Industry trends and expectations are pushing all logistics providers to take their businesses into the digital realm in order to maintain competitiveness, no matter how big or small.
Today, with automation technology specifically developed for small to medium operations, the digital horizon has never been easier to reach.
Leading Australian logistics software provider CartonCloud has launched in Canada where there is a significant need for easy-to-use warehouse and transport management systems in the SMB market — with a focus on simplicity and usability.
CartonCloud Founder and CEO Vincent Fletcher said for small to medium logistics businesses to embrace technology, it first had to be easy to use.
“Logistics software needs to be a reliable engine for a business that will efficiently get the job done,” Fletcher said.
“What a giant company like Amazon needs from transport and warehouse software is very different from what small and medium businesses need.
“CartonCloud is dedicated to serving small to medium businesses, which account for around 98 per cent of the logistics operations out there.
“When it comes to small businesses, usability is king. Everyone from the director to the workers on the warehouse floor must be able to easily use the technology.
“Business owners and staff shouldn’t need a PHD in information technology to use logistics software.
“We’ve developed software that breaks down the barriers that have been preventing small and medium businesses from embracing logistics technology, to allow them to start benefiting from technology sooner.
Fletcher said CartonCloud had been developed to meet the specific needs of the SMB market by providing software to manage warehouse and transport operations that is actually designed by logistics people.
“We get it. Our team includes a number of industry professionals who know the industry, have worked in SMB logistics companies and know what our customers actually need to simplify their operations and grow their businesses,” Fletcher said.
“Many companies are still running on paper and spreadsheets because for so long this was still been better for them than using the software options on the market. That’s what we set out to change.
“CartonCloud understands what functions logistics SMBs require most and executes them exceptionally well to increase productivity and improve bottom lines.”
“It’s quick and easy to set up so that businesses can get on with work and keep their customers happy.
“The software-as-a-service model is a huge benefit for SMBs, meaning businesses simply pay for what they need and can cancel at any time.”
Fletcher said one of the biggest ways they have been able to break down barriers to digitalization for SMBs was to make the software cloud-based.
“CartonCloud is a cloud-based program, which means everything runs on the internet and businesses don’t have to pay for any local computers or servers.
“Implementation is simple, you can log in online and download the mobile app to your phone, and our dedicated onboarding team will support you through the set up so it’s specific to your business.
“It’s much faster and more cost effective than having to physically bring in specialists or specialized hardware and servers to run the system.
“It also means that you have the benefit of a specialized support team when you need, it and a dedicated team of developers who are constantly updating and adding new features.”
A popular feature with small and medium businesses is the mobile app, which allows staff to scan-pick products, ensuring the correct stock leaves the warehouse while providing clients with a real-time view of order progress and stock level.
“It’s very user-friendly and flexible with a straightforward mobile app that enables operators to work in the field without the need for specialized hardware,” Fletcher said.
“As technology changes, we are keeping the system up to date and ahead of the curve— which saves SMB companies from needing to find and fund a new, updated system every few years.
“CartonCloud makes it as easy as possible for businesses to change how they operate and seize the efficiencies technology has to offer in a way that fits their resources and budget.”
CartonCloud also removes the manual data-entry process by automatically reading data from other programs a business is integrated with.
“SMB logistics companies have reduced administration overheads by 80 percent using the data automation features of CartonCloud’s transport and warehouse management software.
“With CartonCloud, the software does the heavy lifting in terms of data management and also provides optimized workflows to capitalize on ways they can build efficiencies into their operations.
“They can track outgoing orders against incoming freight to offer fast and efficient cross-docking, or track freight throughout their system from start to finish, with all of their chargeable rates automatically applied and calculated, so they can get paid faster.
“Every small business has ambitions to grow and succeed and CartonCloud is software dedicated to supporting logistics firms to run smoothly, make profits, and get the job done.”
