DIGITAL FREIGHT FORWARDING
In recent years, Digital Freight Forwarding companies have emerged as innovative providers of shipping services. These companies use the tools to offer comprehensive services entirely digitally, significantly reducing the need for human
intervention. The concept of Digital Freight Forwarding is highlighted by the delivery of individual tasks and optimizations through advanced automation enabled by modern information technologies. Digital transformation in logistics refers to the conversion of traditional business processes through digital technologies. This transformation includes the integration of innovative technologies such as automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain into logistics operations. For example, using automated storage systems in warehouse operations can reduce labor requirements. Big data analytics can help in better understanding and managing logistics processes in areas such as inventory management and demand forecasting. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can be used to solve complex problems like route optimization and delivery time estimation. Transforming a logistics company
into a Digital Freight Forwarder is a highly challenging process. There are many decisions to be made, such as the selection of services and levels of service, and determining which functions to digitize and to what extent. It requires the
comprehensive motivation of the entire company . Initially, it is necessary to understand the platforms and sub-platforms that constitute Digital Freight Forwarding.
Marketplace-driven Digital Freight Forwarding fundamentally has five sub-platforms.
Specifically, the third, fourth, and fifth platforms should be structured either centrally
or in a distributed manner, depending on the company’s geographical distribution.
Marketplace
Process Management
TMS – FMS
Strategy Planning
Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence
The user sign up (onboarding) process. The marketplace’s brand name and visual design should be extraordinay and user-friendly. Users also have access to a mobile platform that can be available on any device.
Operation, contact management, and activity management are significant components of the platform. TMS-FMS is designed to fit digital freight forwarding processes. Integrations with suppliers, airlines, and shipping lines have been established. Track and tracing is also available online platform.
The platform includes many features with its comprehensive services, such as freight products and price search, freight tariffs, dynamic pricing and allocation management. Through supplier integration, it offers instant price generation and the ability to create transportation orders. It also supports customer relationship management processes like lead management, opportunity management, and call center planning. Additionally, it provides effective pricing and transportation solutions with hub integration and a price management structure for suppliers.
Product and Pricing Modules
Users have the ability to desing and manage
products and prices.
Dynamic Pricing
Prices change dynamically based on new conditions.
Customer Experience
Predefined pricing and product setups can be created
for prospective customers.
Integrations
Supplier integrations include features such as combined pricing
using APIs (Supplier Hub structure).
Sales Force Management
Sales Force Management involves leads and opportunity management.
Call Center and Lead Management
Planning and assignment for call center
agent’s activitys.
Opportunity Management
The platform provides opportunity management
for customers.
Flexibility and Conditions
Constraints or conditions can be set on processes and objects.
These features build effectively utilized platfom for digitil freight forwarding.
The platform funcionality includes operational processes and tracking processes for air, sea (LCL and FCL), and land
(LTL and FTL) operations. It has TMS integration for operational efficiency. It supports notifications and escalations, gathers detailed notifications and delivery information with 3rd Party Mailing, and performs price collection and publication tasks. The system integrates with customers, suppliers, and data provider
companies.
These features are designed to increase operational efficiency and automate
processes.
The platform provides
segment based pricing infrastructure and segment-product-customer-price
management for prospective customers. Processes such as demand forecasting,
fraud detection, and identification of missing and overrated invoices using artificial
intelligence.
These features enable the digitalization of processes and increased efficiency through the use
of data analysis and artificial intelligence solutions.