The pandemic tested many of us in 2020. Industries like food services and travel were pushed out of bounds while the stock of Zoom and delivery apps skyrocketed. Remote work became commonplace and everyone, regardless of their title or take-home pay, was forced to do one thing: adapt.
Of course, the freight forwarding industry was not immune to the impact of the pandemic. While times have been tough, adapting to a digital lifestyle has saved many freight forwarders from permanent extinction.
So why has digitization been so important for freight forwarders?
If you were waiting for a sign to enter the twenty-first century, the pandemic was certainly it. Digitization improved efficiencies and closed the (at times) lengthy gap between client and cargo. How? Let’s break down the biggest benefits of digitization for freight forwarders when you-know-what hit the international fan.
The Problem
Increased demand, unbelievably high freight rates, and unprecedented port congestion all spelled disaster for freight forwarders. When delays and other issues arose (think abandoned cargo, ill terminal operators, and unpredictable shipment schedules), professionals needed a system to combat the customer service nightmare. The best remedy for unhappy customers? Clear communication, quick solutions, and real-time transparency.
Premium Visibility
As problems inevitably arose, especially in the pandemic’s tumultuous early days, digital platforms were a saving grace. With digital portals, customers suddenly had access to real-time information and streamlined communication with freight forwarders and vendors.
Of course, those same portals kept freight professionals in the know. With access to every sliver of data accumulated through a shipment’s lifecycle, freight forwarders improved shipment planning and inventory management. Not to mention, it’s much easier to answer burning questions when you’ve got the answer yourself. While great software segments information access by status, seniority, and client, for the purpose of clear customer service, it’s helpful when everyone’s looking at the same portal with the same data.
Increased Efficiency
With real-time tracking and data, freight forwarders can quickly plan for supply chain disruptions, including potential delays and switches in suppliers. As those very issues became commonplace throughout the pandemic, the ability to act fast relied on digital solutions. Because acting fast is dependent on having information that informs those quick decisions. In an increasingly digital world (and an incredibly disrupted supply chain), there’s no time to wait for a fax, email, or phone call from across the pond.
Smart Solutions
What happened when you were in lockdown? Or an ill employee was far from the office? Those that had the tools necessary to work from anywhere were able to do just that. Cloud technology has revolutionized the way freight forwarders work by revolutionizing where they work. No matter where you are, when a crisis arises, software with cloud technology allows you to respond in real-time.
Aside from cloud capabilities, premium software offers freight forwarders solutions on a silver platter, all driven by informative data and analytics. While the pandemic created a huge logistical mess, when there isn’t a single piece missing from the mess, the puzzle is suddenly solvable.
Is Digitization the Future?
While pandemics are a once-in-a-lifetime event, unpredictability is not. There will be other disruptions to the supply chain and digital solutions will always cover lost or shaken ground. Plus, now that customers, vendors, operators, and competitors are accustomed to a digital world, there’s no turning back. The convenience is here to say and if you’re planning to keep up, digitization is something your operation must adopt fully.
Overall
If you were left scared and confused as 2020 reared its ugly head and raged on, you’re not alone. Between seemingly endless shipping delays and unprecedented disarray, the freight industry needed every ally on its side to survive. Digitization and, specifically, tools like freight management software, became the biggest ally as the rocky waters reached terrifying heights.
While the worst may be behind us, there’s no doubt a digital world for freight professionals is here to stay. Because you never know when the next emergency will strike. If that emergency hits tomorrow, are you prepared?
Devise a strategy to keep your freight forwarding business moving forward no matter what obstacles it encounters by implementing a freight forwarding software system or revamping the platform you already have.
CSA Software can help advance your business in the current logistics world with a comprehensive freight management system. Everything you need for your transportation management is offered through a full suite of freight forwarder software products. They include domestic, international, warehouse and accounting operations. Our cloud-based software is the best choice for freight forwarders, air cargo, ocean freight, air freight operations, and more around the world. Reap the benefits of a streamlined system with efficiency at its core. Call for your Free Demo today!