I have written this note, not pretending to be an expert in transportation and logistics, but rather based on the experience we have gained at Mayasoft by implementing MONITOR™; an automated and intelligent platform that supports shipment tracking. By implementing MONITOR™, we have aimed to assist the operations department of transportation and logistics companies in meeting the challenges that this group of people faces every day.

The transportation and logistics sector relies on the quality of its service in the management of shipments, and the way this process is carried out supports the positive or negative positioning of the corporate brand.

There are several challenges that traffic, safety, and logistics managers must take on, strongly supported by the operations managers/vice presidents in transportation and logistics companies.

Among the most well-known challenges, I can mention customer satisfaction; I would say it is the most important challenge, as the customer is the fundamental link in the chain. Without customers, we cannot survive. That is why it is important to gather customer feedback, keep them informed about the status of their shipments, and, in general, meet their expectations.

Vehicle traceability; knowing the real-time location of each vehicle and automatically tracking any updates during its transit, in order to handle situations such as route changes due to incidents on the road, recalculating the route, for example. Having this information reliably and in real time, regardless of which GPS provider is installed in the vehicle, provides peace of mind for transportation companies and their clients.

Measuring driver performance; this topic is particularly important, especially when managing outsourced fleets, where the driver is external personnel, and we cannot guarantee they have basic customer service training or other aspects we could ensure with in-house staff. That is why, by applying an evaluation to the driver every time they make a delivery, saving this rating, and managing their accumulated average, it supports decision-making to constantly improve this important group of allies in the task of delivering shipments effectively.

Process optimization is of great importance for both the client company and the transportation company itself. Efficient communication between both parties is key, enabling, for example, advance notice that the vehicle carrying the load is approaching the destination site, or is similarly nearing the loading site. This information, properly managed and communicated, supports the tasks of loading and unloading preparation and allows resources to be used more efficiently. The vehicle owner also benefits, in the case of outsourced fleets, as they will be attended to more effectively. Another process that can be optimized is billing, as long as digital documents are used to provide evidence of the delivery of goods, or as it is known in the transportation sector, the "proof of delivery.

The analysis of the operation, unquestionably the timely access to data on the shipment's location and the ability to provide traffic information to other areas of the company, especially the commercial department, offers a potential advantage over the competition. Being able to deliver information to the customer that confirms the fulfillment of the value proposition we offered them is the best element for the next sale. This happens not only in the logistics and transportation area but throughout the entire commercial process.

Having a monitoring solution that sends real-time alerts and provides information on road incidents that may affect the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) gives traffic personnel the ability to act proactively and react by implementing contingency plans and informing the customer. It is not the same to receive a delivery later than promised without any explanation, as it is to receive it with prior knowledge of the incident that affected the delivery time and the expected delay.

In summary, there are many challenges faced by the traffic department of transportation and logistics companies, and many road situations that need to be controlled. This is why these individuals need access to a technological platform that allows them to tackle the challenges of managing shipments, supports cutting-edge technologies in detecting abnormal behaviors, and notifies what is happening so they can act and control these situations. Undoubtedly, having these types of platforms is a factor of competitiveness and brand positioning, which cannot be overlooked to stand out in the market and increase customer satisfaction indicators.

Greetings

Mario Moreno Cuervo
Key Account Manager