‘In time’ is the most favorite mantra of the supply chain. The mounting competitive pressures and increasing costs for movement and storage of products have compelled the logistics companies to assume a cautious stance. Rather the logistics companies can learn from the efficiency-focused approach of the goods and products based companies that want everything ‘In-time’.

What then would be the ideal means for achieving efficiency? Technology seems to be most plausible answer to this question. Until recent times, major parts of the logistics processes were managed using an assortment of techniques, from paper forms to spreadsheets to piecemeal applications. The availability of applications for different aspects of logistics operations though did not serve the actual purpose of increasing efficiency. Instead, they brought in their wake problems like poor inter-communications between departments, poor access to information and increased manual efforts.

However, with innovations and rapid advancements in technology, today software can automate just about every process of logistics operations, starting from order entry and processing, warehouse management, freight and transport management and partner relationship management. There are software available that focus on every conceivable aspect of the logistics management process.

A point meriting consideration is that even consolidated software will not be effective if it lacks external integration. Any manager would tell you what the major obstacles are to ‘in-time’ shipment delivery. If the software is not able to exchange information with carriers and other agencies in the supply chain then you are deprived of valuable information that is critical to the success of your operations. Complete logistics management software is one that accomplishes both internal and external integration.

Having talked about the operational part, we cannot overlook the customer service part, which is also crucial for delivering greater value. The supply chain today seeks to be informed on every step of cargo movement until it reaches destination. Visibility has become a crucial part of the supply chain and customers are demanding it more vocally then ever before. Again, the advancement in technology comes to rescue with customer visibility made possible round-the-clock through online integration, email and SMS.

So if you are a logistics company looking to improve your bottom line through better service it would be wise to look at your strategy and get it straight. Your bottom line is linked directly with your customers and delivering greater value can give your entry straightaway into their good books. Technology being a key tool for efficiency any strategy based on using right technology will yield greater dividends in the long run

The logistic industry today is not far behind in adopting state-of-the-art software solutions to attain excellence in its operations and offer unmatched services that are appreciated by customers worldwide. Logistics management software offers a one stop solution for managing logistics operations. Several freight forwarders and logistics companies use logistic software to boost their performance and meet the expectations of their broad spectrum of clients. Ideal for improving transparency in logistics business, the logistics management software tools are effective in improving operational efficiency and providing quick access to information apart from tracking shipment, packaging and delivery besides facilitating cost control.

In order to ensure improved shipping solutions, logistics companies should opt for feature-rich end-to-end logistic software. The solutions offered by latest logistic management software are sure to lend optimum benefit to those who seek to provide unrivaled logistics solutions to their customers. Automated logistic software remains one of the most preferred choices of freight forwarders, NVOCCs and 3PL companies all across the globe in carrying out impeccable logistics operations.

With the ever changing dynamics and challenges in logistics industries all across the globe, the role of a common intermediary such as freight forwarders, 3PL companies and NVOCCs is gaining immense significance. They act as a common platform between goods and freights, exporters and importers. Offering smart solutions to logistics industry have become critical for these intermediaries. Logistics companies today seek software developed specifically for their warehouse, transportation and freight needs- as, they come to realize its potency against generic ERP software with logistics modules. These reflect the latest technology trends and are revolutionary in terms of tracking and providing complete information related to shipment with high accuracy despite all geographical limitations.

The software ensures automation and management of a great variety of logistics activities with consistency. It helps in easy access of data, estimation of stored items and raw materials, information related to supply chain and shipments as well as streamlining all in-house activities. In addition, it helps in maintaining perfection in operational processes. The cutting edge software facilitates:

• Quick Access to Information
• Integration of Operations
• Improving
• Quality assurance
• Reduced paperwork
• Operational Accounting
• Asset Management
• Inventory Management
• Improved Customer Service

Logistics management is strategizing, planning, organizing and executing various operations for transportation and delivery of shipments at the desired venue within a specified time frame. With latest advancements in the software for the logistic industry, companies have fruitfully enhanced their overall logistics operations and performances for offering optimum benefit to their customers.

