Order tracking has become a critical priority in today's logistics landscape. Customers now expect to know the precise location and status of their purchases at any moment. In an increasingly competitive market, where speed, transparency, and strict adherence to delivery timelines are vital, having an efficient order tracking system is essential. This not only enhances the customer experience but also optimizes operational management, allowing companies to foresee and address potential challenges.
In this article, we will explore how to establish an automated order tracking system in your warehouse and the technologies that can facilitate a smooth and efficient process.
What is Order Tracking in Logistics?
In logistics, order tracking refers to the real-time monitoring of each parcel's location and status, from warehouse processing to last-mile delivery. By scanning the package ID at each step, every movement is documented, including transit times, status updates, and any incidents that may arise.
This logistics tracking system empowers customers to monitor their shipments at every stage. Additionally, it allows businesses to streamline transport routes, foresee delays, and adhere to their service level agreements (SLAs). In fast-paced, high-volume environments, an order tracking system is vital for providing competitive service both domestically and internationally.
Benefits of Order Tracking Systems
Implementing an order tracking system offers significant advantages for logistics operations and customer service. The primary benefits include:
- Real-time visibility: Provides logistics managers with up-to-date information on each order's location and status, simplifying daily warehouse management and decision-making.
- Enhanced customer experience: Customers can access a tracking platform to check their tracking number and monitor their orders independently, reducing uncertainty and fostering trust in the service.
- Fewer errors and claims: Automating order tracking minimizes manual oversight, reduces mistakes, and simplifies problem detection and resolution.
- Optimized logistics processes: Real-time tracking data yields valuable insights for performance analysis, identifying bottlenecks, and expediting deliveries, which are crucial for meeting SLAs.
- Control over the last mile: Integrating shipment tracking with carriers provides comprehensive oversight of this critical delivery phase, helping to prevent delays.
Key Technologies for Real-Time Order Tracking
To implement an effective tracking system, it's essential to integrate various technologies connecting the warehouse, carriers, and customers:
- RFID scanners and smartphones: Barcode readers log each package in real time by linking a tracking number to each operation. Some companies also utilize GPS tracking to locate shipments during transport.
- Warehouse Management System (WMS): This software centralizes inventory, order, and shipping information, acting as the hub that connects the warehouse to transport providers and tracking platforms. For example, Easy WMS includes the Multi-Carrier Shipping Software module, which integrates multiple carriers, automates label creation, assigns tracking numbers, and updates shipment statuses across platforms.
- Transport Management System (TMS): TMS software organizes and optimizes shipments while maintaining real-time communication between the company and carriers, essential for ensuring accurate real-time tracking.
- Tracking platforms: These systems enable customers to monitor their orders, check tracking numbers, and view a package's current location at any time.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): This software integrates all business processes, including sales, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution. Connecting an ERP system with WMS and TMS solutions allows for end-to-end traceability, from order creation to customer delivery.
Order tracking has evolved from being a mere added benefit to a fundamental capability in modern logistics. Implementing an automated system ensures real-time traceability, lowers costs, improves customer experience, and maintains compliance with demanding SLAs. For companies, this means transforming logistics into a strategic area that drives value and competitiveness.