Reliable Last Mile Delivery: Managing Uncontrollable Supply Chain Events
If you’re like most people, every time you order a product online, you eagerly wait for it to arrive. But what if you wait for days only to be disappointed by a delayed delivery? This situation is all too common.
96% of customers consider delivery speed the most critical factor in their online shopping experience. But fast last-mile delivery can be challenging, especially when uncontrollable supply chain events occur. Supply chain disruptions cost companies an average of $300 million per year.
The good news is you can implement strategies to manage these events effectively and ensure reliable last-mile delivery.
Last Mile, Fast Mile?
Last-mile delivery is the most crucial part of the entire supply chain. It’s like the last mile of a marathon; it can make or break the entire race. It’s the most challenging stretch of the journey, but if you finish it, all the hard work and training pay off.
The importance of last-mile delivery has increased with the growth of e-commerce and the rise of same-day delivery expectations. Customers are willing to pay up to 10% more for same-day delivery, and a positive delivery experience can result in increased customer loyalty and repeat business. So, last-mile delivery is essential for meeting customer expectations and gaining a competitive edge in the market. But it’s still challenging due to uncontrollable supply chain events that can disrupt the process.
Uncontrollable supply chain events are beyond the control of the delivery company. We all saw the biggest example of it during COVID-19. Besides a worldwide pandemic, these events can include weather conditions, traffic congestion, vehicle breakdowns, and accidents. These scenarios can cause delays, increased delivery costs, and decreased customer satisfaction. Managing them is a game of survival.
Strategies for Managing Uncontrollable Supply Chain Events
Ready to take back control of your supply chain? Here are some strategies that can help:
Real-Time Monitoring and Communication
GPS tracking enables you to monitor the location of vehicles and communicates with drivers to receive real-time updates on traffic, weather, and any other conditions that could affect the delivery process. The severity of the issue will enable you to make necessary adjustments to delivery routes and provide customers with updated delivery estimates.
Contingency Planning
Robust and well-thought contingency planning is essential for managing uncontrollable supply chain events. All businesses should have a contingency plan that includes alternative delivery routes, vehicles, and methods such as bikes, drones, or on-foot delivery. A backup plan helps you continue delivering goods even if there is a disruption in the supply chain.
Partnering with a Third-Party Logistics Provider
Instead of being a jack of all trades, partner with a third-party logistics provider to help manage uncontrollable supply chain events. Third-party logistics providers can provide a fleet, robust technology, and additional drivers during peak delivery periods. This will allow you to maintain delivery schedules, even in the face of unexpected and uncontrollable events.
Leveraging Technology
Technology can be a game changer in reducing the effect of an unexpected event. For example, you can use predictive analytics to anticipate potential disruptions in the supply chain and make necessary adjustments in advance. You can also use automated routing and dispatch systems to optimize delivery routes and minimize delivery time.
Training and Empowering Your Team
Training your team is essential for managing uncontrollable supply chain events. Drivers should be prepared to identify potential risks and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents and breakdowns. They should also be empowered to adjust their delivery routes and schedules based on real-time information. Your administrative team should be prepared to utilize data to plan ahead and respond to expected changes in demand.
Taking Control of Your Supply Chain
A reliable last-mile delivery solution is critical for exceeding customer expectations, building brand reputation, and gaining a competitive edge in the market.
Ziing can help you achieve that. We combine technology and data innovation to provide an efficient, cost-effective service that ensures on-time delivery to customers' doorsteps. With real-time monitoring, transparent communication, and a team of experts, we’re committed to delivering a hassle-free delivery experience.
So go ahead, focus on your core business activities while we take care of the final leg of your supply chain. Learn more here.
