Rugged Tablets are an important solution to sustaining the system of Shipping Logistics and keeping up with the demands of each department. Before rugged tablets became an integral tool in shipping and logistics processes, efficient shipping relied on manually tallying and writing documentation for tracking shipments as well as invoices. Once the trucks leave the warehouse, nothing could be changed on the original paperwork, once the package leaves its home base. This increases the chance of errors and mistakes because if the information is entered incorrectly, it could cause significant delays in customers receiving their products.
Meanwhile, a business waiting for a mission-critical delivery has had to depend on their provider to ensure that it was on time. If the truck encountered delays along the way, the driver would need to update their status or correct errors on the road and call in the mistake/error to the central office, from there the central office would update the customer. This lengthy process halts efficiency and leaves room for errors.
Rugged tablets change all of that, improving communication in real-time as well as internal processes.
Four Ways Rugged Tablets Improve Process Efficiency for Shipping and Logistics
Packing into a Container
Rugged tablets help in reducing paperwork and eliminates data entry errors while items are being packed. Each item can be scanned directly from the rugged tablet and recorded into a system that anyone with access to the network can view whenever is needed, providing a central location for data storage. A tablet with real-time GPS capabilities can be used in the vehicle, which allows for continuous monitoring and tracking, thus giving exact delivery timing and reducing lost product.
Loading to a Truck
As items are being loaded to a truck, rugged tablets with an integrated barcode scanner scan the barcodes on the package and capture images of the package, showing if any of the packages have damage, while also documenting the time it was loaded and contents of the package. With this technology, downtimes will be minimized, and documenting damage will provide detailed evidence.
Proof of Receiving
Rugged tablets scan barcodes on each package upon delivery of the items making it easier and faster for logistics teams to see which products have been delivered will be delivered and which did not get delivered. Imaging of the package upon arrival can also be done These portable handheld rugged tablets are used for signature collection of the receiver and serve as the proof that the item was safely delivered and not damaged.
Billing Simplified
When the items are delivered, invoices are generated directly from the tablet and sent with all updates included. This speeds up the time it takes to process paperwork back at the central office and have the billing department send the invoice. Anyone with access to the network can recall the data entered into the system in real-time, including the invoice for the shipment. Upon receiving a signature of delivery, the invoice is sent and tagged in the system for payment and sent to the customer. Automatic payments can also be used in the system. If packages are lost or damaged, an accurate record is also kept of that for documentation purposes.
Rugged tablets help minimize the errors in a system and make logistics personnel more efficient in every aspect of their work. Adapting with technology, tablets offer more efficiencies in shipping logistics processes. Rugged tablets are equipped with an upgraded performance that boosts business and withstands harsh environments.