The increasing demand for Softlink’s own Logi-Sys is testimony to the logistics companies commitment to improve their technological capabilities. This software offers quick access to information by integrating operations across locations, streamlines documentation, controlling revenues and regulating expenses. It is a feature packed logistic management software that provides complete management of sea and air freight forwarding operations. The software is a one stop logistics solutions providing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with agents, customers, ports, carriers, custom gateways in different countries and other entities.

It’s time for logistic companies to make a smart move and invest in such an integrated software solution that offers unmatched logistics solutions. The Logi-Sys software is available at affordable rates and efficiently manages inbound and outbound shipments in a prompt manner with complete accuracy.

The operational management of any logistics company involves three important objectives:

• Planning the shipping process- it includes selection of transportation and carrier mode as well as optimization of route and load along with rate selection.
• Monitoring the process of shipping- It revolves round tracking of shipments along the route, quality control and cost control.
• Measuring key performance indicators- It involves measuring the percentage of timely deliveries, costs, productivity and expenses.

As an economical logistics resource, the transportation software, an intrinsic part of the 3PL software, offers complete control of the transportation operations of the 3PL company. The transportation software is a perfect choice for freight forwarders, and 3PL companies that desire to manage and streamline the shipment procedures along with and independent of the logistic department. Several logistic companies face complicacies in dealing with logistic operations and transportation management and hence seek services of other 3PL companies.

The 3PL software helps in proper management of freight operations without compromising on the quality aspects. This feature rich software enables companies that look for logistics optimization solutions to increase their bottom line and reduce the expenses involved in freight operations. For a cost effective shipping process, it is essential to have right selection of logistics software such as 3PL software and others for complete management of logistics operations. The software basically helps in managing three types of resources in logistics namely-

• Logistics unit in house- This resource is basically used by shippers who operate their own fleet
• 3PL or Third Party Logistics- 3PL also called freight brokers bridge the gap between the shippers and carriers and does away with the need of maintaining a logistics unit
• Transportation – It offers freight transportation solutions that are otherwise provided by 3PL companies. It is very beneficial software from the cost perspective.

3PL software today are well advanced solutions that are designed for quick implementation and operational efficiency. The software leverages on latest and advanced technologies and is a perfect option for managing third party logistics operation with ease. Exclusively designed for companies that look for 3PL services, it helps in handling logistics more efficiently by providing real time inventory data, management of web-based order, smooth communication with clients, billing and tracking the orders/shipments or in house activities. Suitable for logistic industry, 3PL software acts as a link between carriers and 3PL companies. It helps in strategizing 3PL plan in adherence to business abilities and renders great benefits by increasing accuracy and saving time.

There are several drawbacks in using individual software such as warehousing or transportation software for individual operations of the supply chain. Such software do not communicate with each other and do not provide 360 degree view of the operations. Logi-Sys, an enterprise application from Softlink was designed specifically to overcome such drawbacks. It combines all the features that a logistic industry needs in managing its freights. The basic purpose of Logi-Sys is to offer an integrated solution for complex logistics operations. Its innovative features not only provide end -to-end logistic software solutions but also help in reducing operational expenses and inefficiencies.

In order to meet current challenges in the logistics industry, it is sensible to look for the best software solutions available and enhance long term business profits.

3PL companies, NVOCC’s, and freight forwarders both in national and international market opt for freight forwarder software for managing product shipment irrespective of the location or modes of transport. The software with innovative features facilitates in better management of logistical issues as well as different aspects of operations and Customs clearance. Other ancillary services such as storage and distribution, container services, insurance, warehousing, documentation, cargo handling, estimating, clearance and managing risks are all carried out by this unique freight forwarder software. Several freight forwarding companies invest in latest software solutions so as to enhance their freight operations.

The feature rich freight forwarding software enable efficiency in shipment consolidation, management of containers, inventory, financial transactions, movement of goods as well as other related operations. It allows the logistics service provider to act in a pro-active manner providing for tracing and tracking shipment and other benefits to the customers in supply chain.

