MHD sat down with dispatch and delivery management company, vWork and its CEO Roy Moody to discuss first-time delivery and last-mile delivery logistics.
Achieving sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a crucial goal for businesses aiming to meet both environmental and customer expectations.
One key area that holds potential for reducing carbon footprints is the optimisation of last mile delivery.
Roy Moody, CEO of vWork, shares insights into how companies can leverage advanced job scheduling and dispatch software to not only boost profitability but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
THE CHALLENGE OF FIRST-TIME DELIVERY
“Improving your first-time delivery rate can make a huge difference in how efficiently you use resources like fuel and vehicles,” says Roy.
This efficiency translates into reduced fuel consumption and less wear and tear on delivery vehicles, which are critical factors in achieving sustainability.
Achieving high first-time delivery rates is not straightforward. It requires a robust system that can adapt to real-time changes and unforeseen circumstances.
Roy emphasises that last mile job scheduling and dispatch software is instrumental in this regard, offering
a clear and identifiable return on investment both in financial terms and in reducing carbon footprints.
REAL-TIME VISIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION
A pivotal aspect of enhancing first-time delivery success is maintaining clear and consistent communication with customers.
“Once real-time scheduling is implemented, you can send reminders to customers about upcoming deliveries and allow them to track the vehicle,” explains Roy.
This proactive approach not only increases the likelihood of successful deliveries but also reduces the need for repeat trips, thereby conserving fuel and resources.
Real-time visibility into delivery schedules enables companies to make informed decisions about the most appropriate vehicle for each delivery route.
“You can determine whether a small van or a larger truck is better suited for a specific run, and even assess the feasibility of using electric vehicles for shorter routes,” adds Roy.
This data-driven, decision-making process is a stepping stone towards more sustainable fleet management.
THE ROLE OF ROUTE OPTIMISATION
Route optimisation is another tool in the quest for sustainability.
“Route optimisation aims to reduce the overall distance travelled by the fleet, thus saving fuel and reducing vehicle wear and tear,” says Roy.
Effective route optimisation considers various factors, including customer time windows and the total number of vehicles required.
By optimising routes, companies can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which not only cuts down on emissions but also lowers operational costs.
“Manual route planning is time- consuming and prone to errors,” adds Roy.
“If something changes, all that work can be wasted. With vWork’s route optimisation, any changes can be quickly incorporated, and the updated schedule is instantly communicated to drivers.”
This automation not only enhances efficiency, but also reduces the administrative burden, allowing companies to focus on other critical areas of their operations.
THREE-WAY COMMUNICATION: ENHANCING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Three-way communication between the dispatcher, driver, and customer is one feature that makes vWork proud.
“It’s amazing how much it has impacted the business,” says Roy. This system allows for real-time updates and adjustments, ensuring that all parties are on the same page. For instance, if a delivery site is inaccessible due to weather conditions, customers can communicate this to the dispatcher and driver, who can then adjust the route accordingly.
“This feature significantly reduces waiting times and idling, which are not only costly but also environmentally damaging,” adds Roy.
The ability to reschedule deliveries on the fly ensures that goods are delivered efficiently, further enhancing customer satisfaction.
Roy explains that some new clients have adopted vWork specifically because their customers demanded it, highlighting the importance of reliable delivery services in today’s market.
THE POWER OF AUTOMATED TEMPLATES
Another key feature of vWork’s software is the use of automated templates. These templates capture essential customer requirements and job details, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that all necessary information is readily available.
“In the past, companies relied heavily on driver knowledge and experience,” explains Roy.
“But with automated templates, even new or contract drivers have all the information they need to complete the job successfully.”
This standardisation helps companies maintain a consistent level of service, regardless of who is carrying out the delivery.
“Details like access protocols, dock locations, and any special requirements are all captured in the template, ensuring that no critical information is overlooked,” adds Roy.
This approach helps businesses achieve high first-time delivery rates, reducing unnecessary trips and lowering the overall carbon footprint.
SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
While electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered vehicles are often touted as the future of sustainable transport, Roy says there are strides to be made even without these technologies.
“Getting the right last mile job scheduling and dispatch software in place is the first step. It has to be software that works with your existing business processes,” he explains.
Roy shares that even companies that consider themselves efficient often find room for improvement once they implement vWork’s software.
We’ve seen business improve their fleet utilisation by up to 20 per cent, simply by optimising their operations,” he adds.
This efficiency gain translates into reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, demonstrating that sustainability is achievable even with conventional vehicles.
VWORK’S PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA AND BEYOND
vWork’s solutions are not limited to Australia. The company serves customers in 10 countries, including a diverse range of industries.
“Our clients range from medical distributors in San Francisco to supermarkets and industrial building supply companies,” explains Roy.
This global presence underscores the versatility and adaptability of vWork’s software, making it a valuable tool for businesses worldwide.
In Australia, vWork’s clients include companies involved in grocery delivery, in-home care product delivery, and even civic asset maintenance.
This range of applications demonstrates the software’s ability to meet the needs of various sectors, from healthcare to construction.
Optimising last mile delivery is a critical component of any sustainability strategy. vWork’s job scheduling and dispatch software offers a solution that improves efficiency and profitability and also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of delivery operations.
“It’s not just about checking a box; it’s about genuinely making a difference,” says Roy.
With the right tools and strategies in place, businesses can achieve sustainability gains, even before transitioning to electric or hydrogen- powered fleets.
To know more about Vwork, click here