Establishing a logistics software system can be a difficult task for any facility to take on. It would be best if you didn’t approach it as a quick fix to your company’s logistical problems but instead view it as a long-term investment in your company, facility, and staff. Your strategy to maximize the impact of your logistics software should include 3 phases: Plan, Enact, and Report. Let’s unpack each phase to understand the most important things to consider as you roll out your new facility software.

Planning Your Organization’s Logistical Needs

Before you purchase any software, it’s best to determine the full logistical needs of your company. Once you gain a thorough understanding of your company’s logistical needs, it will be easier for you to make a sound software decision. Afterward, your next step should be identifying the key stakeholders within your organization to communicate the importance of the software you want to purchase. Invite them to share their insight on the direction of the company’s logistics strategy to ensure everyone’s views are aligned. Finally, after choosing the appropriate in-building logistics provider, the product champion should provide education and training on your company’s latest software/processes to your staff.

Enacting Your Technology Effectively

Now that your company has established a new technological precedent, you must learn how to use your technology effectively. To make the most of your investment, you should consider leveraging all of your platform’s functionalities to automate several processes within your facility. For example, use your package tracking software to track visitors; or use your task management software to assign activities for multiple departments, instead of just one or two. It’s also essential to stay up to date on any new updates or integrations for your software. New integrations often provide a better or simpler way of performing tasks. For instance, integrating your package tracking software with your company’s ERP system allows the receiving department to tie together the purchase order, tracking number, and paid voucher for all-encompassing purchase visibility and accountability.

Reporting on Insights and Metrics

The final phase in your logistical process should involve reviewing system reports and gathering user feedback. For the overall success of a. in-building logistics software implementation, a company must examine the metrics and reports that it receives from the software. Regularly review your software’s dashboard, as it holds vital insights into your facility’s processes (i.e., response times, SLA exceptions, incomplete tasks, undelivered items, volumes, and user performance). Lastly, use the information gained from your dashboard reports and user feedback to determine if you need to make any improvements to your in-building logistics platform (i.e., new features, reports, automation rules, item variables, or design changes). Then, you can communicate that information to your software provider.

Have you recently implemented a new facilities management software system for your company? Are you engaging the full potential of your software? Let us know in the comments section below or by visiting the contact page of our website.