delivery challenges can be solved please fill out the Contact Us form below and one of our fleet logistics experts will be in touch. 

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    By filling out the form below, you'll be connecting directly with one of our expert consultants who specialise in optimising fleet operations.

    Here's what you can expect once your submission is received:

    • Personalised Consultation: Our expert will take the time to understand the unique needs of your fleet or business.
    • Insight into Your Challenges: Share any roadblocks or pain points you're facing, and we'll provide actionable insights.
    • Solution Discussion: We'll talk next steps to explore potential strategies and solutions that could enhance your efficiency and performance.

     

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Create Competitive Advantages

This has the effect of improving customer service while also increasing fleet delivery capacity and delivery density. Delivery slots can also be incentivised to drive delivery density to reduce delivery costs with “green” slots when other local deliveries are taking place.  

When moving to a more automated dynamic approach with Descartes, logistics operations typically see an 8-12% reduction in miles if customers’ deliveries can't be moved across multiple days and up to 15-20% reduction in miles when there is flexibility to schedule consumers deliveries across several days.  Customers do not always want their delivery the next day, often preferring to select a day and time that is most convenient for them, when they know they will be at home for the delivery. 

Learn More About Scheduling Optimisation

 

Last Mile Proof of Delivery

The Descartes mobile applications enable customer notifications and real-time electronic collection for proof of delivery. With information on location, time and data about deliveries being uploaded at the time of recording. The routing and scheduling software system is updated with the data, enabling deliveries further along the schedule to be improved and notified of expected delivery times. 

Read more about Proof of Delivery

 

Notifications and Automated Order Tracking 

Offering real-time order tracking to customers allows them to engage with their delivery seamlessly before, during, and after their delivery appointment.

Descartes delivery notification and order tracking software enables a company to improve their customer’s delivery experience, allowing customers, drivers and staff to share information. Sending the right message at the right time, offering last mile tracking and even customer feedback after the delivery. 

Read more about Order Tracking

Solving Last Mile Problems with Descartes Solutions 

Last Mile Challenges and Solutions 

  • Challenge: Traffic Congestion

    Solution: Route Optimisation - Descartes offers advanced route planning and optimisation tools that consider traffic patterns and route you around ad-hoc congestion, reducing delays and fuel consumption. 

  • Challenge: Unpredictable Delivery Windows

    Solution: Dynamic Delivery Scheduling - Descartes' dynamic scheduling caters for changing customer demands, ensuring deliveries arrive within specified and committed delivery windows. 

  • Problem: Lack of Visibility

    Solution: Real-Time Tracking - Descartes provides real-time tracking capabilities for visibility into the movement of goods during the last mile, enabling proactive decision-making and customer communications. 

  • Problem: Communication Gaps

    Solution: Customer Communication Tools - Descartes' solutions enable accurate and timely updates to customers regarding their delivery status, fostering transparency and trust. 

  • Why Choose Descartes?

    With a proven track record of delivering tangible benefits to clients such as John Lewis Partnership, SIG, Halfords and many more you can trust Descartes to apply its expertise and technology to benefit your business.  

 

Take the Next Step 

Contact us today to discover what Descartes could do for you and your fleet operations. 

 

Last-mile delivery FAQs

  • How can self-select delivery appointment windows improve the last mile delivery process?

    Descartes' last mile reservations solution enables businesses to offer customers a variety of delivery appointment window times, with the possibility to include additional services such as installation, removal of any packaging and the product removed to enhance the overall customer experience.  

    By integrating delivery scheduling with route optimisation for last-mile deliveries, businesses can: 

    • Confirm delivery costs and capacity for deliveries: Ensuring that delivery schedules are feasible and avoid overbooking or the need for additional vehicles or hired in drivers. 
    • Optimise delivery routes: Efficiently plan routes that minimise travel time and costs, while also levelling out the daily load between the available delivery drivers. 
    • Offer flexible delivery options: Provide customers with more choice at the point of sale, increasing satisfaction and reducing basket abandonment online, while potentially generating additional revenue through value-added services that are taken into account when planning routes and resources. 
    • Enhance customer service: Improve the overall customer experience by offering accurate delivery estimates, timely delivery communication and tracking plus the ability to immediately feedback on delivery experience. 

    By implementing these strategies, businesses can optimise the last mile delivery process with a more efficient operation, improving profitability and providing a better customer experience. 

