Logistics Software: Types and Examples
With the ever-increasing demand for delivery services, the logistics industry is destined to evolve. Successful logistics processes result in high efficiencies, lower costs, enhanced inventory management, effective use of warehouse space, and rewarding customer experiences. It’s safe to say that all of these benefits would be impossible to achieve without software solutions.
Quality logistic software will only grow in demand in the coming years, making it a perfect solution for a startup. Everything you need is a brilliant idea and a logistics software development company to help you build your application. In this article, we’ll walk you through the main types of logistics software and the key steps of the logistics software development process.
Types of Logistics Software
Logistics involves numerous aspects, from sourcing products through warehousing to delivering them to end consumers, which explains the versatility of logistics software. Let’s take a closer look at the major types of logistics software.
Warehouse Management Solutions
In the world of logistics, everything starts in a warehouse. To effectively manage their warehousing operations, businesses need robust warehouse management systems or ERP software with the former embedded into them. Both options usually involve:
- pick-and-pack automation
- optimized inventory allocation
- order tracking management
- labor management
- automating order validation, packing stations, and weight checking
- reporting, etc.
Scheduling and Dispatch Software
This category of logistics software is intended for assessing, prioritizing, and making delivery requests in real time. Here are some main functions of scheduling and dispatch software:
- fleet management
- mapping and navigation, GPS fleet monitoring
- service trips scheduling
- billing
- crew management
- call center automation
- capacity management, etc.
Inventory Management Systems
Inventory management systems help effectively track stocked products, automate inventory and warehouse processes, manage to reorder, and update accounting data. Below are some most common functions of inventory management software:
- inventory levels and depletion management
- device integrations (real-time location systems, barcode scanners, etc.)
- eCommerce integrations
- forecasting future order management needs, etc.
Parts Inventory Management Software
This falls under the broader category of Supply Chain Management (SCM) software as it encompasses various tools and solutions that help manage the entire supply chain process, from procurement and production to distribution and logistics. However, a large number of companies make use of parts inventory management software as it specifically focuses on the efficient tracking, organization, and management of parts inventory within the supply chain.
Supply Chain Software
Supply chain management software is used to carry out supply chain transactions and manage supplier relationships and related business processes. It goes a long way toward optimizing delivery and reducing costs. These are some major features of supply chain management software:
- contract price management
- automation of products and services ordered
- order processing
- billing, etc.
Logistics Software Development Steps
Logistics software development is a complex process. It requires a solid strategy and in-depth market research to make sure your product will fit into the market. That is why it’s vital to choose a software development partner with relevant expertise. The logistics software development process consists of the following steps:
- project planning and budget allocation
- hiring a logistics software development team
- business analysis
- UI/UX design
- product documentation
- software development
- QA and testing
- deployment
- maintenance and support
To Wrap It Up
The logistics industry is thriving, and this trend will likely stay here for good, driving unprecedented demand for cutting-edge software solutions. If you have an idea of improving logistics processes with software solutions, logistics software experts from inVerita can help you bring it to life.
