by FreightPrint
Automation is everywhere. It’s true that you can save a lot of time and resources by automating your business processes.
But just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
So, should we automate everything in business?
I’ll admit that I’m a fan of automation. I love gadgets and gizmos. But I don’t advocate for automating everything. Especially not everything in business.
For example, I think chatbots and robocalls are annoying. In my opinion, they’re a horrible way to communicate with your customers.
Let’s not forget that the primary goal of a business is to solve problems. Specifically, to solve problems that affect people and things people value. I don’t think chatbots or robocalls do that.
Human interactions are complex and highly nuanced. Most of us know that trust is foundational to any relationship. Trust building is something we do on a daily basis. It’s made up of lots of small acts put together over time.
But we also know that humans are prone to making mistakes.
Some mistakes are avoidable. For example, if you set up a meeting with a client and either don’t show up, or show up late, it could negatively impact your business. This issue can be easily remedied by setting a meeting reminder.
Scheduling a driver to pickup and deliver a load may seem like a simple task. But what happens if you somehow miss a delivery? It may have been an honest human error or a communication failure. Regardless of the reason, the cost of a missed delivery can be high. It could cost you customers or even your job.
This is an ideal scenario for automation.You could’ve utilized an automated dispatching software to avoid that problem. Through the auto-dispatch option in FreightPrint, the driver would’ve been reminded and the customer would’ve been notified without your manual intervention.
In the automated scenario, instead of costing you, it helps you and your customer. It saves time and saves money. It builds trust and builds customer satisfaction. It can also reduce driver anxiety!
There are times to go manual.
Let’s consider a scenario where the customer is still waiting for her delivery, and she calls you for an update. In my opinion, this process should not be automated. The customer may be looking for an ETA, which you could provide using a freight tracking software.
But, more importantly, the customer is looking to check up on your promise.
This is a trust-building scenario, and leaving this task to an automated system could be problematic.
The last thing you want to do is to record an automated apology message and play it back to every customer who calls you. That does not scream, “I care!” It also doesn’t build an iota of trust. Just the opposite, in fact.
When the customer calls you, give her the most accurate information, and empathize with her if she’s frustrated. Technology may give you data, but you still need a human to empathize with other humans.
At FreightPrint, our mission is to make logistics simple, efficient, and enjoyable. And you cannot make logistics enjoyable without happy customers!
So next time you’re deciding whether to automate something, think of how it might impact your customers, your promise to them, and more importantly, their trust.
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Are you managing your logistics operations either manually or using outdated and confusing software?
FreightPrint can help!
FreightPrint™ is a simple software and mobile app for logistics companies to track, organize, communicate and manage shipments efficiently.
We know that logistics is complicated and time-consuming.
Imagine delivering orders to your customers with consistency, accuracy and simplicity.
If you're looking to streamline your shipping and logistics operations, FreightPrint™ may be what you're looking for.
Read below to learn more about key features and benefits of FreightPrint™.
Imagine processing customer orders, automatically creating optimized routes, communicating with drivers and customers, all without spending any extra time.
Dispatch Loads
Dispatch loads on the fly. Work with carriers, brokers, dispatchers and shippers.
Automated Routes
Pick multiple shipments and create routes instantly. Assign drop numbers, edit or remove stops without contacting the drivers.
Driver Assignment
Assign a task or a route to a driver. Don't know who can do the delivery? Allow drivers to pick their loads, or broadcast loads to your carriers and have them bid on your loads.
Free up your phone lines and staff, while exceeding your customers’ expectations. Spend your precious time closing more deals and going on vacation.
Provide Shipment Tracking
While the FreightPrint™ app provides status updates and other useful information, it can also provide you with shipment tracking.
Collect Signatures, Pictures and Notes
Create an audit trail of shipment statuses with timestamps and location stamps.Receive Proof of delivery signature and pictures instantly.
Create and design your own shipping documents. Create templates for your customers to match their specifications.
Print QRCode Labels
Create and print QRcode labels. Add QRcodes to your shipping documents and emails.
Design and Customize BOLs
Create and design your own shipping documents.Create and design your own shipping documents.
No software is built perfectly, that’s why we allow you to customize it to your needs. FreightPrint is flexible to serve your needs.
Custom Fields, Checklists & Documents
Create custom fields and custom checklists to ensure your team can track progress. Customize your emails, documents and text messages.
Connect with CRM, ERP, API and Zapier
You can connect with SalesForce and OrderTime natively, integrate with your own in-house software using our API, or build automation with other thousands of software using Zapier.
Want to see if FreightPrint is a good fit for your needs? Whether you are curious about how the software works, or have specific questions about a feature, our product demo is a great way to get started.
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FreightPrint™ now integrates with Salesforce CRM. Find out how your sales team can instantly create unique shipment tracking numbers for your customers.
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