With the advancement of technology, consumers are now demanding freight forwarding methodologies that are progressive to meet the demands of the new world. Getting the right freight forwarding software helps in easing the burden, which helps in looking into the future in a much more efficient and effective way.
Here are some of the things to consider while choosing a freight forwarding software:
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User-friendliness
First thing to consider while choosing a freight forwarding software is that it should have an intuitive user interface which helps even a layman to understand. The freight forwarding software is used by the related staff of the company and, in some cases, it has to be directed to the customers as well. By promoting an easily accessible user interface, the software should also be easily integrated for use on mobile devices or computers as well. An adequate tutorial process is necessary to help the employees to get easily acquainted with the software.
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Remote Access
The Covid-19 lockdown has reinforced the need for remote accessibility, a very important criterion, which is the ability to access the software and to work on it from anywhere in the world. Always select freight forwarding software that gives you the ability to access cloud technology, which makes it easy to enhance the system and manage the workflow from a remote location. It encourages collaboration.
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Integrated system
The main aim of adopting freight forwarding software is to help with the smooth functioning of entire systems and processes. When automation and integration come into the picture, there will be agility in the work processes and systems are able to act spontaneously, which puts forward better results. It enables real-time management of import and export, transhipment, inquiries on shipments, customs clearance and other compliances, etc. The software should also help with real-time alerts for customers and the company about the current status of the shipment.
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Accounting and billing management
Another thing to consider while choosing a freight forwarding software is it should help with the easy generation of invoices and help with the generation of financial statement automation. The software should also help with financial ratio derivations, which can help understand the flow of business. It should also help prevent revenue leakage and give you and your company complete control over the financial activities concerning the freight systems.
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Reporting and document management
Good freight forwarding software will deliver exceptional reports, which can be standard or custom, according to your requirements. With specific report generation, you can immediately figure out how your business is performing. The freight forwarding software should also help equip your business with the ability to manage and track all necessary reports, allowing you to take prints of the manual documents and provide you with the provision of sending invoices and other related documents directly from the software’s interface through email.
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Secure data management system
The freight forwarding software should have the scope of storing data with relevant provisions to secure the data while at the same time providing ease of access to it. As the business will have different departments, each department should have the ability to work with complete data security from any part of the world. The freight forwarding software’s secured data management system helps secure the data from data theft and also helps in mitigating the duplication of data as well.
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Scalability
The freight forwarding software should be flexible enough to accommodate the growing needs of the company. There should be different modules or packages within the freight forwarding software that can be adapted by the business according to their requirements. Additionally, if the software could provide analytic and workflow derivations, the company could easily devise growth strategies accommodating the results of such derivations.
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Real-time tracking
The ocean freight software that you choose should give you real-time tracking updates on the shipments. The capability of the software to integrate with such functionalities will help the business to take timely and informed decisions.
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Alerts and notifications
Alerts and notifications on the shipments have to be constantly communicated to the customer and the company. It will give a complete idea of the cycle of the shipment. Customers should be able to receive detailed information on the whereabouts of their shipments. The company can analyse the route and see if there are better ones that can initiate prompt delivery of goods within the estimated time.
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Customer Service
Customers are the most important element of any kind of business. The freight forwarding software that you associate your company with should be able to provide your customers with their specific requirements. The software should also provide immediate service when the customer faces a technical glitch. The freight forwarding software that you consider for your company should have the ability to consider the grievances of the customers instantaneously.
