What are some innovative ways SMS can improve logistics and supply chain management?
Learn from the community’s knowledge. Experts are adding insights into this AI-powered collaborative article, and you could too.
This is a new type of article that we started with the help of AI, and experts are taking it forward by sharing their thoughts directly into each section.
If you’d like to contribute, request an invite by liking or reacting to this article. Learn more
— The LinkedIn Team
Logistics and supply chain management are essential for any business that deals with moving goods or services from one place to another. However, they also face many challenges such as delays, disruptions, errors, and inefficiencies. How can SMS, or short message service, help overcome these challenges and improve logistics and supply chain management? In this article, we will explore some innovative ways SMS can be used to enhance communication, coordination, and collaboration among various stakeholders in the logistics and supply chain process.
One of the most common uses of SMS in logistics and supply chain management is to provide real-time tracking information to customers, suppliers, and transporters. SMS can be used to send notifications, alerts, confirmations, and updates about the status, location, and estimated arrival time of shipments or deliveries. This can improve customer satisfaction, reduce uncertainty, and enable faster response to any issues or changes. SMS can also be integrated with GPS, RFID, or barcode systems to automate the tracking process and reduce manual errors.
-
Justin Mueller
Thought Leader - Empathetic SMS Marketing | 5 years in SMS/A2P messaging | SMS Operations & Compliance specialist | Accomplished CSM for strategic accounts | Experienced educator & curriculum designer
Here are some ways you can use SMS: 1. Instant Notifications: Send alerts, confirmations, and shipping status updates to improve customer satisfaction. 2. Uncertainty Reduction: Provide real-time location and ETA to reduce uncertainty. 3. Rapid Response: Enable faster reaction to issues or changes to enhance operational agility. 4. Automated Tracking: Integrate with GPS, RFID, or barcode systems to automate tracking and minimize manual errors. 5. Customer Assurance: Keep customers, suppliers, and transporters informed to support a transparent operational flow. 6. Error Mitigation: Automate processes to reduce manual errors to ensure accurate tracking. 7. Operational Efficiency: Streamline tracking processes to save time and resources.
2
-
Burhan Surti
Entrepreneur | Founder at logibee.ai | Passionate about Logistics Automation, Supply Chain and Customer Happiness
SMS, when strategically integrated into logistics and supply chain management, offers a world of innovation. It's a real-time communication lifeline that streamlines operations. Consider automated SMS alerts for order status updates, delivery notifications, or even supply chain disruptions. This not only enhances transparency but also empowers businesses to make quick, informed decisions. The key lies in harnessing the power of SMS to transform traditional supply chains into agile, responsive systems. It's all about efficiency, visibility, and ultimately, better customer experiences." 🚀 #LogisticsInnovation #SupplyChainSMS
2
Another way SMS can improve logistics and supply chain management is to collect feedback and surveys from customers, suppliers, and transporters. SMS can be used to send short and simple questions, ratings, or comments to measure the quality, performance, and satisfaction of the logistics and supply chain services. This can help identify problems, gaps, or opportunities for improvement and make data-driven decisions. SMS can also be used to incentivize feedback and surveys by offering rewards, discounts, or coupons.
SMS can also be used to improve inventory and order management in logistics and supply chain management. SMS can be used to send reminders, requests, or confirmations about inventory levels, replenishment, or orders. This can help avoid stockouts, overstocking, or wastage and optimize inventory and order fulfillment. SMS can also be used to enable mobile ordering, where customers, suppliers, or transporters can place, modify, or cancel orders via SMS. This can increase convenience, flexibility, and efficiency.
SMS can also be used to improve emergency and crisis management in logistics and supply chain management. SMS can be used to send alerts, warnings, or instructions about any potential or actual emergencies or crises that may affect the logistics and supply chain operations. This can include natural disasters, accidents, strikes, security breaches, or pandemics. SMS can help communicate quickly, reliably, and widely to inform, prepare, and protect the relevant stakeholders and minimize the impact and damage.
SMS can also be used to improve training and education in logistics and supply chain management. SMS can be used to send tips, guides, or quizzes to train and educate the staff, partners, or customers involved in the logistics and supply chain process. This can help improve their skills, knowledge, and compliance with the best practices, standards, and regulations. SMS can also be used to support learning and development programs, such as mentoring, coaching, or certification.
SMS can also be used to improve loyalty and engagement in logistics and supply chain management. SMS can be used to send personalized, relevant, and timely messages to customers, suppliers, and transporters to build and maintain relationships, trust, and loyalty. This can include thank you notes, birthday wishes, special offers, or referrals. SMS can also be used to create and manage loyalty and engagement programs, such as rewards, points, or gamification. This can increase retention, advocacy, and revenue.
-
Rebekah Stewart
Solutions Advisor, Sand Communications | Providing Managed IT Support in Harrogate, Yorkshire, Lancashire and beyond| Cyber Security | Telecoms | Business Mobile
I think it is also important to not only look at how SMS can innovate the transport and logistics industry but also how your business mobile solution can. Here are some ways that highlight the importance of chosing the right solution for your business mobiles: • Devices and hardware • Location visibility • International calling • Usage notifications • Customer service & support • Detailed usage logging • Historical usage summaries • Call, data, text insights • Streaming & social media • Data limits & blocking • Data usage alerts All this is achievable if you choose the right provider. Resulting in automated processes, increased productivity and greater insight into your fleet.
1