    Discover more about improving your last mile competitive advantage. 

  • How does digital proof of delivery (POD) software benefit last mile delivery businesses?

    Descartes' mobile applications provide real-time digital proof of delivery (POD), enabling businesses to: 

    • Streamline operations: Capture POD information such as damage, pictures and signature electronically, reducing paperwork and administrative tasks. 
    • Optimise routes: Update delivery schedules in real-time based on POD data, allowing for more efficient future route planning through the use of machine learning. 
    • Enhance visibility: Track the progress of deliveries and identify potential issues before they become a problem. 
    • Reduce disputes: Provide clear evidence of deliveries with photographs, minimising fraud and disputes with customers. 

    By implementing last-mile digital proof of delivery solutions, businesses can improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. 

    Read more about POD 

  • How can delivery notifications and order tracking software improve the customer experience of their delivery?

    Descartes' delivery notifications and order tracking software offers benefits that enhance the delivery experience to promote loyalty and repeat purchase: 

    • Real-time visibility: Customers can track their orders in real-time, knowing exactly where their delivery is on a map is and when to expect it. 
    • Proactive communication: Automated notifications at each step of the delivery process keep customers informed about delivery status, expected arrival times, and any potential delays. 
    • Improved customer satisfaction: By providing transparency and reducing uncertainty, real-time tracking can significantly reduce customer anxiety, improving satisfaction. 
    • Enhanced communication: The software can offer seamless communication between customers, drivers, and dispatchers, helping to address potential issues before they occur. 
    • Data-driven insights: Tracking delivery performance metrics enables areas for improvement to be identified and helps optimise future deliveries. 

    By implementing delivery notifications and order tracking software, businesses can provide a superior customer experience and build customer loyalty. 

    Read more about customer engagement and order tracking software.

  • What are the benefits of last-mile delivery software?

    The benefits of last-mile delivery software include: 

    • Reduced costs, improved efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, and increased driver productivity. 
    • Reduced planning time, leaving planners free to deal with exceptions and customer service-related issues. 
    • Fewer miles per delivery gives a reduced cost per delivery and a higher delivery density per route. 
    • Improved driver retention with realistic and achievable delivery routes.
  • Can the software handle time-sensitive deliveries (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals)?

    Yes, Descartes’ software can combine deliveries with specific time-sensitive delivery windows with deliveries that are more flexible, prioritising the important deliveries and placing others around them accordingly to generate an optimised route. 

  • How can I measure the success of last-mile delivery software?

    To effectively measure the success of your last-mile deliveries you should track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs). Here are some to consider: 

    Delivery Performance 

    • On-time delivery rate: Calculate the percentage of deliveries completed within the promised time window. 
    • Late delivery rate: Track the number and frequency of late deliveries and identify the root causes. 
    • Missed delivery rate: Monitor the number of missed deliveries and analyse reasons for missed appointments. 

    Operational Efficiency 

    • Fuel consumption: Track fuel usage to assess the impact of route optimisation on costs. 
    • Vehicle utilisation: Measure the percentage of time vehicles are actively used for deliveries. Calculate idling time too. 
    • Driver productivity: Evaluate metrics like the number of deliveries per driver, average driving time, and idle time. 

    Customer Satisfaction 

    • Customer satisfaction surveys: Conduct surveys to gather feedback on delivery experiences and particular drivers. 
    • Net Promoter Score (NPS): Measure customer loyalty and willingness to recommend your services. 
    • Customer complaints: Track the number and types of customer complaints to identify areas for improvement. 

    Cost Efficiency 

    • Total cost of delivery: Calculate the overall cost of delivering goods, including fuel, labour, and vehicle maintenance. 
    • Cost per delivery: Determine the average cost per delivery to assess efficiency and identify areas for cost reduction. 

     

    But most of all last mile software should offer a good Return on investment (ROI): Evaluate all the financial benefits of implementing last-mile delivery software, considering cost savings and increased revenue, not just in the fleet but across the planners and possibly even the warehouse. 

    By tracking and analysing these KPIs, it is possible to gain valuable insights into the performance of your last-mile delivery operations and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

    Descartes’ software includes tools for reporting and analysing performance. 

    For more details on Descartes’ last mile software simply complete the form below and we can arrange for a fleet logistics expert to contact you. 

    Contact us

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