Logistics
Purpose & Scope
The Logistics module manages last‑mile and line‑haul movements, from shipment creation through routing, dispatch, live tracking, and proof‑of‑delivery.
Who Uses This
Dispatchers, delivery supervisors, customer service, and finance (billing/COD).
Key Capabilities
- Shipment Management: Create/import shipments; bulk upload; labels/waybills.
- Route Optimization & Planning: Build routes by zone/priority; capacity checks.
- Dispatch & Tracking: Assign to drivers; live status; ETA predictions; exception capture.
- Proof of Delivery (POD): Signatures/photos/notes; COD handling and cash reconciliation.
- Shipper Portal: External shippers can create/track and export shipments.
- Feedback & Diagnostics: Post‑delivery rating/feedback and device diagnostics.
Data Model & Core Entities
- Shipment, Stop/Route, Driver, Vehicle, POD, COD/Payment
End‑to‑End Workflows
- Create/Import: Upload shipments (CSV/API) or convert from sales orders.
- Plan: Optimize routes; validate capacity and time windows; print waybills.
- Dispatch: Assign to drivers/vehicles; push to Driver App; start tracking.
- Deliver: Capture POD (signature/photo); mark exceptions (NDR, partial delivery).
- Reconcile: Close route; settle COD; export billing and Accounting entries.
Configuration
- Service levels (same‑day/next‑day), zones, and cut‑offs.
- COD policies, safe limits, reconciliation steps.
- Notification templates (shipment created/Out for delivery/Delivered/Failed).
Integrations
- Fleet: Vehicle/driver assignment and GPS telemetry.
- Warehouse: Pick/pack complete → auto‑create shipments.
- Accounting: COD clearing, freight revenue/cost accruals.
- UGS: OTD, first‑attempt success, route productivity.
Reports & KPIs
On‑time delivery %, first‑attempt delivery %, average route duration, stops per route, failed delivery causes, COD reconciliation time.
Tips & Edge Cases
- Use regional route pools for high‑density zones to shorten planning time.
- Maintain driver scorecards (speeding, harsh braking, customer ratings) to coach performance.