By: Scottsdale Bizz Staff Writer
Scottsdale Bizz is a division of Sofvue, LLC
Printed with permission of Data Titan, Sofvue LLC, and the author.

Content Table

• Introduction
• What is shipment tracking software?
• How does shipment tracking software enhance operational efficiency?
• How is shipment tracking software developed?
• Industries investing in shipment tracking software.
• How to select a software development company for your shipment system
• Concerns with developing on shipment tracking software
• Conclusion

Online shopping is huge. According to Forbes Online, “E-commerce will also have a banner year in 2023, with sales projected to rise 10 to 12% increasing between $1.41 trillion and $1.43 trillion. (Online sales are factored into the overall growth noted above.)” From clothes, shoes, apparel, to other products, users can order pretty much anything online, all possible because of an online retail evolution that started over 30 years ago.

One big part of online delivery services is shipping. People like to know everything about their order, from when it's packed to when it's shipped and delivered. This is where shipping tracking software comes in. Companies, especially those that sell things online, spend money on this software for many reasons. It helps them work faster and lose fewer orders. Thinking about getting software to keep track of shipments? A professional software development company can help. We've also written this blog to give you all the important details you need before choosing a company to set up your shipping tracking system.

What is shipment tracking software?

Shipment tracking software represents a sophisticated approach to offering customers instant updates on their shipments. It's designed for businesses engaged in online commerce. The system is engineered to gather up-to-the-minute data on orders, providing customers with accurate delivery timelines. This software enables companies to monitor numerous orders simultaneously, facilitating the identification and resolution of delays promptly. Beyond e-commerce, it's also employed by entities in logistics and supply chain management. Here's how shipment tracking software can benefit your company:

✅ Provides real-time updates and shipment status to streamline delivery.
✅ Minimizes the risk of order loss and package misplacement.
✅ Ensures orders are delivered on schedule.
✅ Offers consistent updates to both customers and suppliers.

How does shipment tracking software enhance operational efficiency?

Shipment tracking software has become increasingly popular among businesses for its wide range of applications, leveraging the latest technologies and tools. This includes features like package tracking, team communications, and detailed delivery information. Here are several key functions of this software:

➤ Barcode Generation: The software creates barcode labels for tracking packages, incorporating essential details such as the order number, seller information, and the buyer's name, address, and contact information. These barcodes, when assigned to packages, virtually eliminate the risk of loss.

➤ Streamlined Supply Chain Process: By monitoring and tracking goods in transit, shipment tracking software aids in streamlining business operations. It enables businesses to track their shipments, identify delays, and optimize routing to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. This contributes to better decision-making, faster service delivery, and increased customer satisfaction. The software also allows companies to quickly respond to disruptions and closely monitor inventory, thus improving supply chain effectiveness.

➤ Enhanced Inventory Management: As an innovative solution, shipment tracking software improves inventory control by providing real-time information on product flow. This assists in monitoring stock levels and anticipating the arrival of new supplies, ensuring timely restocking and preventing stock shortages or excesses. Access to real-time data also supports effective demand forecasting and operational efficiency, leading to cost reductions and improved customer satisfaction.

➤ Package Shipment Tracking: Manually tracking numerous packages can be challenging and inefficient. Shipment tracking software automates this process, offering up-to-date shipment information. This ensures that teams and customers are promptly notified about their packages, reducing the chances of misplacement or delays.

➤ Crisp and Clear Communication: Clear communication is crucial for the success of any business. Shipment tracking software serves as a central hub for various teams within an organization to coordinate and share information, fostering transparency and convenience. This platform facilitates prompt communication, which is essential in minimizing delays in order deliveries by quickly addressing any arising issues before they lead to significant delays.

These functionalities underscore the importance of shipment tracking software in modern business operations, highlighting its role in enhancing efficiency, communication, and customer satisfaction.

How is shipment tracking software developed?

Is your company considering the development of a shipment tracking application? This endeavor is intricate, involving diverse technologies and the expertise of a specialized software developer to craft high-quality software tailored to your business's unique needs and objectives. Here's a brief synopsis of what a comprehensive software development process entails:

◾Market Research and Competitor Analysis: Before entering the market, it's essential for a company to conduct detailed market research and competitor analysis. This step is crucial for understanding market dynamics and user requirements, thereby shaping a strategy aimed at the intended audience. Identifying the target demographics and consumer base.

◾Connectivity and Integration: This phase involves establishing connections with freight forwarders and other relevant entities to ensure the timely acquisition of tracking data. It requires the development of data channels and APIs for capturing and displaying shipment information effectively.

◾Design Phase: At this stage, professional designers craft a user-friendly interface that allows for instant tracking capabilities. They create wireframes and prototypes to visualize user interactions, ensuring the software design is responsive and conducive to a positive user experience and customer satisfaction. The end result yields a Master Scope Document (MSD), which is used to determine development costs, delivery schedules and launch.

