Carrier integrations are just one component of a warehousing operation. But it’s a vital one. Distribution operations up to a certain throughput can work very well without it, as carrier requests can be manually made. But once orders increase, your dispatch systems start to become more disordered, especially if you’re using multiple carriers and are manually inputting data into different carriers’ systems.
Carrier integration is a perfect way to streamline the dispatch side of your business so that you can continue to maintain customer satisfaction.
What are carrier integrations?
Carrier integration brings your fulfilment processes and your shipping data together. It’s about integrating your WMS or ERP system directly with those of your preferred carriers, so that they talk directly to each other.
It is a streamlined process whereby shipments can be automatically booked, then the shipping labels are printed and tracking numbers are originated and managed.
The benefits of carrier integrations
Carrier integrations have a number of benefits:
Time-saving
Carrier integration automates your shipping processes, saving considerable time versus manually inputting multiple order details. Eliminating manual bookings also saves substantial user effort, and operatives’ time can be diverted instead to replenishment, picking or packing.
Accuracy
With the delivery details being input automatically from the ERP or WMS, they are not prone to human error, meaning far greater accuracy for all your consignments. Reducing the number of keying errors saves wasted time, effort and costs associated with failed deliveries and returns.
Customer satisfaction
Customer complaints due to missing deliveries, incorrect shipping details or inaccurate tracking harm the reputation of your business. But when delivery details are accurate and tracking information is provided, then customers receive their orders and enjoy a positive retail experience.
Efficiency
Customers these days have very high expectations. They want short delivery times and precise delivery windows. Meeting these expectations often entails using multiple carriers, and juggling these different carriers and their systems is not an easy business. Automating the process produces a streamlined, more efficient method of connecting fulfilment and shipping.
Cost-saving
An operation that saves time, improves efficiency, delivers accuracy and has satisfied customers is one that is minimising costs and maximising profits.
Challenges of Not Using a Carrier Integration System
Not implementing a carrier integration system can lead to several challenges. These can impact your warehouse operations, customer satisfaction, as well as profitability. Here are some potential issues to consider:
Scalability.
As your business grows, it becomes more difficult to manually handle shipping processes. If you don’t streamline and automate these processes, you might encounter limitations in scaling your business. Moreover, the increasing complexity of managing multiple carriers might limit your growth potential.
Operational errors.
Doing things manually leaves room for mistakes. From mislabeled packages to lost shipments, these errors can be costly and damage your business reputation.
Customer dissatisfaction.
In an age of fast delivery and high customer expectations, any delays or inaccuracies in shipping can lead to customer dissatisfaction. That, in turn, can lead to loss of customers and negative reviews, which can affect your business prospects.
Costs.
Manual carrier management can lead to higher operational costs. You might need to employ more people to handle shipping processes, and there’s the cost of rectifying errors. An automated carrier integration system is an investment that, while having its own costs, can save you more in the long run.
Inefficiency.
Manual processes are often less efficient than automated ones. This is particularly true when dealing with complex systems like multiple carrier management. Time spent on manual tasks could be better used on other parts of your business, like improving customer service or focusing on sales and marketing.
While carrier integration may seem like another aspect of your warehouse operation, it’s a critical one. It helps you automate processes, increase accuracy, enhance customer satisfaction, and save costs.
Balloon One’s carrier integrations
Balloon One’s integration platform is called Springboard Hub. It is a comprehensive platform that has three suites of integration, for carrier management, marketplaces and retail.
The Springboard Hub carrier integration platform allows customers to register or cancel consignments from the single Hub system. The system creates printable shipping labels and produces real-time tracking information for all shipments. All of this is done without leaving the carrier integration system.
The carrier integration platform connects to 16 renowned 3PL providers, including DHL, Royal Mail, FedEx and DPD.
Customers only pay for the integrations required.
Springboard Hub connects with a number of ERP systems, including SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage and NetSuite.
Does your warehouse use carrier integration?
If you’d like to discover more about using carrier integration in your warehouse, we’d be pleased to advise you – call us on 020 8819 9071 or get in touch for a quote.