Some pandemic-era supply chain procedures, put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, have long since made their way to the history books. Others, however, like contactless delivery, have become a new standard. But while implementing a touchless delivery system is simple when it comes to leaving groceries on the front porch, it’s a lot more complicated when dealing with cross-border, high-volume, and high-value shipments.
In global B2B shipping, contactless delivery—even if it’s the final touchpoint—affects the entire supply chain, including legal requirements, documentation, contracts, inventory, operations, technology, and everything in between. In the race to streamline these complexities, transportation management systems (TMSs) have emerged as the go-to tool for shippers seeking to make the necessary adaptations efficient and on budget.
Contactless delivery creates unique challenges
In a business that already requires constant, clear contact and communication between a multitude of stakeholders, contactless delivery requires an even higher level of coordination and trust to ensure seamless deliveries. Take proof of delivery (POD), for example. In the absence of a human to receive the delivery, supply chain managers have had to think outside of the signature box when it comes to verifying that shipments are delivered to the right place and in good condition. What’s more, contactless delivery that is driven by a need for additional health and safety regulations can come with strict guidelines around product handling and sanitization.
What do these challenges have in common? They can all be solved with the right technology.
A TMS brings flexibility, strategy, and oversight
TMSs are designed to plan, execute, and track shipments with cost- and time-efficiency, which means the necessary enhancements required for contactless delivery are already built into the software’s strong foundation. (And when bolstered by advanced analytics, its capabilities become even more powerful.) Here are just a few of the areas where a TMS, such as CTSI-Global’s Honeybee TMS, can help set the standard for both traditional and contactless deliveries:
Automated routing and dispatching: Contactless delivery often requires precise coordination to ensure that drivers reach their destinations on time and without unnecessary contact. A TMS with advanced route optimization capabilities can automatically assign deliveries to drivers based on their location, vehicle capacity, and traffic conditions. The software can also analyze real-time data to dynamically adjust routes based on changing circumstances. With these capabilities, supply chain managers can ensure on-time deliveries, even when faced with disruptions such as traffic congestion or last-minute changes to delivery locations.
Enhanced communication tools: Clear and timely communication between drivers, customers, and logistics managers is critical in contactless delivery scenarios. Smooth transactions go a long way toward building trust between partners, especially if a customer is hesitant about relinquishing control to a contactless delivery or if the shipment involves time-sensitive or high-value deliveries.
Many TMSs integrate with mobile devices and apps to provide real-time updates, notifications, and alerts, as well as to confirm deliveries without physical contact through digital signatures. Meanwhile, customers can receive automated, up-to-the-minute delivery tracking, allowing them to prepare for a contactless handoff.
Data integration and real-time visibility: The rise of contactless delivery has amplified the need for real-time visibility throughout the supply chain. A platform like Honeybee TMS can integrate with other software, such as warehouse management systems (WMSs), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to provide a comprehensive view of shipping activities.
This deep level of visibility allows supply chain managers to monitor shipments from origin to destination, tracking key metrics such as delivery timing, route deviations, and temperature, if necessary. With this advantage, managers can quickly identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate.
Contactless proof of delivery: Physical signatures and contactless delivery don’t play well together, so it’s essential to find a secure and reliable digital replacement for the traditional pen, paper, and people. A TMS supports contactless POD by allowing drivers to capture alternate proof of successful delivery, such as photos of the package at the delivery site or GPS coordinates.
In addition to local verification, this type of digital POD can also be instantly uploaded to a TMS’s centralized document center for immediate confirmation. This not only improves operational efficiency but also provides a crucial record that logistics teams can reference in case of disputes or claims.
Pivot your delivery approach to thrive in the modern era
TMS technology offers internal supply chain teams a lifeline, helping them ensure compliance with global regulations, maintain open lines of communication, and plan optimal delivery routes. With CTSI-Global’s Honeybee TMS by their side, companies can make the transition to contactless delivery painless—and realize lasting improvements in efficiency, savings, and visibility.
Are you ahead of the contactless delivery game? Contact us to learn more about how Honeybee TMS can help you set the standard.
