With eCommerce sales constantly on the rise, it’s no surprise that businesses are looking for ways to improve their shipping processes. Manual shipping methods can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and can hinder the growth of a business.
Enter automated shipping, a revolutionary technology that is changing the way businesses manage their shipping operations.
Below are a few points about what automated shipping is, its benefits, and how to implement it in your business.
What is Automated Shipping?
Automated shipping is a shipping process that uses technology to automate the entire process from start to finish. This technology includes software and hardware that work together to streamline shipping operations.
With automated shipping, businesses can automate tasks such as printing shipping labels, updating tracking information, and processing orders.
Automated shipping systems typically consist of three main components: software, hardware, and a network connection.
The software is responsible for managing the shipping process, while the hardware is used to physically move packages through the system. The network connection allows for communication between the software and hardware, as well as with other systems such as eCommerce platforms.
Benefits of Automated Shipping
There are four benefits to using automated shipping for your business. Here are just a few:
1. Faster Shipping
Automated shipping can significantly reduce the time it takes to ship an order. With automated systems, orders can be processed and shipped in a matter of minutes, rather than hours or even days.
2. Increased Accuracy
Automated systems can greatly reduce the chances of errors in the shipping process. This means fewer returns and happier customers.
3. Cost Savings
By reducing the need for manual labor, businesses can save on labor costs. Additionally, automated systems can help businesses negotiate better shipping rates.
4. Scalability
Automated shipping systems will scale with your business, making it easier to manage a growing number of orders.
How to Implement Automated Shipping in Your Business
Implementing automated shipping in your business may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.
Here are five steps to get started:
1. Evaluate Your Needs
The first step in implementing automated shipping is to evaluate your business’s shipping needs. Determine what tasks you want to automate and what technology will be required to accomplish those tasks.
2. Choose the Right Software
Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to choose the right software for your business. Look for a software solution that can integrate with your eCommerce platform and has the features you need.
3. Select Hardware
After selecting your software, it’s time to choose the hardware that will be used to physically move packages through the system. This may include conveyor belts, barcode scanners, and shipping label printers.
4. Test Your System
Before implementing your automated shipping system, it’s important to test it thoroughly to ensure that it’s working properly. This may involve shipping a few test orders to ensure that the system is processing orders correctly.
5. Train Your Staff
Once your automated shipping system is up and running, it’s important to train your staff on how to use it. Make sure they understand how the system works and how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Automated shipping is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their shipping operations. By automating tasks such as printing shipping labels, updating tracking information, and processing orders, businesses can save time, increase accuracy, and reduce costs.
Smart Parcel 24/7 (SP247) helps D2C business owners automate their shipping and fulfillment processes. Our SP247 dashboard and hybrid shipping and fulfillment options allow for a range of features designed to streamline shipping operations and improve efficiency.
Call us today to learn more!
