Dispatching software is a program that helps manage the delivery of goods and services. It optimizes routes, tracks deliveries, and manages resources to ensure that merchandise arrives on time and in the correct condition.
Selecting the right dispatch system for your company can seem daunting. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one will suit your specific needs. This guide was created to help you figure out which dispatch software is best for you and your business.
We’ll take a look at what each program offers, as well as what type of business would benefit from using it. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to switch systems, read on to learn more about dispatching software!
What is Dispatching Software?
Dispatching software is a solution that helps businesses manage their fleet of vehicles, optimize routes, and schedule deliveries. It offers a centralized system for dispatchers to view all available vehicles and drivers, as well as track location and status in real time.
This allows businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a better customer experience. There are many different types of service dispatch software available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits.
When choosing a solution, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Some things to keep in mind include the size of your fleet, the complexity of your delivery operations, and your budget.
A dispatching software works by tracking and managing the location of all vehicles in a fleet. It uses GPS tracking to pinpoint the location of each vehicle and then updates the information in real time. This allows dispatchers to see where every vehicle is at any given time, as well as estimated arrival times for deliveries.
Types of Dispatch Software
There are several different types of dispatch software available on the market today. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular options:
- Cloud-based dispatch software: This type of software is hosted in the cloud, which means that it can be accessed from any internet-connected device. Cloud-based software is typically more affordable than traditional on-premises software, and it offers users the ability to scale up or down as needed.
- On-premises dispatch software: This type of software is installed on a local server, which means that it can only be accessed from within the company’s network. On-premises software typically requires a higher upfront investment, but it can offer more flexibility and customizability than cloud-based software.
- Hybrid dispatch software: This type of software combines the best aspects of both cloud-based and on-premises dispatch software. Hybrid dispatch software is typically more expensive than either cloud-based or on-premise software, but it offers the greatest flexibility and scalability.
- Mobile dispatch software: This type of software is designed to be used on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Mobile dispatch software can be either cloud-based or on-premises, and it offers the convenience of being able to access the software from anywhere.
- Web-based dispatch software: This type of software is accessed through a web browser, which means that it can be used from any internet-connected device. Web-based dispatch software is typically more affordable than traditional on-premises software, and it offers users the ability to scale up or down as needed.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dispatching Software
Future-Proofing With Scalable Dispatch Software
One of the most important factors to consider is how well any solutions you are considering will scale as your business grows.
If you invest in dispatching software for small business users and experience rapid growth in the future, will you need to migrate to a new solution or will the system you chose be able to accommodate the increased volume of activity?
With a solution such as Detrack, business dispatch software, you can scale from dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of drivers, without having to make any changes to the system you first installed.
Contactless Delivery
With COVID-19 likely to remain an issue for the foreseeable future, a software solution that makes contactless delivery easy to achieve is the best option for all types of organizations.
The ability to store photographic PODs in the cloud, for easy retrieval when necessary, is vital when implementing this type of delivery system so you want to make sure the dispatch software you choose offers this functionality.
Even in a virus-free future, contactless delivery is almost certain to become a standard.
Cost Savings
If you share the same priorities as the majority of transport managers in Australia, one of the questions you will already be asking is “what is the best trucking dispatch software in terms of cost savings?”
The answer to this question is a software system that makes it easy to assign and reassign jobs, track the location of all drivers at all times, and produce a variety of activity reports based on specific date ranges or drivers.
A solution that stores route logs for all vehicles and other detailed information on your fleet activities will help you identify inefficiencies and remedy your operations.
What to Look for in a Dispatch Software
There are a few things that you have to look for when choosing a dispatch. These include the following:
Easy to Use
When choosing a dispatch software for your business, it is important to find one that is easy to use. The software should be intuitive and user-friendly, with clear instructions on how to add and manage tasks. It should also be easy to create custom reports and generate real-time data.
In addition, the software should be compatible with your existing systems and databases. By taking the time to find dispatch software that is easy to use, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
Automation
Automation can help to streamline the dispatch process by automatically assigning orders to drivers based on their location and availability. In addition, automation can also help to generate route plans that optimize for time and distance.
As a result, automation can help to make the dispatch process more efficient and effective. When considering a service dispatch software, be sure to look for one that offers robust automation capabilities.
Driver Tracking
Any business that relies on fleet vehicles to get their products or services to customers knows how important it is to have dispatch software that can track their drivers. Good dispatch software will not only provide real-time updates on the location of each driver, but it will also allow businesses to see detailed reports on each driver’s performance.
This information can be used to make decisions about employee training, route planning, and even hiring and firing. In addition, good dispatch software will provide customer support in case there are any problems with the service.
Inventory Management
When considering which dispatch software to use for your business, be sure to look for one that includes inventory management features. Having all of your information in one place will save you time and reduce the risk of mistakes.
A good inventory management system will track your stock levels and help you to reorder when levels get low. It can also provide you with reports on your sales and inventory levels so that you can make informed decisions about what products to keep in stock.
In addition, some service dispatch software systems also offer features like barcoding and scanning, which can further streamline your shipping process.
Small Business Challenges To Dispatching Software
Here are some of the challenges you might encounter when using dispatching software:
Infrastructure
As a small business owner, you know that every penny counts. When it comes to running your business, you can’t afford to waste time or money on inefficient practices.
Dispatch software is an essential tool for keeping your business organized and running smoothly, but it can be a challenge to find a system that fits your specific needs.
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face is ensuring that your infrastructure is compatible with the software. If you don’t have the right computer systems in place, you could end up spending more money on upgrades and repairs.
To avoid this, it’s important to do your research and choose a system that will work with your existing infrastructure. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect dispatch software for your small business.
Capacity
For small businesses, finding dispatch software that is affordable and has all the features they need can be a challenge. One common issue is capacity – many dispatch software programs are designed for larger businesses and can be very expensive to scale down to meet the needs of a smaller operation.
Another challenge is finding software that integrates with other essential business tools, such as accounting and point-of-sale systems. Small businesses often have to cobble together various software programs from different vendors in order to get everything they need, which can be time-consuming and difficult to manage.
Ultimately, small businesses need dispatch software that is affordable, easy to use, and scalable so that they can keep up with the demands of their customers.
Tracking Deliveries
At any given moment, there are a staggering number of parcels making their way across the country via truck, train, and plane. The process of tracking and delivering these packages is complex and requires a high degree of coordination.
For small business owners, the task of managing deliveries can be daunting, particularly when they lack the resources of larger companies. Fortunately, there are a number of software programs available that can help to streamline the process.
Dispatching software provides businesses with real-time information on the location of their packages, as well as alerts for when a delivery is due to arrive. This can take a lot of the guesswork out of managing deliveries, and it can help to ensure that packages are delivered on time.
Handling Customer Inquiries
One of the most common challenges for small businesses is handling customer inquiries in a timely and efficient manner. This can be particularly difficult when customers are calling from different time zones or there is a high volume of calls.
In order to streamline the process, many businesses rely on dispatching software. This type of software allows businesses to schedule and track customer inquiries. It can also help businesses keep track of customer interactions and follow up with customers after their inquiries have been resolved.
By using dispatching software, businesses can improve their customer service and reduce the amount of time spent on each inquiry.
What Is The Best Dispatching Software Currently Available?
If you want a software solution that boasts the above-mentioned features and many more, Detrack is your best option.
Our fully-featured service dispatch solution can be installed on any smartphone and accessed through our easy-to-navigate web-based system from your operations center in Australia, or from any other location.
Try Detrack Today
Download our app on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) now to take it for a test drive and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about what Detrack can do for your business.
