eTower

eTower prides itself on having designed a flexible cloud-based software system, the Multi-role management logistics system that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. This game-changing technology enables managers and strategists to make important decisions instantly, wherever they work. eTower offers a range of flexible models that can be customised to perfectly suit the needs of growing businesses developing in the logistics industry. eTower has been designed with growth in mind. In fact, the system focuses primarily on streamlining finance, human resources and parcel fulfilment processes in order to increase transparency within the logistics service company and throughout the supply chain. This instant communication means less time for emailing and record keeping, and more time for innovation. As a bonus, the software has been developed to integrate seamlessly with multiple logistics process software and can easily be integrated with many others as well. The system can also be used to collect and aggregate relevant data so that companies can improve their end-to-end visibility by making quick, informed decisions. Integrating all logistics service providers, carriers, services, transport orders, activities and history into one easily accessible online platform streamlines almost all distribution processes. The software saves businesses valuable time that would otherwise be spent on clunky, outdated planning techniques. Better still, automated systems reduce labour costs by shortening job throughput.

Ideal for B2C, parcel shipping operations

100% cloud-based software

Reduce paper and manual processes and reduce transport labour costs by up to 95%

Valuable collaborative logistics supply chain application

Streamline multi-logistician processes

Maximise transport volumes

Reduce costs and maximise profits

Reduce cycle times

Comes with optional applications for building your own unique ERP

Provides simple document management accessible on a variety of devices

Provides extensive on-demand reporting

Multi-currency options help enhance cross-border trade

Speeds up order processing through automation

Allows manufacturers and distributors to gain real-time insight

100% cloud-based

Offers free upgrades

Provides free consultancy

Improves global communication

Minimizes the need for unrelated IT

Multi-role management logistics system

Logistics is both simple and complex. Getting a product or service from A to B has never been easier. Logistics management and supply chain management are intertwined and together they create a complex network of logistics processes that serve customers.

Because logistics extends far beyond logistics distribution, it has multiple roles and functions. There is some debate about how many logistics functions there are, depending on whether you group similar logistics functions or not.

For the purpose of this blog post, we will discuss 6 functions that reflect the role of logistics in the supply chain.

6 logistics functions

All logistics operations, regardless of the size of the organization they serve, fulfill certain roles that support the movement of goods or services. Let's see what those roles are and how they all come together in a transportation management process.

The functions of logistics below come in chronological order rather than in order of importance to logistics management. Therefore, transportation and the actual movement of goods come last on the list.

1. Order processing

Any delivery process can only function if there is an order processing system in place. Order processing systems vary from business to business - from a Shopify store to an ERP. Either way, it's meant to support fast and effective information processing that kick-starts transportation activities.

The key part of order processing in logistics management is integration. Customer-facing solutions, whatever they are, need to be in perfect sync with the transportation management system (TMS) to make sure delivery of goods occurs at the right time and meets company and customer standards alike.

Setups for processing orders

Here's what information/orders processing can look like, depending on the complexity of the logistics operation.

• Single-click integration for eCommerce merchants (e.g. Shopify delivery apps that integrate with a TMS for instant order import).

• CRM and delivery management system integration via Appy Pie Connect or Zapier.

• ERP and TMS integration via API - requires more time and technical involvement.

Whatever the setup, processing of orders sets the tone for the whole of transportation management: warehousing, distribution, customer service, shipment analytics, and the movement itself.

2. Inventory management

Inventory control is among the logistics functions that are often grouped together under the inventory/warehousing umbrella. For the purposes of this guide, we separate inventory and warehouse management processes.

Inventory refers to stocking finished goods in a storage facility. In order to support the transportation and delivery processes, inventory control requires information for maintaining inventory records, ensuring safety, predicting demand for goods, and, of course, reordering stock.

Inventory logistics

Inventory logistics remains on the borderline between inbound and outbound logistics, as it involves both supplier relationship management (inbound logistics) and order fulfillment (outbound logistics). Therefore, inventory management is an important part of supply chain management and needs to be used efficiently.

3. Warehousing

Warehouse management is a natural extension of inventory activities. While inventory covers all locations and, hence, all inventory for order fulfillment, warehousing is limited to tracking stock movement within a warehouse. At the warehouse level, handling, packing, and shipping workflows are established.

Both inventory and warehousing require sophisticated tools that support the main functions and help reduce costs via automation. Especially if your company delivers from multiple warehouses and needs complex logistical solutions.

Warehousing transportation

Transportation management and delivery management software like Track-POD helps companies maintain control over the entire order fulfillment at the cost of a route planner.

For example, automated routing and route optimization can be done with unlimited departure locations, which means you can nail warehousing transportation activities and delight your customers with on-time deliveries from different warehouses.

4. Packaging

Packaging includes all the activities and operations implemented to prepare goods for handling and transportation to and from customers - in case of reverse logistics and returns specifically. Packaging is one major logistic function as it determines delivery success.

First and foremost, packaging needs to be compliant with safety and any customs regulations that may halt your delivery service. Moreover, it's important that packaging matches your storage and vehicle needs, as well as meets the demand for sustainable materials and other green logistics aspects.

5. Cargo handling

Cargo handling is one of the major logistics activities that can't be overlooked when discussing logistics functions. It's closely related to packaging and determines logistical costs in a very real way.

Getting the package and handling procedures right is the foundation of physical distribution. It's equally important for safe storage and transportation. No consumer enjoys damaged products or the wrong product delivered to their door. No company wants ever-rising shipping costs because couriers have to make many trips to one customer to get the order right.

Tips for cutting handling costs

There are many things you can do to improve the cargo handling function of logistics and significantly reduce your shipping costs.

QR/barcode scanning

QR or barcode scanning is a cost-efficient way to improve your delivery success. By implementing Track-POD's delivery management system with a delivery driver app, you give your couriers the option to scan all goods within one load to make sure they're departing for the right address.

Fleet optimization

Route optimization and fleet optimization both serve the purpose of reducing your cost per delivery by maximizing your logistical resources. For example, by collecting all information on your fleet capacity and drivers' working hours, Track-POD route optimization software creates the fastest, cheapest routes with no vehicle storage wasted.

Contactless delivery

Contactless delivery is a way to minimize cost per delivery and improve customer service at the same time. By making an upgrade to a contactless & paperless TMS like Track-POD, you meet the demand for no-contact deliveries while also solving a major logistic challenge of catching your customer at their place of residence at the designated time.

6. Transportation

Last but not least is the transportation itself. Naturally, transportation is among the main logistics functions, if not the main. It's required at every step of every supply chain and the way companies build their transportation management system and functions determines the success of supply chain management.

We've already talked about many important aspects of logistics activities. From storage and warehouse to material handling and fleet optimization. Let's review more logistics activities that help companies improve their customer service and up the rate of successful deliveries.