Software vendors specializing in designing and development of freight software or warehousing software ensure that such software offers unmatched solution for warehousing and logistics operations. The warehousing software provides unparalleled control of procedures related to products and shipment along with complete control of product flow as well as the best warehouse management facilities. Its real time inventory flow control makes it the perfect solution for matching the orders with the products available in-house.

In short, warehousing software can help in managing warehouse facilities totally free of glitches. Several logistics companies in India and abroad use latest logistics or warehousing software to cater to their customers all across the globe with cost effective supply chain and freight forwarding solutions. Management of advanced supply chain solutions remains the challenge of freight forwarding companies. Hence the use of integrated software instead of separate software application for each logistic operation proves really effective and time saving.

Logi-Sys, a comprehensive enterprise solution by Softlink focuses on simplifying complex logistics issues. This integrated software is a web based application that facilitates freight forwarders in reducing operational costs, cutting inventories, making short term savings as well as in ensuring long term benefits. It centralizes the tracking and monitoring activities and controls transaction processes across different branches. The chances of re-keying and errors are done away with such software that can capture information electronically and provide real-time visibility and complete accuracy.

Freight forwarding companies investing in such an integrated application instead of individual software for each unit of logistics operation benefit immensely. Adoption of such ERP software with system driven and automated processes helps logistic companies in managing logistic operations with ease and speed. They can also enhance the work output and streamline operations using such software.

Small or large shippers today not only demand efficient and timely service but also need updated status of their goods and shipments. Hence it is really crucial for logistic or freight forwarding companies to develop a robust supply chain visibility system that offers the best supply chain solutions to clients and meets all operational needs. Accurate and up-to-date visibility of shipment status right from the booking of shipment to custom clearing and delivery is of utmost importance for shippers. Freight forwarding companies need to upgrade their services with innovative software solutions to offer unmatched client services. Entire logistics operations including management of inventory, goods flow, asset management, warehousing and supply chain activities are better managed through state-of-the-art logistic software. In fact, logistics is an integral cost control area of supply chain and a comprehensive overview of the entire supply chain facilitates in better synchronization of logistics process that proves beneficial for logistics companies.

Management of logistics requires competence and expert knowledge. Supply chain solutions play a significant role in determining the success or failure of any logistic or freight forwarding company. The supply chain management software provides options for strategy and planning as well as order management, procurement and return management and offers the perfect supply chain solutions to meet all issues with improved methodology and advanced technology.

Logistics companies understand that customer satisfaction is at the core of supply chain solutions and hence they take extreme care in satisfying customer needs by developing analytical process driven approach that focuses on customer value creation. These freight forwarding or logistic companies use supply chain management software for rendering customized solutions. Supply chain management software is ideal for streamlining, systemizing, managing product distribution and inventory as well as keeping track of channels. Complete accounting and integration is important to meet every requirement and in managing minute details of logistic operations. The supply chain management software offers end-to-end solutions such as:

• Integration of Operations
• EDI integration with agencies and customers
• Business analysis and intelligence
• Supplier management
• Forecasting
• Messages and alerts of shipment
• Back to back management or direct dispatch.

With high end, state-of-the-art technology and innovative software solutions, logistic companies can easily handle various operations with greater efficiency and control. Separate software for each of logistics services like freight forwarding, transport, customs clearing, warehousing etc that are interconnected yet fragmented with little communication between them are obsolete. Today logistics and freight forwarding companies use integrated system that acts as a positive catalyst in enhancing the business growth and in improving its performances.

The Logi-sys software is one such software that integrates the entire logistic enterprise under a single platform. This web based modular software application with fleet management, accounting and inventory management modules is customizable with freight forwarding, customer service, PO management, supply chain integration and more. Right from quotation, inquiry, to booking, shipment and billing, all functions are integrated by this enterprise level application Logi-Sys. The system with different modules uses one unified database that facilitates various departments to communicate access and share information. It improves control and productivity within the logistic company and manages the business of 3PL companies, NVOCCs as well as international freight forwarders.