◾Coding and Development: Here, developers bring the concept to life, creating the software's framework. They select appropriate technology stacks for backend development to handle data storage and processing. Integration with carrier systems and real-time tracking databases is meticulously executed to ensure smooth operation, with the frontend developed to be responsive across as many devices as possible.

◾Testing and Debugging: Testing is a critical phase where the software is rigorously evaluated for bugs, usability, and security. User feedback and testing play a crucial role in refining the application. The software's ability to manage large volumes of tracking data efficiently is confirmed, ensuring reliability and effectiveness. Developers follow best practices in routine code testing and debugging to deliver robust shipment tracking software.

◾Industries Leveraging Shipment Tracking Software: Numerous sectors are investing in shipment tracking software to enhance their operational efficiencies, including:

✅ Supply Chain Management
✅ Logistics and Transportation
✅ E-commerce
✅ Wholesale and Retail
✅ Aerospace and Defense
✅ Healthcare and Medical Equipment manufacturers
✅ Import/Export Companies
✅ Online Delivery Services, among others

This investment reflects the software's critical role in modernizing business operations and improving logistical efficiencies across various industries.

You may also like to read: A complete guide to building the right TMS for your small business logistics company

How to select a software development company for your software

Investing in shipment tracking software is a significant decision, involving both financial and time resources. When you begin your search for a software development company specializing in shipment tracking online, you’ll have a list of several million companies to choose from, but not all software development companies are created equal. Choosing the right one can seem daunting, but this quick list will help in selecting the most suitable and dependable enterprise software development provider:

● Company Reviews: Begin by creating a list of developers in your city or town, then narrow the list based on their online reviews. A brief review of their website can offer insights into their customer service quality, and Google reviews can shed light on the quality of their work.

● Previous Work: The proficiency of a company is often reflected best based on their past projects. Most software development firms will showcase their portfolio or previous work on their website. This section can give you a glimpse into the variety of projects they've handled and their expertise, but a list is not enough. You also need to:

✅ Have the software development company provide you with a list of at least a dozen letters of recommendation.
✅ Gather a list of at least three companies with contact names and phone numbers, then call each of them for a verbal reference.
✅ If you are building a mobile app, ask for proof of downloads to confirm that the software they are developing is being adopted in the marketplace.

● Post-Launch Support: A reputable and certified company will provide ongoing updates and support after your software goes live. This ensures your website, app, or software continues to operate efficiently. Different companies might have various pricing models for maintenance and updates, so opt for one that includes these services at no extra charge.

● The Development Team: Choose a development company that has a team of trained and certified professionals. Top-tier companies invest in regular training for their staff to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

● Technology and Tools: Ensure that the company you choose is well-versed in a wide range of tools and technologies. They should have skilled designers capable of creating intuitive UI/UX designs, and their developers should be proficient in key programming languages and technologies like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, etc.

By considering these and other similar factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right software development company that will meet your shipment tracking needs effectively.

Concerns associated with the development of shipment tracking software

What is the cost of shipment tracking software creation?

Our team first carefully analyzes your business model, requirements, and project type before providing a price quote. If you already have a Master Scope Document (MSD), our engineers and project owner can provide you with additional pricing information. That said, every software project is different. Some of our past projects had budgets of $25,000 while others were over $1,000,000 to scope, build and launch. So, it all depends on the project, the parameters, which platforms are involved, along with a hundred other factors.

Does the company you are talking to have the right experience in developing upgraded and responsive shipment tracking software?

Yes, we offer two decades of experience in this field. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to deliver impressive software for you that aligns with your requirements.

Conclusion

Shipping tracking software significantly reduces the need for manual oversight of each package, streamlining a company's operations by minimizing the necessity for human involvement. This technology is particularly beneficial for organizations operating on a larger scale, where the complexity and volume of shipments can overwhelm resources. If your business is grappling with the challenges of managing extensive shipping operations with a constrained workforce, Scottsdale Bizz offers solutions that can both reduce expenses and enhance your overall operational effectiveness.

As a premier provider of dependable shipment tracking solutions, we stand at the forefront of the logistics technology sector. Operating under the umbrella of Sofvue, LLC, our entry into the market was driven by a commitment to transform the operational capabilities of businesses through our advanced software offerings. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals, including architects, project owners, project managers, developers, designers, and analysts, all dedicated to delivering excellence.

Scottsdale Bizz is equipped to offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to enhance your logistical operations, including:

✅ Custom application development
✅ Custom mobile app development
✅ Website development
✅ Shipment tracking software
✅ E-commerce platforms

We offer two decades of experience and hundreds of successfully completed projects, and for hundreds of companies nationwide. To learn more, talk to an architect or to discuss project deliverables, call us at 623-845-2747.

Originally published at https://www.scottsdalebizz.com on February 16, 2024.