Manage Multiple 3PLs Under One Roof To Unlock Superior Profitability And Expand Business Horizon

You can’t ignore the rising importance of 3PLs in the modern-day supply chain. More than 85% of Fortune 500 companies and over 95% of Fortune 100 companies use 3PL for different business purposes. Capable 3PLs can drastically reduce the logistics cost as they already have highly developed processes and critical infrastructure in place. This makes them the ideal choice to meet the growing need for on-demand deliveries. And managing them couldn’t get easier.

AI-powered logistics management platforms are simplifying deliveries, enhancing customer experience and ensuring seamless management of multiple 3PLs (3rd Party Logistics Providers). Let’s dive deeper into how exactly advanced 3PL management tools are empowering businesses.

Take up deliveries in different geographies

Companies are fast realizing the need to expand their network to bring more customers and opportunities into their ambit. With a plethora of third-party logistics players available, they do not have to limit their playing field just because they do not operate in a region or have a warehouse in the area.

Smart logistics management platforms have made it possible for companies to serve in the remotest of areas and collaborate with the choicest service partners for order fulfillment or different business purposes. So far is not far enough to be unserviceable. One can seamlessly scale their geographical reach with the help of advanced 3PL management tools that allow them to partner with multiple logistics providers at the same time.

Manage KPIs Seamlessly

Designating the right task to the right service provider at the right time is essential. Besides, there are times when shipments are more than just general goods and include compliance- or time-sensitive articles such as vegetables, vaccines, hazardous materials, or belong to the premium category. Right infrastructure, proper material handling, and expertise are must-haves here. Such shipments demand special handling and/or storage conditions during transit, making it difficult to select the right logistics provider for the job. And it may take ages to manually consider all conditions and select the perfect logistics partner.

Smart logistics management platforms powered by AI and ML can simplify partner selection. It considers performance, cost, order value and automatically assigns the best player for the job. Moreover, it automatically records various KPIs based on delivery time, delivery success, customer feedback, and other parameters impacting the SLAs. Intelligent 3PL management tools can help businesses increase their NPS by 26%. 

Hassle-free Tracking and Visibility

To gain 100% visibility of 3PL operations it’s critical to track shipments across regions and transportation modes. Intelligent logistics management tools empower businesses to track and trace all consignments using a single dashboard. Such tools easily integrate with 3PL systems ensuring real-time and accurate insights are displayed on the dashboard. It further improves traceability by directly mapping AWB (Air-way Bills) to 3PL provider’s vehicles.

These tools also enhance customer experience. Using simple links customers can track delivery progress. Live notifications, alerts and WhatsApp communications keep customers engaged throughout the delivery process. Advanced logistics management tools confirm non-delivery reasons with the customers to accurately identify fake delivery attempts.

Get Predictive Visibility

Supply chain management involves multiple moving parts that must work in coordination to ensure overall success and efficiency. Here, logistics is the glue that binds different processes together. Right from the inbound to outbound logistics, operations are dependent on the preceding step. A delay at any stage will have a domino effect on the following processes. This will eventually reflect in the company’s bottom line.

Technology innovation is ensuring greater ETA adherence for 3PLs. Innovative solutions can forecast if there will be a delay in delivery. This helps businesses get visibility beforehand to plan accordingly and mitigate loss.

Having a robust 3PL management solution allows you to enjoy extended operability, ensure timely deliveries, compliance adherence, gain end-to-end visibility, and manage SLAs automatically. All this translates to a better and stronger network and superior customer satisfaction. This granular-level flexibility, topped with cost savings, is vital for companies. It gives them the confidence to go beyond their plain vanilla offerings and experiment with other players to tap into new opportunities.