Real-time delivery is a business method for delivering goods or services to the customer in the shortest possible time frame.
Offering real time delivery is becoming a standard in the ecommerce and restaurant industries, as customers demand faster and more convenient delivery options.
In this article, we’ll look into how businesses can deliver to customers faster, with a special bonus at the end.
What does real-time delivery mean?
Real time delivery means that products are delivered as quickly as possible.
While this term has existed in the logistics and commerce world for a long time, it has become more relevant in the ecommerce sector in the last couple of years.
Real-time delivery works through the use of advanced technology, including mobile applications, GPS tracking, and automated logistics systems.
When a customer places an order, the order is received by a central dispatch center or a local store, which uses software to match the order with the nearest available driver or delivery person.
The delivery person receives the order details, including the customer’s address and any special instructions, via a mobile application or text message.
The delivery person then uses GPS tracking to navigate to the customer’s location, taking into account traffic, road conditions, and other factors that may affect delivery time.
Once the delivery person arrives at the customer’s location, they hand over the goods or services, and the order is complete.
It is important because it plays a big role in the customer journey. It can be the reason why customers choose one ecommerce website over another.
Why is real-time delivery important?
It’s important for several reasons, especially in today’s fast-paced, on-demand economy.
Here are some key reasons why it is becoming increasingly important:
Convenience
Customers today expect faster and more convenient delivery options.
Customers can also receive their orders within minutes or hours of placing an order, eliminating the need to wait for days for their deliveries to arrive.
This added convenience can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and customer retention.
Speed
It can provide fast delivery times, which can be essential for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries.
For example, in the healthcare industry, it can be used to transport critical medical supplies or equipment to hospitals or clinics quickly.
In the ecommerce industry, real-time delivery can be used for last-minute gifts or other urgent orders.
Flexibility
It can offer greater flexibility for both customers and businesses.
Customers can choose the exact delivery time that works best for them, while businesses can quickly adapt to changes in demand or other unexpected events.
Operational Efficiency
It can help businesses optimize their operations and reduce costs.
By using advanced logistics systems and automation, businesses can streamline their delivery processes, reduce labor costs, and improve overall efficiency.
How does real-time delivery tracking work?
Here are the key steps involved in the real-time delivery process:
Order placement
The customer places an order for goods or services via a mobile application, website, or other digital platform.
Order processing
The order is received by a central dispatch center or a local store, which uses software to match the order with the nearest available driver or delivery person.
Driver assignment
The delivery person receives the order details, including the customer’s address and any special instructions, via a mobile application or text message.
Route planning
The delivery person uses GPS tracking to navigate to the customer’s location, taking into account traffic, road conditions, and other factors that may affect delivery time.
Delivery
Once the delivery person arrives at the customer’s location, they hand over the goods or services, and the order is complete.
Confirmation
The delivery person may also be required to obtain a signature or other confirmation from the customer to confirm that the order has been received.
Using real-time delivery software
It can be a game-changer in the delivery industry, providing customers with greater convenience, speed, and flexibility, and businesses with increased customer loyalty and revenue.
While it does come with some challenges, the benefits make it an essential tool for businesses looking to stay competitive and meet the demands of modern consumers.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further advancements in real-time delivery, leading to even faster and more efficient delivery options.
Looking for your own delivery management software? Breadstack Delivery offers same day delivery software that provides tracking via GPS, so you can overview all deliveries.
