A subset of TMS, dispatch management demands multilevel liaisons between suppliers, manufacturers, shippers and customers.Dispatch managers must be very organized to manage various tasks while keeping costs and customer satisfaction in mind.

Track shipments in real time

Dispatch management’s basic objective is tracking orders from beginning to end so that you can reliably monitor them until delivery. This task involves maintaining records of client information such as name, address, order details and so on, tracking shipment status along its path.

Dispatchers also monitor warehouse stock levels to ensure supplies arrive on time.

Schedule timely deliveries from a centralized data position

Another important dispatch manager responsibility is scheduling deliveries based on customer needs.

The focus of route optimization should be smooth shipments without delivery snags.

To schedule deliveries along optimal routes, you must monitor:

• Traffic patterns
• Weather conditions
• Holidays
• Unforeseen breakdowns
• Fuel usage
• Shipping budget

Dispatch software uses historical data and robust algorithms to identify the most effective delivery route. Use software solutions to save fuel by reducing redundant stops or detours along a given route.

Traffic jams, road closures due to accidents and construction work zone delays aren’t inevitable when you optimize routes from a centralized position.

Proper planning drives customer satisfaction through punctual deliveries with minimum delays.

Maintain optimal inventory levels

Maintaining precise data on current inventory levels helps businesses plan and prevent overstocking or obsolescence.

It makes sense to deploy inventory management tools to improve dispatch operations. They communicate analytics through reports in the form of dashboards or PDF documents.

They provide pre-built reports, but managers can develop customized reports to track certain KPIs.

Real-time updates provide significant visibility into key inventory KPIs while assisting you in meeting deadlines.

Analytics and reporting reveal top-performing and soon-to-be-out-of-stock goods across your sales channel.

Cultivate vendor-shipper relationships

Staying current with vendor supply chain activities, such as shipping needs, deadlines, payment terms and product availability, is critical in dispatching operations.

Furthermore, transparent and consistent communication should thrive between both sides (vendors and consumers) throughout the entire transaction process. Good dispatch management enhances working relationships with truckers through open communication.

Feedback forms and digital proofs of delivery are helpful tools that can ensure your business meets all expectations.

Harness cutting-edge technologies to gain operational insights

A well-organized system allows businesses to gain tremendously from successful dispatch operations, giving them substantial autonomy over their logistics network.

The result?

• Enhanced efficiency
• Cost savings
• Higher customer service satisfaction
• Overall increased profitability

Fleet monitoring is an important function that unlocks an array of advantages:

• Maintaining vehicles for optimized performance
• Providing real-time updates
• Addressing issues along the way
• Monitoring shipment status to forecast issues

Modern technological innovations return significant insights into driver performance, allowing them to win incentives if they meet particular targets.

Improve customer experiences and loyalty

It’s the age of expedited shipping across channels. Customers abandon carts if same-day delivery is unavailable, so dispatchers should prioritize quick and consistent deliveries.

The 2022 Bringg Barometer report reveals that the most challenging barrier for scaling same-day delivery is real-time order visibility and tracking (51%), followed by the travel time between delivery sites (49%).

They demonstrate a lack of technology and visibility. Contrasting technology and manual procedures contribute to poor user experiences and make scaling fulfillment difficult.

Dispatch systems help you avoid poor delivery metrics and lost revenue.

FAQs

What are some dispatch management best practices?

Dispatch management software already supports optimizing the dispatch process, expanding fleet capacity and handling additional orders.

Other best practices include:

• Creating a dispatching policy
• Assigning a dedicated dispatcher
• Being aware of skills, certifications and technician availability
• Keeping clients informed
• Automating scheduling
• Dealing closely with customers
• Building vital relationships
• Handling exceptions and ensuring user satisfaction

How does dispatch management software benefit businesses?

One significant advantage of employing dispatch management software is increased efficiency.

With this sort of technology, companies can conveniently track orders as they progress through the supply chain more precisely than ever before.

This visibility helps guarantee that orders arrive on time, enhancing customer satisfaction and cost savings.

Furthermore, because the system automates many tiresome administrative activities, it frees up staff time for other responsibilities.

How do I select a dispatch system?

When selecting the dispatch program, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Consider your operational needs, the preferred deployment method, the size and industry that your company is in, and your budget.

These are just a few factors that can make or break if a vendor belongs on your selection list.

Have a question about which software vendor is right for you? We’d love to help! Reach out to our team for individualized recommendations by emailing [email protected] or calling 855-850-3850.