Discussing The Evolution of On-Demand Delivery Management
Delivery management has undergone dramatic transformation over the past 40 years, significantly reconfiguring the way businesses operate and deliver goods and services from point A to point B. In the early days, manual processing was essential, and each delivery required human insight and planning. Recently, sophisticated delivery management software applications have taken centre stage, enabling companies to streamline operations and handle more deliveries each day.
In this article, we explore the evolution of delivery management processes, highlighting the influential role of advanced software and on-demand delivery services. We also discuss the importance of on-demand delivery for modern consumers and the top features to look out for when choosing the best delivery management systems.
The History of Delivery Management Software
Early delivery management relied heavily on human input and was a highly labour-intensive process requiring extensive manual coordination. Logistics professionals used tools such as paper maps, radio communication, and delivery logs to manage their deliveries, track shipments, and ensure timely arrivals. The process was time-consuming and prone to human error if there was a mix-up in the delivery chain. Nevertheless, these initial systems laid the foundation for future delivery management processes.
In the 1980s, many companies began introducing basic computer technology to track shipments and maintain clear digital records. This inventory management software operated in a continuous loop, beginning with purchasing, then moving through tracking and monitoring inventory, before starting the cycle again. While teams often had to input barcode-scanned information manually into computers, their ability to track goods improved. By the early 2000s, delivery management software had advanced further, allowing systems to update automatically when goods were scanned.
The 2000s also saw the more widespread adoption of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. This transformative technology enabled courier and logistics companies to use software for real-time tracking, improving vehicle management, transparency, and the ability to relay delivery information to customers. By 2004, the U.S. electronics company Qualcomm had successfully tested live assisted GPS on a mobile phone, enabling the combination of cellular and GPS signals to improve location accuracy. This technology continued to grow, allowing delivery management platforms to expand their capabilities.
By the 2010s, more comprehensive delivery management software solutions emerged, featuring innovative elements such as route optimisation, real-time tracking, and improved customer satisfaction through clearer communication. On-demand delivery also became commonplace.
The Introduction of On-Demand Delivery: Transforming the Delivery Landscape
Delivery management systems have evolved significantly since the pre-1980s era, with on-demand delivery now a vital part of the modern delivery landscape. Modern consumers expect rapid delivery, particularly for groceries, takeaway food, medication, and same-day orders.
Many attribute the rise of on-demand delivery to 2007, when the iPhone sparked the growth of the smartphone industry and app-based marketplace. Suddenly, consumers could order goods from the comfort of their homes and expect faster delivery windows.
On-demand delivery gives consumers the option to specify the exact time and location for their order delivery. Customers can often choose from different delivery speeds based on their needs. These speeds might include express (within two hours), same-day, or scheduled.
While on-demand deliveries were considered a luxury or a nice-to-have in the mid-2000s, they have become essential today. Business Insider notes:
“Consumer behaviour is changing. Immediate access to messaging, email, media, and other online functionality through smartphones has generated a sense of entitlement to fast, simple, and efficient experiences.”
Logistics companies that want to stay ahead of the curve and retain modern consumers must effectively manage on-demand deliveries, ensuring that they keep up with higher customer demands. If they don’t, customers will simply move to the competition, to those who use delivery management platforms that empower faster delivery times. Effective delivery management software requires several critical features to keep up with client demands.
Top Features of Modern-Day Delivery Management Software
Delivery management software has evolved significantly from the days of manual processes, early GPS, and the inception of on-demand delivery systems. Today, delivery management platforms offer courier and logistics companies a wide range of innovative features, each designed to scale operations and ensure quick and efficient delivery of goods. Top features include:
- Delivery Route Planning and Optimisation: Effective route planning and optimisation are vital aspects of delivery management software. These features consider all scheduled deliveries and their various locations to plot the most time- and fuel-efficient routes. This can save delivery companies substantial amounts of money and time, enabling them to scale up their daily orders.
- Fleet Management: Successful delivery management systems provide managers with a comprehensive overview of their entire fleet, allowing them to monitor drivers and ensure timely deliveries. Furthermore, technological advancements have enabled more robust software systems that account for vehicle capacity and can plan orders based on how many products each vehicle can hold.
- Real-Time Order Tracking: Real-time tracking is essential for on-demand deliveries. Customers want to know where their order is and have the ability to track it on their screens. This feature ensures that deliveries can seamlessly accommodate client schedules, enhancing customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
- Easy Integration: Effective delivery management platforms integrate easily with other systems, including payment and customer relationship management systems. By integrating seamlessly with your existing technology, Loop further streamlines deliveries and helps improve overall operational efficiency while reducing the likelihood of technical errors and glitches.
- Data Analytics and Insights: Sophisticated delivery management technology should provide logistics companies with clear data and insights. Specialised live data dashboards offer valuable information that helps managers identify and address issues before they become major problems. These insights can highlight delivery bottlenecks, driver errors, order mix-ups, and key order metrics.
Book a Free Demo with Our On-Demand Delivery Management Experts
Looking for a tried and tested delivery management system? Loop’s scalable system is well-suited for small, medium, and large logistics and courier companies, enabling you to scale up operations as needed. Our zero-obligation free demo gives you the opportunity to see what Loop has accomplished to date, ask any questions, and get a better sense of how Loop can optimise your deliveries. During your demo, we will:
- Show you the three different parts of Loop’s software, highlighting how it can help you
- Show you our live dashboards and explain how our tech works
- Show you clear, tangible stats to highlight what we’ve achieved so far
- Answer all your questions
When you work with us, you will be working alongside delivery greats, including Checkers Sixty60, OneCart, and The Courier Guy. For more information on how Loop can help you, give us a call at +27 87147 4100 or send us an email at info@loop.co.za. We’re excited to work with you!