Understanding Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Logistics

by | Sep 3, 2021 | Artificial Intelligence, Business Process Automation, Hyper Automation, IT Automation, Marketing Automation, Robotic Process Automation, RPA

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Logistics

Using RPA in logistics can save time, money and effort when properly implemented.Consider the time spent reading an email, going through data records and filing them . Then consider the extra time spent taking the information and drafting a response or report. This entire process is tedious and requires a full-on time commitment. Time that brokers could use to cultivate relationships with customers. Time you could use to plan business growth. Using RPA in logistics can save time, money and effort when properly implemented.
 
Technology is flooding the logistics industry, leveraging apps to streamline tasks. This includes load matching, and checking in and paying carriers. All these duties were completed manually. Now, you can use apps that are coded to perform specific functions. While this is great, certain tasks such as sending an email, requires a more personal, human touch.

What is RPA in logistics?

Robotic system automation (RPA) is a fast-growing technology that imitates human behaviour. It is slowly but surely making its way into logistics. RPA is an automation software that uses machine learning and natural language processing. The aim is to mimic tasks that a human performs daily. This can be anything from studying email responses or quoting rates. Eventually, RPA will be able to give brokers more time to focus on high level strategy. This will leave the system to complete mundane tasks.

Easily manage your fleet with RPA

When it comes to managing logisitics, RPA is a game changer.

How does RPA work?

You tell the bots to go retrieve records from multiple systems and they will do it. They don’t need complimentary systems that communicate with one another to complete tasks. Businesses might have two or three TMS systems at least, and most of the time, they don’t combine with one another. RPA is able to work around this and simplifies the process for all involved.
Additionally, RPA can be built and applied quickly, allowing businesses to grow while maintaining and bettering the current workforce.

Data entry can be very laborious, and people are susceptible to errors, specifically with excessive volume. A robot can handle the workload efficiently, rapidly and doesn’t make an error. Bots work 24 hours, 7 days a week. They never ask for a raise or contribute to workplace drama. So, they’re sort of an assistant. Imagine we give each staff member an assistant to extend their productivity.

Companies within the logistics industry are placed well for RPA technology. RPA can assist the workforce, more specifically the new, digitally-inclined era of workers, pursue work of greater value, decreasing mundane work and the effort it entails. This results in greater employee satisfaction and higher retention rates for logistic companies. RPA may also improve other areas of the industry, together with shipment scheduling, stock tracking, purchaser visibility and invoicing.

Using RPA in logistics allows agencies to offer a higher first-class of service whilst freeing up labour capacity to have interaction greater carefully with their customers. Shipping and logistic groups can now provide top rate services to more clients.

Many logistics companies worry their size and scale won’t work with technology like RPA, but once they see the capabilities and benefits, the resistance dissipates.

Contact us today to find out how RPA can transform your business.