In-building logistics platforms provide a wealth of possibilities for users, yet this wealth can sometimes be overwhelming for first-time adopters. With all of the various features and options these platforms offer, it can be hard to narrow down the key features that make them so valuable in the first place. Let’s look at the top ten things to look at when considering an in-building logistics platform.

The Basics

1. Package Tracking Workflow

Let’s start with the most basic yet essential tool: package tracking. A package tracking workflow allows mailrooms to use existing logistics software to streamline incoming packages, dispatch couriers, confirm the chain of custody, and measure productivity. This tool alone gives you unparalleled insight into the lifecycle and whereabouts of every package received. Mailroom managers can deploy this essential tool as is or upgrade it with add-ons such as Intra’s P.O. Line Item Receiving (POLIR).

2. Asset Management Workflow

An asset-tracking workflow allows organizations to utilize a platform to track the movement of assets and their chain-of-custody history. Using the Intra platform opens up other asset features such as managing repair and disposal cycles, identifying low inventory and surplus, and directly locating each asset on hand.

3. Visitor Management

Another process that a basic in-building logistics platform can aid in is visitor management. Utilizing a visitor tracking workflow centralizes all tracking processes (customized visitor request forms, ID badges, & reports) and all visitor data into a single, searchable database. Organizations utilizing this visitor management workflow can rest easy knowing they have the information needed to track and manage visitors.

The Step Up

4. Workspace Reservation Platform

Businesses looking to simplify the management of their shared spaces should strongly consider using a workspace reservation workflow. A proper workspace reservation platform lets your team centralize all workspace reservations across your enterprise locations into a single database, making it easy to measure space usage based on location, frequency, department, and trends.

5. Space Management

In the new hybrid workforce, hot-desking and hoteling have allowed employees or teams to reserve temporary workspaces, desks, or rooms for allotted periods, ensuring that each person who physically comes into the office has a space to work in when they need it. In-building logistics platforms like Intra provide an easy way for organizations to set up hot-desk and hotel locations while also providing access to those making requests.

6. Request Management

Managing workplace requests has become significantly more difficult for offices with some degree of virtual work. The Intra workplace request management tool automatically allows users to prioritize web requests, dispatch service workers, confirm request completions, and measure productivity. This simple workflow lets your staff focus on getting the work done rather than managing and tracking incoming requests. All of this happens through an intuitive web portal that can be managed from the home or office.

7. Record Management

With so many entities that need access to a company’s records, businesses can become disorganized. How do you manage multiple requests and storage for documents and records? The answer is simple: Utilize a robust logistics system to maintain the visibility of your company’s records and record requests. The Intra platform provides users with a dynamic workflow that can streamline incoming record requests, dispatch workers for record pick-up and delivery, confirm request completions and measure productivity.

The Next Level

8. Client Service Portals

A client service portal, or CSP, allows clients to regularly check the status of their facility or mail requests, the last location of their items, and other important information about the services you provide them. This insight allows clients to stay informed about any service your facility or mailroom provides and enhances their trust in your operation.

9. Real-Time Analytics

More times than not, facilities use several software applications that aren’t connected to perform their daily tasks. There is no way to collect and analyze data in a single user interface without a centralized platform. Intra and its integrations allow you to make informed decisions using real-time data as you evaluate your operation and identify where changes need to be made.

10. Virtual Services

If your facility has an on-site mail office or even a meager mail operation, you should strongly consider incorporating virtual mail services into your arsenal. Tools like digital mail let mailroom employees open and scan paper mail to recipients, allowing for a better turnover of items. Virtual mailboxes let facilities store the mail until the employee defines a delivery preference for those scannable items. These methods, coupled with traditional mail services like address forwarding, allow clients and employees unparalleled access to their mail and valuable information.

Do you need help with adopting an in-building logistics system at your facility? Let us know! Email us at [email protected].