Welcome to the era of explosive eCommerce growth! Where customers are flocking online to shop for ever-expanding categories of products.
But with this, comes a whole new set of challenges for eCommerce fulfilment and logistics.
As you strive to scale up your operations, cost-efficiency becomes paramount. You must also retain visibility over your valuable stock while meeting customer demands. And without robust logistics software, it's like hammering a nail with a screwdriver.
Here’s why:
The increasing customer demand across product categories puts pressure on order management. Customers expect speedy deliveries, making faster shipping a differentiator. And not to forget the flexibility in warehousing, inventory management, picking, and packing.
Logistics cost makes it a bumpy road even further. The costs of logistics have gone up by approximately 5% since 2010. According to McKinsey, logistics costs currently comprise 12-20% of eCommerce revenues. And with wage pressures and higher last-mile expenses, it might reach 15-25% soon.
Yet, a right logistics software can greatly enhance your fulfilment scalability. In fact, decreasing supply chain costs from 9% to 4% can yield a 40% increase in profit, as predicted by experts.
As we enter 2024, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve with advanced logistics software. This blog highlights the best logistics management software for efficient logistical operations. We also explore the key factors to consider when selecting logistics software. So that you navigate the eCommerce landscape with confidence and seize industry opportunities.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Logistics Software
Whether an eCommerce brand or a 3PL, the right logistics software can make all the difference. But finding the perfect fit for specific business needs can be a challenge.
Hence, assess your operational needs and look for gaps within existing logistics. It helps identify deficiencies and optimise your logistics cycle.
When choosing logistics software, you must consider certain key factors. Besides basic functionalities, the software must address the unique challenges of your logistics. Here's a checklist of essentials to look for in your logistics management software.
1. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business scales, the logistics software should seamlessly adapt to increased volumes. Look for features such as customisable workflows, automated processes, and integration capabilities. It ensures your logistics operations evolve to meet marketplace demands.
2. Integration Capabilities
Effective integration is vital for a streamlined logistics process. Choose software that integrates with your existing systems, such as ERP or CRM. Look for APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and pre-built integrations with popular platforms.
This ensures:
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Real-time data synchronisation
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Freedom from manual data entry
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Overall operational efficiency
3. User-friendliness
An ideal logistics management software should also have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. An organised layout, easy navigation, and logical workflows make training new users straightforward. Also, look for UX features like drag-and-drop interfaces, customisable dashboards, and responsive design.
4. Reporting and Analytics
In today’s data-driven world, robust reporting and analytics capabilities are the lifeblood of decision-making. Therefore, look for features such as:
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Customisable dashboards
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Real-time data visualisation
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Access to comprehensive reports
This will help you monitor KPIs, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven improvements.
5. Data Sharing Abilities
Collaboration and data sharing are essential in a connected supply chain ecosystem. Ensure the logistics software supports seamless data sharing with all your stakeholders. Look for features such as secure portals, API integrations, and EDI capabilities. It facilitates real-time information exchange, improves communication, and enhances overall supply chain visibility.
Top 9 Logistics Management Software to Use in 2023
Refer to the table below for a quick overview of these software and their offerings.
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Company Name |
Logistic Software Offerings |
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1. Cargowise |
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2. Magaya |
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3. Descartes |
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4. Xeneta |
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5. GoComet |
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6. Oracle Netsuite |
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7. Upper |
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8. Kuebix TMS |
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9. ReturnLogic |
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1. Cargowise
Cargowise, a leading cloud-based logistics software provider, offers a single-platform solution to manage and optimise international trade. Its robust interface helps logistics service providers centralise operations on a single global database.
Key Features:
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Helps you manage intricate transactions in customs compliance, freight forwarding, cross-border eCommerce fulfilment, transport management, warehousing & distribution, last-mile delivery, and many more.
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Powerful configuration tools to create unique and efficient workflows that suit your business.
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Global application delivery and management services.
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Round-the-clock disaster recovery, data management, upgrades, maintenance, backup, and business continuity planning.
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Real-time access to consistent information throughout the supply chain.
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A unified database supports multiple users, functions, countries, languages, and currencies.
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Automates data submission to regulatory bodies and government agencies. Minimises compliance risks and accelerates customs clearance.
2. Magaya
The Magaya supply chain management software caters to the needs of:
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Freight forwarders
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Logistics service providers
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Warehouse operators
The integrated platform helps manage inventory, track shipments, and automate critical processes.
The flexible and modular platform helps you digitise and modernise supply chain operations. Freight forwarding, rate management, compliance workflows, and customer data, to name a few.
Key Features:
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A single system to manage freight quotes, customs documents, warehousing, and last-mile logistics.
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Built-in warehouse management software for seamless workflows between warehousing and shipping.
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Automation for hassle-free accounting workflows.
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An electronic network of thousands of global forwarders for new business opportunities.
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A single system of record for customer data for easy collaboration.
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A complete picture of customer lifecycle and sales performance to spot growth opportunities.
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Built-in business intelligence reporting and analytics.
3. Descartes
Descartes is a trusted name in the logistics software industry. It delivers the broadest array of cloud-based logistics and supply chain management software.
In the eCommerce sector, it assists in warehousing, distribution, shipping, and home delivery. Its route planning software aids strategic route creation and driver performance management.
Key Features:
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B2B connectivity and messaging to communicate and collaborate on a global scale.
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Filing and visibility applications for cargo security, customs, and regulatory agencies.
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Shipment management solutions for brokers and forwarding agents.
