Truck Hire and TMS for Logistics: Mobile Apps are the Future
Niche technologies have evolved greatly over the past years. Hence, it is no secret that there has been a spurt in companies offering technology-aided process management in logistics too. But, there is one thing that has seen a sudden boom recently. We are talking about the mobile apps that can let corporate users hire a truck across India and let truck owners book freight on the go for their idle fleet.
As Internet penetration has improved in India, so have logistics companies ‘adapted’ to boost ‘adoption’ of technology.
New age logistics technology is moving to the cloud — and that in itself is one significant leap. Cloud-based technology can help logistics companies in improving visibility and introducing simplicity in real-time tracking of freight. In terms of the front-end of these technologies, the concept of mobile and web apps can greatly enhance the experience and prove to be the last-mile in adoption.
So, What Features Do These Apps Currently Provide?
There is a great rift between the actual functionality and the ‘claimed’ feature set of several logistics apps. Yet, the basic objective is simple — to make truck hiring and freight booking simple for both ends of the spectrum, i.e. Carriers as well as Shippers. However, these apps should also offer a full-fledged Transport Management System. This can not only speed up the operations and reduce costs for transporters but also help shippers be more assured about freight movement. The concept is a work-in-progress, and features that take shape have the potential in the meanwhile will change how the industry functions on a whole.
Mobile Transport Management Systems: The Way Forward
The world is moving to leaner tactical strategies and hence should no longer be confined to just ‘hire a truck — bid on load’ model. Transport management systems can help leverage the real potential of technology and thus aid fleet management like never before. Fragmented usage of technology in various aspects can not yield a cohesive boost in efficiency. Rather, the whole process has to be streamlined with the inclusion of appropriate tech implementations at various stages of a logistics process.
Currently, most tech-aided logistics companies are trying to target this niche of mobile apps, and will probably also be instrumental in moving finicky processes towards streamlined technologies. Technological developments have hardly trickled down the process chains in logistics over the years due to the complications involved. There are apprehensions in the logistics industry regarding these disruptive transformations in processes. But, with the acquaintance to a Transport Management System that is conveniently handled at fingertips with enhanced visibility, easier truck hire and process handling, and prompt solutions, companies across the sector will eventually get on-board with the concept.
Or at least that is what we plan to achieve in the coming times.
Originally published at blog.quikhop.com.
