What are the things to consider while choosing a 3PL software?

A 3PL software or third-party logistics is software that helps businesses to keep track of their shipments from where the order is received till it is delivered to the end customer. The software also helps in providing a transparent process for the end customers. The 3PL software is accessed by clients ranging; from small businesses to large corporations.

The different types of 3PL software:

Standalone 3PL Warehouse Management Software

The 3PL Warehouse Management Software helps in ensuring that the warehouse activities are managed efficiently. They help in streamlining and speeding up warehouse activities like picking, packing and shipping processes which help in the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the services. They help in resolving the ambiguities related to the operations concerning the warehouse. 3PL Warehouse Management Software is customisable; there are certain elements which are standard for most warehouse management systems. The warehouse management system focuses on the maximising of storage space by inspecting the picking up and packing of orders. They help in inventory management, the transportation process, customer relationship management, generation of packing lists etc.

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Enterprise Resource Planning evidently takes up the processes of all the modules in the business. It helps in the integration of departments within the business to provide a foolproof service to the customer. The different departments include the warehouse department, the accounts department, the human resources department and the customer relationship management. The shared database by the ERP helps different departments to coordinate reporting and automation of their services. The ERP software brings the efficiency of the services by enabling a well-structured system between the distinct services of the business.

Integrated Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management focuses on the working process from product development to the final stage of delivering the product to the end customer. The processes that a supply chain management focuses on starting from the initial end of the cycle production, inventory management, and transportation to the end of the cycle where the customer receives the product. Supply chain management helps in overseeing and tracking the flow of the working system and assures that there won't be any discrepancy. The modern supply chain management software emphasises delivering services which guarantee the agility, security and seamless functioning of the business entity.

Readmore : Making your 3PL and Warehouse Management Better

The benefits of 3PL software:

The software helps in saving time through automation of the manual processes. Generation of the reports and invoices immediately at the time of order placement.

The clients and the 3PL providers get benefits from the implementation of 3PL solutions. The 3PL software ensures that the costs come down and also initiates faster order fulfillment, reduction in shipping costs and improved customer satisfaction.

Before adapting to 3PL software or 3PL solutions, all the processes were done manually and were inherent in errors. The automation through 3PL software lowers the risk of errors. The integration of data takes place at a faster pace and in effective means.

The 3PL software can easily generate insights into the business which is otherwise a tedious task to do manually. Such data integration helps in the better function of the company and its activities.

The durable and faster services help in increasing customer loyalty. Customers can track their shipments without the constant need for enquiring directly with the business.

The things to consider while choosing the right 3PL software for business:

Updated Technology The software should have the makings of the latest technology. It should be able to synchronise with the new-age working systems of the enterprise. The technological advancement helps in providing seamless functioning of the 3PL services. Artificial intelligence and robotic process automation bring revolutionary changes to supply chain management.

Scalable Functionality Before adopting a 3PL software the business should confirm that the software is flexible. The scalability of the 3PL software is an important aspect as it should suffice for the growth of the business. The 3PL software should be able to adapt to changing environments in the industry. The 3PL software should also be scalable concerning the costs. The price should be able to cover the modular software requirements of the business.

Follow-up with Compliances Logistics activity comes around with a lot of rules and regulations. The regulations regarding the packing and labeling are some of the main elements to take care of. The 3PL software is formulated in such a way that it follows through with the requirements for compliances. It will help in the smooth flow of business without any hassles.

Customisable to meet specific needs Even though there are static requirements for a 3PL software some businesses might require to incorporate unique needs into their software. An ideal 3PL software must be able to induce such needs of the business without any hiccup.

Multiple Client Architecture A single company or business entity might have multiple bifurcations within the parent company. When a business adapts to a particular 3PL software, it must have the ability to consolidate different branches of the same business system.

Billing Functions The invoice functions of the 3PL software should be intact. This ensures that invoices of the business are protected; a valid archive is created for old invoices. Proper monitoring of invoices because there are chances for them to be unpaid or lost in the activities of a business.

The assimilation of 3PL software into the business process helps in eradicating a lot of the difficulties faced by the business entity. 3PL software seems like an expensive investment for a company. The benefits which follow through with inducing 3PL software enable the company to grow and benefit from a larger market.

Read more: Factors to Look for in a Logistics Management System