Simple But Important Things About SMS In Transport and Logistics Industry
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How SMS Adds Value to Transport and Logistics Companies
SMS technology enables companies to increase efficiencies within their supply chain management, transport and logistics operations. In using SMS for mission critical communications within extended business processes, companies are able to translate the implementation of SMS technology directly into cost benefits and increased service levels.
While many larger transport and logistics companies may have already looked to integrating SMS into their systems or have deployed third party software as a service (SaaS) solutions with an automated SMS module, many small to medium sized companies with a smaller IT budget can implement SMS into their daily operations without incurring high overheads.
Many wireless application service providers (WASPs) offer SMS solutions that allow staff to manage communications using messaging software downloaded to a computer or to use their cellphone to send messages to specific parties. In addition, WASPs support an SMS EAPI (electronic programming interface) that enables software developers to integrate SMS in a company’s supply chain or logistics management systems.
When you look at companies in transportation, logistics, and distribution, it’s clear that technology and innovation are massively important. Being up to date can mean the difference between being highly efficient and missing a deadline. Even a single misstep can leave you trailing your closest competitors.
How Can Your transport and Logistics Company Use the TextMagic SMS Platform?
Transport and logistics companies can use text messaging for everything from mobile alerts to appointment reminders and delivery status notifications. When implemented correctly, SMS solutions for transport and logistics companies can lift customer service standards, and improve communication on the move. Here are a few ways in which you can use TextMagic’s SMS platform for supply chain management:
- Simplify logistics. Send out automated pick-up, delivery and status notifications to customers and employees in a matter of minutes using our desktop app. Allow customers to use short-codes to repeat orders and have their info added to a centralised order system.
- Inform customers of order status. Use SMS and mobile number tracking to inform customers of delivery schedules and order status.
- Improve your warehouse management system. Inform your customers in case of inventory shortages or back-order deliveries. Send SMS broadcasts to staff members in case of order delays or system failures quickly and efficiently. Bulk SMS solutions can also make it easier for staff members to broadcast important information (e.g. additional room in an upcoming shipment).
- Remind about invoice payments. Use proactive text messaging to send out invoice payment reminders to customers. This task can be automated using TextMagic’s SMS scheduling feature.
- Communicate on the move. Send SMS notifications and updates for meeting times and inform drivers of last-minute changes using mobile text alerts.
- Do text message marketing. Texting can also be used to increase brand awareness and inform customers of new deals.
- Schedule rosters. Transport and logistics companies require the efficient organisation of personnel. Text messaging represents a super-effective tool for scheduling shifts and delegating responsibilities.
The Benefits and Uses of SMS in Logistics
Over time, what we’ve discovered is that transport and logistics companies who haven’t yet adopted SMS aren’t only holding off because of vendor requirements, but rather because there’s a lack of education. In other words, transport and logistics companies know SMS exists, but they don’t know why it’s valuable and how it will affect them.
In order to clear the air and explain the value of SMS and how it specifically pertains to the transport and logistics industry, let’s identify some of the major benefits and uses. You may be surprised to learn just how flexible of a solution SMS is.
1. SMS Alerts
The wonderful thing about SMS is that it’s short and quick. There’s no extra noise or delay between when the message is sent and when/how it arrives. In an industry where real-time updates and clarity are of the utmost concern, it makes sense that SMS is such a valuable tool for communication.
When it comes to using SMS for alerts, there are a number of possible uses. These include:
- SMS can be used to notify the appropriate parties when there is a delay or change in the drop-off or pick-up schedule. For example, if an accident on the freeway has a truck driver stuck in traffic, he can notify the warehouse that the delivery will be delayed by two hours.
- SMS can be used to send delivery information to drivers, especially in the instance that something changes. For example, if a courier is supposed to be delivering a shipment to a specific individual who happens to be out of the office for the day, the client services rep can send out a quick text that tells him who the new point of contact is.
- One of the most popular uses of SMS (in terms of alerts) is delivery notifications. Most of the large delivery companies – including UPS and FedEx – now alert customers as to when and where a package has been delivered (or when it can be expected).
As you can see, the ability to send SMS alerts is very beneficial in a variety of situations for logistics companies. However, the value of SMS goes much further
2. Reduce Call Volume
Customer service is wholly important in logistics. There’s nothing more frustrating than a lack of communication in the supply chain. This is another reason SMS is so effective. When transport and logistics companies use SMS, they can significantly reduce call volume – both from customers and drivers – which frees them up to handle issues that actually matter. This is because the aforementioned alerts replace the need for most over-the-phone contact.
3. Marketing and Consumer Engagement
What many businesses in this industry don’t realize is that SMS is also an efficient marketing and consumer engagement tool. While you have to follow very specific guidelines for putting people on a SMS list, once they are on the list you can send out reminders, coupon codes, and announcements that will ideally engage customers and encourage additional business.
This is perhaps the best-kept secret about SMS. It’s not only a tool for making announcements, but it’s also a valuable medium for reaching customers where they’re at. And as research continues to show, SMS has a substantially higher open rate than that of email.
Contact OpenMarket Today
SMS is the most widely used mobile channel on the planet. It’s quick, easy, and streamlined. And because millions of people are already familiar with how SMS works, you don’t have to spend time teaching employees and customers how to use it after implementing a SMS solution.
At OpenMarket, we are on the forefront of enterprise SMS and mobile communications. We work with some of the largest organizations in the world and have access to more than 200 countries. It’s this dedication to global adoption and responsive customer service that has allowed us to become the premier name in SMS.
If you’re interested in learning more about how SMS could specifically impact your business in the distribution, transport and logistics, and distribution industry, please don’t hesitate to contact us today! We would love to speak with you and begin developing a long-term relationship that helps you gain a competitive advantage.
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