The logistics landscape is evolving in India at a massive pace. Not only is it bringing precision but also predictability with complete accuracy. Businesses involved in managing bulk shipping logistics across the major cities are learning towards appointment-based delivery. Such a structure not only helps maintain transparency of the business but also increases reliability.
From FMCG businesses to Q-Commerce, almost everyone is adopting appointment-based delivery. This is done to ensure that the respective goods reach the warehouse within the timeline. As a result, it contributes to increasing business efficiency and streamlines appointment-based delivery. From optimising schedules to improving logistics, the appointment-based delivery system helps across it all.
Benefits of Appointment-based Delivery for Modern Supply Chains
Some of the key benefits that modern supply chains are receiving through an appointment-based delivery system include the following:
1. Timely Delivery for B2B Shipments
Delay in delivery for bulk shipping logistics can often lead to penalties, and rejected POs. Timing is one of the most critical things for B2B shipping in India. All the distributors, retailers and warehouse operators need to work within the specified timeline to ensure proper stocking. Missed delivery windows often lead to several operational setbacks.
With the help of appointment-based delivery, brands can easily plan their shipments accordingly. Since they place the order in advance, the delivery can be planned accordingly to avoid the risk of delays. Respective receivers will have to choose the precise time slots. Therefore, the shipment can be provided within the timeline reducing uncertainty. The timelines of everything are pre-approved, from the arrival of the truck to unloading, departing and then receiving. This ensures a systematic approach which prevents losses.
2. Reducing Warehouse Waiting Time
The traditional logistics operations warehouses have been facing one of the biggest challenges especially with the waiting time. This refers to when the delivery truck has already arrived and is being idle because unloading hasn’t been initiated. This leads to significant time wastage and also increases the demurrage costs.
The integration of scheduled delivery service in the system can play an important role in reducing waiting time and demurrage charges. Since everything is pre-planned, the schedule is already there. Therefore, by the time the truck arrives, the unloading dock will already be available in the market. It paves the way for streamlined scheduling reducing waiting time. The elimination of demurrage charges can play an important role in saving a significant sum of money.
3. Better Retailer Compliance
Modern Q-Commerce retailers such as BigBasket, Zepto, BlinkIt and others have a very fixed delivery timeline. While some offer delivery within 10 minutes, others within 4 minutes. However, to determine the fulfillment of delivery, the suppliers need to ensure delivery is made within the timeline. From maintaining documentation to maintaining vendor ratings and quality requirements, each of it is extremely crucial for businesses.
Appointment delivery service contributes to suppliers aligning their business needs perfectly. This ensures that they can book delivery slots in advance and deliver the products within the timeline. As a result the rejection risk reduces. This also contributes to maintaining healthier relationships with organized retailers which further help with maintaining business opportunities.
4. Real-time Tracking and Coordination for Increasing Visibility
In the logistics system in India, real-time visibility still happens to be a challenge. While advanced tech is integrated and more changes are being brought, there are still some advancements to be taken care of. The traditional shipment models do not provide proper clarity on the timeline once the respective dark vehicle is dispatched. The uncertainty about due progress and ETA has a significant impact for businesses unable to track information.
Scheduled delivery service, on the other hand, eliminates this risk completely. Through this model, the brands can get a thorough visibility about their tracking. From dispatch to delivery, all the necessary information is provided accordingly. The integrated systems also help the different stakeholders to constantly receive live updates. Furthermore, the system also sends out delivery confirmations and adjusts the schedule as and when required.
5. Improved Trust with Order Fulfillment
Long-term businesses happen only when proper information is delivered. Trust is truly crucial for B2B shipments in India to build long-term relationships. Delivery consistency is one of the key factors for building long-term relationships. The brands must be delivering the products on time to ensure reliability not only among the supply chain partners but also customers.
Appointment delivery service plays an important role in standardizing the process. It reduces variability across order fulfillment and ensures that everything is done within the timeline. Moreover, a proper order is followed throughout the process with proper predictable processes. When everything is delivered consistently with efficient results, it helps to build trust and better SLAs. This helps to bring significant improvements across the delivery metrics.
Conclusion
The Indian supply chain landscape is changing rapidly. As it becomes more demand-driven and digitized, it is important to integrate appointment-based delivery for an exceptional operational experience. This is even more important for businesses managing bulk shipping logistics and appointment-based delivery. The adoption of such an advanced model across the major cities of India ensures less delays and improved service reliability. If your business hasn’t yet integrated this system, it is time to do so. With QuickShift’s advanced system, you can bring the necessary changes in your business especially in terms of appointment-based delivery.