Searching for the best mobile dispatch software can be a big challenge for even the most experienced transportation professionals out there. Often times a firm will be aware of a handful of problems that require instant solutions, but expecting the requirements of a growing firm is a lot like forecasting the weather a year in advance. Will it rain? How much? Will you require a sweatshirt or shorts? The answer to all these queries is YES. You’ve to think of all of that, because it could all happen and you’ve to be ready. Here are some tips that will help your find the best mobile dispatching software for your transportation business.
Ease of use: Most notably, the software must be easy to use. Steer clear of software that takes several days or weeks of training. The longer it takes to learn in the starting, the longer it’ll take to train each new employee. Moreover, most personnel will resist change when the training takes too long.
Current technology: You don’t need to be a technical expert to identify outdated technology. Look for features that are up-to-date with the times: a web platform or integrations with web tools, communication & collaboration, document management, mobile apps, etc. The nonexistence of these vital features entails the vendor is not investing adequately in product development.
Document imaging: No dispatching program is complete without it. Transportation firms are flooded with paperwork, and anything that decreases the paperwork is a massive aid.
A routing engine: Some transportation firms merely require mileage calculations, whereas others require complicated routing technology for lots of delivery routes. Stay alert of your exact needs.
Communication with drivers: Either built in or bolt on, the non-existence of driver communication tools is a sign of poor product development.
Fully integrated features: An excellent software platform is one that was designed with the features in mind from the starting. Simply said, data should be entered only one time, and should be accessible by other tools & reporting. Generating invoices & driver settlements following the delivery has been made shouldn’t need more data entry.
The only perfect dispatching software system is one built custom for you. Custom development is quite expensive & can take years to get done. If you don’t have the budget or time for that, be ready to use dispatch software that mightn’t look to be perfect. Nevertheless, software is generally developed by industry expert with best practices built in. Be keen to change your business to accommodate superior process if a good dispatch software program needs things to be done differently.