Specialized logistics service provider Royal Cargo has adopted new technologies and upgraded its systems infrastructure to enhance productivity and efficiency in preparation for the expected growth in demand for logistics services in the country.
One of these new technologies the Philippine-based company uses to consolidate processes and increase overall efficiency is cloud technology, the company said in a statement. CargoWise One, a single-platform software solution, connects Royal Cargo to all of its local branches, global offices, partner agents, and customers. The program simplifies data input and makes information accessible 24/7 across all operations, online or offsite, making even remote access possible.
The cloud-based end-to-end logistics solution integrates accounting, document management, and e-commerce to handle sales and customer relationship management (CRM) services. It is updated with new functionalities and capabilities every week.
Royal Cargo Group chief executive officer Michael Raeuber noted how integrating CargoWise into the company’s operations has simplified processes and reduced the margin of error.
“CargoWise reflects our commitment to become a world-class total logistics service provider. It is also a testament to our promise of providing only high-quality, reliable and cost-efficient specialized logistics solutions,” he said.
Milestones tracked in real time
For even closer and real-time monitoring of deliveries, the company uses the Royal TrackPLUS WebTracker. The program, which was developed by the company’s IT department, is designed to trace and track milestones online, from shipment order creation and departure and arrival confirmation to customs clearance and final delivery.
An upgrade, the Royal TrackPLUS SMS edition, allows customers to register and inquire or receive SMS alerts for every completed shipment. The trace and track system enables clients on the go with no Internet access to monitor their orders through SMS.
Vice president for global IT Abet Cabungcal said the program now also has a tablet edition. Downloadable on any smartphone or tablet through Google Play or Apple Appstore, the mobile version functions like the web-based trace and track system but also allows custom login for clients so they can access data for all of their shipments.
ePOD enhances efficiency 20%
Another mobile app that Royal Cargo uses is the electronic Proof of Delivery or ePOD. Designed to speed up system updates for delivery confirmation without having to wait for drivers to return, the program connects to a control tower that receives all delivery orders, and dispatches these data to drivers with ePOD mobile devices. The driver confirms the task upon logging in and captures relevant information upon arrival at the destination. Relevant data consisting of arrival, loading or unloading, departure, location via GPS, signature, images, and time stamps are converted into an electronic delivery receipt that is then sent to the system for automatic POD updating or sending to email recipients.
The ePOD, which can also provide discrepancy and damage reports on the spot, was developed by the company to address delays in updating its system, improve communication with drivers, and reduce cases of lost delivery receipts or documents that are rendered unreadable by harsh driving conditions. The company also hopes to streamline document processing and delivery confirmation to fast-track billing and collection.
Royal Cargo president Elmer Francisco Sarmiento said these solutions combined have greatly improved efficiency and service.
“The ePOD system has increased Royal Cargo’s productivity by at least 20%. Besides improving the system internally, the WebTracker and mobile apps have boosted delivery efficiency and improved customer service. We were able to empower our customers with proactive alerts on their shipments anytime and anywhere. We can provide information immediately and can even customize dashboard and reports,” he added.
The company has also migrated its email infrastructure and switched to a new one to improve communication between its offices, including remote offices and warehouses.
Next: AI and business analytics
Sarmiento added that future plans include strengthening the CRM portfolio and implementing business intelligence and analytics. The company is likewise looking to improve its human capital management tool and security infrastructure.
“We will support our plans of putting up major cold and dry storage and vessel operations with continuous technology upgrades, including artificial intelligence to augment customer service and perhaps warehouse processing tools,” Sarmiento said.
Royal Cargo acknowledges that it is the combination of management strategies and human resource investments that will spur further growth in the years ahead.
“But new and emerging technologies will certainly play an important role in realizing our dream of becoming the best logistics company in the Philippines,” Raeuber said.
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