A Lesson in Logistics (for dummies)

What exactly is logistics?

Officially? Logistics is the process you set up to get goods to their destination as appropriately as possible. Sometimes this needs to be done urgently and with special care, for example, via an airplane and an On Board Courier. In these kinds of situations, every effort is made; nothing can go wrong. We also call this 'special transport'. Typically, logistics involves fewer 'James Bond-esque scenarios,' and we're talking about fine-meshed distribution to the consumer. In that case, delivery is 'daily business'.

The Delivery Operation as a Business Model

Naturally, you aim for the most efficient delivery operation possible. So, view it as a separate business model. Optimizing your process is paramount here. What you want to avoid are complaints flooding in due to incorrect deliveries, the communication surrounding them, and the cost of rectifying them. After all, that creates a lot of extra work for you. Of course, your process won't be perfect from day one, but collect data, gain insights, and learn from your mistakes. That's how you'll continuously improve.

The Base of Operations

Where do you receive and prepare your goods? Don't immediately choose the closest option, but first consider the starting point of your routes and the center of gravity of your deliveries. Base your point of departure on that. Look before you leap, because after a good start, it's very difficult to re-establish your distribution warehouse elsewhere.

On the Road

Great, your delivery operation is set up, and your base of operations is well-thought-out and ready. Now you can get started, based on a plan. Order the stops, determine your average stop time, and check what time your driver will be back. Are you making sure they can still take a break?

A Closed Door

Oh, your driver is at a closed door. Can you then deliver the package to the neighbors? Can you deliver to business addresses? Think about this before you send your driver out on the road. Offering options like timed delivery, for example, can already help you immensely.

A Little (Extra) Help

If you're aiming big and have more than three or four stops per day, then enlist the help of smart software. After all, you really don't have to do all of this alone. Smart software, like RoutiGo, makes your process cheaper, more productive, and more efficient. It takes your entire delivery operation a step further.