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Transportation software that syncs transportation operations, curtails costs, and enhances service.
4. Xeneta
Xeneta specialises in freight rate benchmarking and market intelligence. It empowers shippers and freight forwarders to make data-driven decisions.
Xeneta provides valuable insights into shipping rates and market trends, enabling informed decisions. It also helps you evaluate supplier performance for better procurement strategies.
Key Features:
- Up-to-date +300 million ocean freight rates for over 160,000 port-port pairs.
- Intelligence tools to be proactive in identifying market trends. Anticipate shifts in demand and pricing, and adapt your strategies accordingly.
- Combines latest freight rate with load factor and capacity data. Supports profitable air freight buying or selling.
- API that integrates 300 million freight rates and other data into your systems.
5. GoComet
GoComet offers comprehensive freight management software that transforms supply chain visibility.
From securing rates to automating invoice reconciliation and real-time cargo tracking. This end-to-end logistics management software covers every aspect of your freight operations.
Key Features:
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Automated compounded negotiation algorithms to secure the best rates for your freight requirements.
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Invoice reconciliation module for error-free invoice processing. Highlights discrepancies between freight invoices and agreed rates for 70% faster payment cycles.
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Shipment tracking module for real-time monitoring of all shipments on a single dashboard. No more manual tracking. Receive automated alerts for any delays or journey milestones.
6. Oracle Netsuite
Netsuite offers a cloud-based solution for end to end transportation and logistics management. It covers crucial aspects of inventory, supply chain management, revenue and spend management. By streamlining operations and enhancing collaboration, it enables informed decisions using real-time data.
Key Features:
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Global, real-time view of all the inventory. Facilitates easy collaboration with your supply chain partners.
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Comprehensive finance and accounting capabilities. Immediate visibility into the financial performance of your business.
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Customer relationship management to create a 360-degree view of the customer. Integrates sales, support cases, and financial transactions data.
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Revenue management solutions to automate revenue recognition. Ensures accurate reporting in compliance with accounting standards.
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Greater visibility into spend from acquisition through payment.
7. Upper Route Planner
Upper Route Planner is a powerful route planning and optimisation software. It plans and optimises routes allowing you to navigate many stops in the most efficient way. By considering traffic conditions and delivery windows, the software optimises routes. It also factors in the vehicle capacity for optimal delivery and resource utilisation.
Key Features:
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Automatically prioritises urgent deliveries to ensure efficient route planning.
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Allocates dedicated service time to specific stops.
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Plans routes as per customers’ preferred time. It helps eliminate driver idling or missed deliveries.
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Flexibility to cover pickups and delivery stops in a single route.
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Import and export functionality for hassle-free route planning directly from your contact book.
8. Kuebix TMS
Kuebix is a Transportation Management System (TMS) platform that supports all transportation modes.
It adapts to meet the unique needs of shippers, regardless of business size or complexity. With Kubix, onboarding is swift, enabling businesses to realise ROI quickly.
Key Features:
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Modular cloud-based logistics software with a single code base.
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Carrier connectivity across all modes of transportation. It compares rates from multiple carriers side by side.
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A vast network of Kubex shipping communities. It helps secure the most favourable rates for volume freights.
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Automatic audit of carrier invoices against the approved rate quotes for each shipment. Makes it easy to approve the correct invoices and highlight discrepancies.
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Claim management features to keep records of all historical claims.
9. ReturnLogic
ReturnLogic is an innovative logistics software that simplifies eCommerce product returns and exchanges. It streamlines the process for both shoppers and retailers.
The comprehensive returns management and analytics capabilities simplifies the process complexities for retailers. For shoppers, it offers a hassle-free return experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Key Features:
- Automated exchanges for a similar or new item that suits their needs.
- Automatic enforcement of return and shipping policies to avoid return fraud.
- Incentivisation tools to capture upsell opportunities and reduce returns.
- Return analytics helps identify return reasons, customer performance and its financial impact.
Conclusion
The logistics management software highlighted above have a range of features and functionalities. They are designed to streamline your operations, enhance visibility, and optimise costs. From scalable platforms to seamless integrations, these tools offer endless possibilities.
Remember, investing in the right logistics software is a strategic business decision. So evaluate all the options thoroughly and select the ones that serve your business best.
As a business owner, there is a lot to eCommerce fulfilment that is within your reach. Unfortunately, plenty of it can fall outside your domain of expertise. And the most significant one is logistics. Therefore, it's ideal to have specialised experts by your side.
With PACK & SEND, you can ensure efficient deliveries while minimising costs. A corporation or an online start-up, we have logistics solutions for every need. Contact us today for a one-stop shop logistics solution!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is logistics software?
Logistics software is specialised applications that manage various aspects of the supply chain. This includes transportation, inventory, warehousing, and order fulfilment. It streamlines operations, enhances visibility, and improves overall efficiency in logistics management.
Which is the best logistics software?
Determining the best logistics software depends on your specific business needs. The best bet is to check features, scalability, integrations, and user reviews to find the best fit.
Which software is used in logistics and supply chains?
There are several software for logistics management. This includes:
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Warehouse management software
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Order management software
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Supply chain management software
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Transportation management software
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Third-party fleet management software
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Route optimisation software
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Driver and vehicle management systems
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Document management software
Why is logistics software important?
Logistics software is vital to efficient supply chain management because it:
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Streamlines logistics operations
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Provides real-time visibility into inventory
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Streamlines process such as order management and transportation
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Optimises routes to enhance delivery efficiency
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Expands profit margins
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Improves customer satisfaction