It is common knowledge that logistics has never been considered a sunshine industry and has never been in the limelight. It has hardly merited the due attention of the Government as compared to other industries. Infrastructure, unfavorable policies, lack of Governmental support and the general apathy of the sector towards its own development had bogged it down. Of course the situation differs from country to country, but nevertheless logistics remains the underdog. The growth rate being hardly worth a mention and with the cream of the educated employable in the country refusing to consider it as career prospect, logistics sector has relatively been in obscurity.

Within the logistics sector there has been a lot of churning and soul searching to undo the mistakes of the past and steer towards a better direction, one of growth and re-alignment to modern times. We see a new trend among many logistics companies, taking up the role of third-party logistics (3PL) service providers. This is because customers today look for solutions instead of just a service or a product and the logistics companies have come to realize the simple truth that they need to change if they wish to differentiate themselves from the crowd.

The cut-throat competition in the sector makes it essential for service providers to sharpen their competitive edges and prepare themselves for the challenges. This is precisely what many players have started doing and it is high time they did. Apart from restructuring their processes and sprucing up their operational capabilities logistics companies have turned their attention to innovation and technology.

Logistics companies have started introducing lots of innovation in their trade and are enhancing their expertise, in unprecedented proportions, to meet the challenges of the increasingly complex trade scenario. When it comes to use of technology customers in the supply chain today are much more evolved than the service providers. With customers looking for more advanced and technology driven solutions, service providers are also beginning to adopt smart and advanced technology solutions.

We can say that logistics is stepping out from and gloomy and bleak era to one of great promise and growth. It seems the sector is finally catching up with other industries in terms of growth and importance. The outcome depends on the how the companies uses the opportunities to catapult themselves ahead. The leaders from the sector also need to set an example for other companies to follow and emulate. If the logistics companies play their cards right they can very well catch up with the rest of the industries or maybe even surpass them.

Companies have grown immensely by empowering themselves with latest software technologies. Innovative Freight Software solution keeps track of shipments right from the place of origin to final destination. This software with advanced features provides ample platform for freight forwarders as well as customers in respect of complete transportation and logistics management. From small packages to large containers shipments can be easily managed and traced with this software. Freight Software keeps you and the shipper updated about the status of the shipment.

Companies involved in freight forwarding and logistic operations use advanced solutions that helps in indentifying freight related issues such as delay in shipment arrivals or transit process, and damages during shipments. The software also estimates shipment timings, monitors movement of goods pro-actively and enables on to take necessary actions to solve any complexities in freight operations. Easy to install and operate, freight software efficiently meets freight forwarding necessities of small and large players. Such software applications are the outcome of the creative and innovative efforts of software experts. The software caters to freight forwarding companies and their freight operations, surpassing geographic boundaries to target global customers. Designed specifically for the business models of logistic companies, this cutting edge software integrates the entire operations including operational finances, shipment consolidation, revenue flows as well as documentation processes. Freight software is a perfect option for air freight and sea freight. Container movers and freight forwarders enabling them to trace and track shipments closely monitor the inventory and manage their containers with great ease.

The Logistic software is apt for managing supply chain, freight operations, warehouse and transportation. Cargo management software are designed for global marketplace and remain the preferred choice of Freight Forwarders, NVOCC’s,3PLs and other logistic service providers, in national and international grounds. Best in features, such software offer superior customer service and automates business processes. Cargo management software help deal with logistics complexities and deliver long term benefits in terms of real time visibility, data management, cost control, data capture and integration with software modules to edge over the current market competitions.

Cargo management software with its online shipment tracking tool offers access to cargo status round the clock. This software facilitates logistic companies in offering lucrative freight forwarding services to their clients and customers in a timely and professional manner. The impact of freight software or cargo management software has been tremendously felt in the logistic industry. Variety of such software undeniably provides end to end solutions to logistic companies, but the benefits of Logi Sys software are truly unmatched. This web based software is an integration of different logistic software that provides one stop solution for warehouse management, supply chain, freight forwarding or cargo management. It eliminates the use of individual software application for each in house activity in logistics companies.

