The Advantages of Cloud-Based Logistics and Supply Chain Software Solutions

Cloud-based services have been adopted by multiple industries around the world. From manufacturing and finance to healthcare and education, the cloud offers benefits across all areas of the economy. Some organizations have more to gain than most, including supply chain operations that demand integrated data solutions. Cloud-based software works seamlessly across touchpoints and locations, improving all aspects of logistics and providing businesses with reliable access to real-time data.

There are numerous benefits associated with cloud-based solutions. When adopted, businesses can maximize data visibility, manage workflows, enhance efficiencies and improve decision-making. From shippers and carriers to vendors and freight forwarders, cloud logistics software helps service providers to optimise their daily operations and boost their bottom line through cost reduction.

What is logistics software?

The world relies on fast and affordable delivery services. The demand for B2C and B2B delivery is growing all the time, including demanding next-day and same-day delivery services. As the industry reaches new levels of penetration, shipping costs continue to grow and operating margins get tighter by the day. New solutions are needed to better manage operations, and software very much holds the key.

Logistics software is a broad field that includes supply chain management, warehouse management, transportation management and fleet management, among other fields. Instead of using disconnected systems during different stages of the supply chain, logistics companies are moving towards integrated cloud-based solutions for operations optimisation. Automated dispatching and routing services are already common, and order batching processes have enabled new levels of control. To maximise benefits on the ground, logistics companies are seeking new integrated solutions powered by cloud connectivity.

How does it benefit from the cloud?

Cloud-based logistics software describes computer programs hosted on the cloud to support shippers, vendors and logistics companies. A variety of software tools are available to orchestrate, scale, and optimise the supply chain for the benefit of businesses and consumers. Logistics is the perfect candidate for cloud-based solutions because the industry relies heavily on consistent data flows across time and between locations. The cloud offers a number of advantages over traditional solutions, with greater visibility and flexibility helping to increase speeds and reduce costs across the board.

Types of software development services for logistics

Logistics is a complex industry with many moving parts. From warehousing and scheduling to fleet and route management, cloud-based logistics software helps to manage a range of diverse services through a single package. Depending on need, logistics software may include warehouse management, supply chain management, transportation management, fleet management software, route optimisation, logistics scheduling and document management. Most of these services are interdependent, and many of them demand custom software solutions:

The following types of custom software services in logistics are common:

Warehouse management

Warehouse management systems (WMS) are designed to control the movement and storage of goods within warehouses. Before goods hit the road, they need to be carefully monitored and managed. Cloud-based warehouse management software helps to increase efficiencies and reduce operating costs through detailed tracking and inventory management. It works seamlessly with vendor and customer management tools, along with accounting, analysis and business reporting applications.

Supply chain management

Supply chain management (SCM) is the cornerstone of every good logistics package. This software helps to ensure the efficient flow of goods, resources and data related to products and services. From the procurement of raw materials to scheduling and final delivery, SCM involves a range of services across time and space. A cloud-based SCM package integrates various services for more control and better management, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), inventory management and financial reporting.

Transportation management

Transportation management software (TMS) involves structural systems to ensure timely delivery between physical locations. To do this effectively, it provides real-time visibility of all transportation operations. This software helps businesses to plan, execute and optimise incoming and outgoing goods, including all aspects of route management, trade compliance and documentation. Cloud-based TMS solutions provide better visibility, enhanced scalability and tighter integration with other aspects of logistics.

Fleet management

Fleet management software is concerned with the strategic decisions that impact transportation fleets. This involves planning a fleet, purchasing a fleet and operating a fleet based on market segments and geographic markets. From reducing costs and boosting productivity to environmental and road safety issues, fleet management software is about making the most of current road assets and planning for the future with confidence. Cloud-based solutions help to improve decision-making through data accessibility and business intelligence.

Real-world benefits of cloud-based logistics software

In the logistics sector, cloud software enables maximum efficiency. From warehousing to transportation and order fulfilment, it enables seamless control over the entire supply chain from a single platform. If you want to integrate diverse services and enjoy the benefits of elastic capacity, cloud-based solutions are the preferred solution. Cloud software provides immediate benefits through data and analytics, and it allows you to anticipate market changes for better decision-making in the future.

The following benefits are among the most noteworthy:

Supply chain visibility

The cloud offers greater visibility over your supply chain in real time. Because all systems are connected, you can get updates whenever you need them to ensure better decision-making. When you have access to real-time data and analytics, you can manage your resources more effectively and improve delivery times on the ground. Cloud-based solutions provide a holistic overview of all relevant information across diverse timelines, touchpoints and physical locations.

Flexibility and scalability

Logistics is a complex industry defined by robust and unchanging structural systems. Flexibility also plays a key role, however, with companies often needing to adjust routes, change vehicles and alter schedules due to changing circumstances. Cloud-based software services provide the perfect balance of operational elasticity and resilience, with companies able to adjust and scale computing resources based on need.

Optimization and efficiency

When it comes to efficiency, you can't beat the cloud. With data and services shared between touchpoints and locations, and information available in real-time, companies can optimize their workflows based on demand. Migrating to the cloud offers a huge range of benefits, from avoiding delivery bottlenecks and maximising capacity to reducing transportation costs and improving pricing structures.

Control and decision-making

Cloud-based software gives companies much greater control over their business. Instead of relying on isolated systems and individual operators, logistics companies can access smart technology solutions with in-build predictive intelligence. Reliable access to data is about making good decisions now and having accurate forecasts for the future.

If you're looking for cloud-based logistics software, Eleks is here to help. We specialise in dedicated supply chain solutions and custom software development for businesses that demand more. Please review our services and contact our team today.

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