What does Google’s package tracking announcement mean for your distribution operation?

This month Google announced access to a trial program that will allow participating organisations to display package tracking updates directly within the search engine results. This means users will not need to find the correct website within the list of results, but instead will be able to enter their delivery tracking number in a box on the page and see any relevant updates from the provider.

What does this mean for you?

No matter how we individually feel about Google, it’s undeniable that the tech giant knows a lot about its users and has its finger on the pulse when it comes to what they want.

For those of us involved in any kind of distribution, retail or logistics – whether that is in a B2C or B2B environment – this development shows us that delivery visibility is a critical concern for customers and ensuring that they can access this information quickly and easily is something we should all be focussed on.

• If you’re not already providing your customers with delivery tracking, then now is definitely the time. You’re about to be left behind in a very fast-moving industry.
• If you do provide some form of delivery visibility to your customers, this move from Google should prompt you to take another look to ensure you’re making it as easy as possible for them to access the necessary information.

How can Paragon help?

From our experience, whether a customer is waiting for a new sofa or a delivery of fresh stock for their busy restaurant, they want 3 things when it comes to delivery tracking:

• Accurate ETA information
• Timely updates
• Easy access to the data (so they don’t have to turn to Google!)

Therefore, within our proof of delivery software, fleXipod, we’ve developed customer communication functionality that lets you proactively provide accurate delivery updates directly to your customers.

Firstly, you can send your customers an SMS message or email that includes the estimated delivery time for their order. This functionality can be used to provide the planned delivery slot the evening before delivery, as well as a day-of-delivery ETA update based on real-time progress.

Secondly, within this SMS or email, you are able to include a link to the fleXipod track my driver portal. The delivery tracking portal, which can be branded and customised, provides a range of information such as how many deliveries are left before an order arrives, up-to-date ETAs and a map showing the driver’s current progress.

Customer expectations around delivery communication and tracking are only set to increase and developments like this from Google are going to put additional pressure on distribution operations. But providing accurate delivery tracking doesn’t need to be a chore. Proof of delivery software can help you automate the process and deliver benefits such as reduced inbound WISMO queries and increased first time delivery success.

For more information about how proof of delivery software can help you provide a customer experience that makes you stand out take a look at these blogs:

How an ePOD system can help you satisfy customer demands and enhance service

Could a proof of delivery app help your drivers become your best brand ambassadors?

The ultimate guide to the benefits of proof of delivery software

Or you can always get in touch with one of our experienced team to discuss your requirements or arrange a demonstration of the fleXipod software.