These days, with the advancements in technology, applications with innovative features are trending to meet all challenges in the realm of freight operations. The boom in latest technologies and software has helped companies across different industries to prosper and attain real business value and logistic industry is no different.

Delight is a leading Logistics company that employs innovative processes & methods with emphasis on excellence and professionalism. The company possesses expertise in Forwarding and Custom Clearing Services, Multi modal transportation & distribution, and Warehousing. Delight is dedicated to making logistics easier for its customers, and as such has placed an emphasis on prioritizing service delivery and the customer experience. Delight started using Logi-Sys since December 2011.

Mr. Vijayan Nambiar, Director, Delight Logistics Pvt. Ltd. says, “Logi-Sys has enabled us to fulfill our commitment to provide the highest standards of customer service and optimized performance across our operations. The advanced monitoring tools, in-built alerts and notifications system of Logi-Sys has enabled us to manage our business efficiently and adhere to timelines at all times.
“Logi-Sys is well-suited for helping logistics companies like ours improve performance and efficiency in a challenging market and I am confident that it will help us in achieving our goals. Using Logi-Sys we are benefiting from its advanced features superb reporting systems that helps us execute our operational strategy, and further advance our business plans” Says Mr. Rajendran, Director, Delight Logistics Pvt. Ltd.

“This implementation of a Logi-Sys from Softlink is part of our initiative to create the highest level of operational efficiency and customer service,” said Mr. Rakesh Pillai, Director, Delight Logistics Pvt. Ltd. “We are very much convinced that the use of such advanced technology will enable greater capabilities to achieve accelerated business growth.”

Logi-Sys helps logistics companies integrate, automate and simplify their freight forwarding, clearing, transportation and warehouse activities providing visibility into operation’s processes. The organization implemented the solution in November and now plans to leverage its strategic planning, performance management, and process. The customized system for electronic data interchange with customers, developed by Softlink, will help Delight to cut delays and ensure faster deliveries. Managers can use Logi-Sys’s advanced functionality to observe patterns in workflow and process, manage adherence to schedules, and identify and rectify activities that adversely impact service levels and handle times.

“We’re pleased to extend our relationship with an existing customer by providing our specialized solution for their logistics service,” says Amit Maheshwari, CEO, Softlink. “Logi-Sys offers valuable features that make logistics processes more streamlined and economical, while also helping the organization maintain its high standards of customer service.

About Delight Logistics Pvt. Ltd.
Delight Logistics Pvt. Ltd. is a leading Export/Import Logistics employing innovative processes & methods, coupled with centering emphasis on excellence with a professional staffs with many year of working experience in this field.

Delight possesses unique attributes like a strong long-term commitment for professional logistic service, value-added prompt services that include Custom Clearing & Forwarding Services with warehousing facility etc. Delight also provides multi-modal transportation & distribution to its clients. The Company is known for its fast clearance, reliable, speedy & economical services. With a team of professionals, well conversant with their field of operation, the company has the requisite expertise to handle all type logistics operations.

About Softlink Global
Softlink Global was established in the year 2005, with the sole aim of simplifying operations of organizations in the logistics industry worldwide through highly specialized software products and solutions. Softlink is a leading product company which exclusively provides software solutions across the logistics sector to Freight Forwarders, Custom Brokers and 3PL companies along with Exporters and Importers. Softlink has a presence in every major city in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Softlink’s products are used by more than 60,000 users in over 3,000 organizations. Softlink’s clientele include organizations like DHL Express, TNT India, FedEx, Videocon, Times of India, The Future Group, ABG Shipyard, Onida, Parle Products, Moser Baer India, AFL Dachser, Nippon Express, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, Agility etc. Key PSUs and Government Departments like Air India, Indian Oil Corporation, Dredging Corporation of India, and Embarkation HQ benefit from Softlink’s products.

Compared to the earlier days, logistics business has gained better flexibility in the realm of warehousing, inventory management, transportation and shipment. Software solutions for logistics management, freight management, supply chain management and warehouse management, among others prove beneficial in the efficient management of logistics operations and in providing complete visibility about shipments, surpassing all geographical boundaries.

