In today’s logistics landscape, customer visibility and self-service aren’t just nice to have — it’s a crucial capability for businesses to distinguish themselves from their competition. Origin, Sandfield’s specialist logistics software division, understands this “differentiating” role and is transforming how businesses approach their digital customer service with its unified customer portal solution.
Overcoming portal challenges
Logistics service providers (LSPs) face a common set of obstacles with customer portals and visibility. Often, the use of multiple, disjointed systems leads to customers logging into multiple portals to get a view of their freight as it moves across the entire supply chain.
Origin’s customer portal directly addresses these challenges. Will Harding, Head of Product, states, “Our customers grapple with a proliferation of customer portals, each tied to a different operational system; whether that’s their TMS, WMS, Finance or Freight Forwarding systems. What they need is a single, unified platform where all data is seamlessly integrated and reflects their unique way of operating.”
This unified view means that all of the critical supply chain information (forwarding data, transport data, WMS/Inventory data, rate cards and invoicing data) is brought together and presented in a single interface. This saves time and money for internal processing while also improving the customer experience, creating new business growth opportunities.
Efficiency and empowerment
Origin’s customer portal isn’t just about data consolidation; it’s about aggregating all the data across the supply chain and presenting it within a contextualised framework. This facilitates a smarter and more timely decision making process and allows LSPs to streamline operations, reduce costs and minimise customer service enquiries. Self-service features like shipment tracking and order management empowers customers to more actively stay informed and manage relevant tasks where appropriate.
Customisation: The key to differentiation
LSPs don’t want portals that look like their competitors; they want their unique feel and point of difference to flow through the customer portal. Unlike more prescriptive and rigid portal solutions, Origin’s platform is built on a flexible framework, allowing for easy configuration. Interactive maps, unique branding, company-specific terminology, and adaptable views ensure the portal aligns with each LSP’s unique operational needs.
Will Harding emphasises the advantages of this adaptability, stating, “We work closely with our clients to ensure that the customer experience through the portal reflects their specific needs and preferences. As an example, one of our freight forwarding clients prides itself on providing accurate rating information. Through our portal, they can now integrate directly
with their rating platform, enabling their customers to access the real-time data and setting themselves apart from competitors.”
Key capabilities
● A single view across all systems: Connect any existing system – TMS, Freight Forwarding, Finance, WMS and unlock a unified supply chain view.
● Empower customers: Provide real-time tracking, self-service quoting, order management, invoicing and communication tools – all in one place.
● Reduce costs and win new business: Streamline customer service, minimise inquiries and focus on new business opportunities.
More than a portal, a competitive advantage
Origin’s customer portal is more than merely a visibility platform. It’s a tool that boosts connectivity, adaptability, and operational efficiency. By providing LSPs with real-time data access and streamlined processes, Origin gives businesses the capabilities they need to differentiate themselves via an enriched customer experience that amplifies their operation’s core strengths.
In an industry where efficiency and customer satisfaction are critical, Origin’s customer portal is revolutionising the game. By tackling fragmentation and offering unparalleled customisation, Origin empowers LSPs to elevate the interaction they have with their customers and gain a competitive edge.
To read more about Origin, click here