The logistics management software is an ideal choice for logistics companies and facilitates in managing complete logistics and supply chain activities. With the aid of such software freight forwarding companies can empower themselves to meet various challenges in the industry. It eliminates all constraints regarding shipment control, timely delivery, global reach as well as communication and efficiently maintains a record of relevant data and makes available a wide range of reports. These software that are available today on the web platform offers detailed information on delivery updates, freight invoices, proof of deliveries, all automatically. Software experts having in-depth knowledge and experience design and develop such software that helps in better coordination among customers and suppliers about consignments.

Innovative logistics management software not only helps in reducing operational expenditures in logistics industry it also enhances overall performance. It carries all the features of a warehouse software and efficiently streamlines in house activities, integrates data of various logistics operations and offers timely as well as effective access to data. Data remains the powerful aspect in optimization of logistics. Be it a logistics software or a warehouse software, all are developed adhering to the current challenges faced by the logistics industry and provides better control over visibility and tracking of shipments.In order to minimize operational costs in logistics with real-time visibility and quick access to information, it is beneficial to opt for integrated software that improves the work output.

Softlink’s Logi- Sys software is a one stop solution for simplifying various facets of logistic operations. A perfect amalgamation of various logistic activities such as warehouse, Freight Forwarding, Customs Clearance, Transport, Sales and Service including Financial Accounting etc, this web based ERP software is an integrated application. It eliminates the possibility of errors and re-keying and keeps track of in-house activities. Offering quick access to information, it is available with smart reports, dash boards as well as business intelligence tools. The web-based Software carries all the features required of a logistics management software and helps in managing chain of logistic operations in 3PL companies as well as NVOCC’s and international freight forwarding companies.

In order to edge over the current market competitions and carve a niche in the logistics industry it is wise to adopt innovative software solutions. Such technologically advanced software can provide most favorable support to logistics operations.

Today shippers look not just for timely service but also demand up-to-date information on their goods. This has put the onus upon the logistics company to build a robust supply chain visibility system, keeping the shippers updated at all times on the status of their shipments. Logistics companies failing to do so stand to lose out on their business as shippers may switch to other service providers who can fulfill their requirements. Even those shippers who have not put up such demands today are likely to soon start insisting on it in the near future.

What shippers look for depends to a large extent on their size. Smaller shippers want timely and accurate visibility to shipment statuses, and they want those statuses to be automated, not based on manually entered data. Large shippers have more comprehensive requirements. They clearly want understand what logistics companies are doing and want them to communicate through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). They wish to know when a shipment is booked, when it actually ships, when it arrives at a port, when it clears customs, who tendered the shipment to the last-mile carrier, and they want proof of delivery. Shippers want visibility of each and every milestone their cargo passes through.

Visibility enables improved understanding into the logistical processes including inventory, asset management, and goods flows. At the end of the day, this knowledge of where goods are within the supply chain is invaluable, and it allows shippers to apply additional toolsets to leverage this advantage and reduce costs.

As logistics has influence on all the aspects of the supply chain, greater visibility in logistics, in turn, provides greater understanding of the entire supply chain. By knowing what is happening at any given point in time shippers can have better insight into other aspects of the supply chain. Logistics in fact emerges as a key cost control area for the supply chain. From the supplier to the end user, greater visibility can also provide a clearer view of their entire supply chain. Having a comprehensive overview of the complete supply chain allows for a much more efficient synchronization of the logistics process thus ultimately benefiting logistics companies.

Having robust logistics management software is the key to providing better visibility to shippers. An integrated enterprise solution will enable the logistics company to not only streamline and automate its operations but also fulfill the shipper’s visibility requirements. With an integrated enterprise system the logistics company also gains the ability to provide good business intelligence (BI) analysis to their clients. It gives them the ability to drill down into historical data and quickly pull data out of their system responding to shipper’s information analysis requests. By building on supply chain visibility logistics service providers can yield greater dividends in terms of better client satisfaction and retention.