Rate Shopping Automation
When it comes to distribution, especially in large quantities, there are many links on the chain. In other words, there are many processes that require refinement for maximum efficiency. Such efficiencies can significantly reduce costs, improve shipping times, control quality, and prevent unnecessary headaches.
Sequoia Group offers a robust solution to common distribution inefficiencies.
- DigitalShipper can automatically select the least cost carrier using the rates that really matter: your negotiated rates.
- Pass your discount on to your customers, or save it for yourself; either way, your negotiated rates can save money.
- By integrating ground service transit times into DigitalShipper, you can also select a ground service instead of an air service for additional savings and still deliver the shipment on time.
Resolving the Challenges of Distribution
The overall goal for any provider is to be positioned for growth. In order to do this, they must first improve execution and coordination with suppliers and customers. Poorly integrated systems that lack automation are simply not going to help. Such systems and processes lead to delays, unresponsiveness, high costs, errors, and damaged relationships with once-satisfied partners. These are exactly the things that Sequoia Group’s DigitalShipper works to mitigate. With such a powerful tool at your fingertips, you will be able to achieve visibility and better control of the process from start to finish.
– Firefly Store Solutions
Ship Package/Shipment
Immediately have the results of shipping, such as tracking number, the weight of the package, and freight cost (including accessorial charges) passed back to the host system
Consolidate Multiple Orders to Single Shipment
Using the SWOG (Ship With Other Goods) feature in DigitalShipper, the shipper can take multiple orders going to the same destination and quickly link them to a master order.
Package Dimensions
Calculating the billable weight for packages can be handled in several ways in DigitalShipper. Users can (1) manually enter the dimensions, (2) standard box sizes can be configured in DigitalShipper so they appear in the drop-down list for the user to select at the time of shipping, or (3) connect a package dimensioning device to capture dimensions in real-time.
Display of Shipping Instructions
Notify the shipper at the time of shipping with valuable instructions captured during order entry using DigitalShipper's Shipping Notes feature.
StarShip (developed by V-Technologies) offers users a comprehensive rate shopping solution that has immense integration capabilities, allowing users to manage customer information, addresses, tracking numbers, flags, third-party billing, freight costs, and COD charges. It supports all of the major parcel carriers in the United States, including FedEx, USPS, UPS, DHL, and lots more! StarShip enables users to centralize and automate much of their rate shopping processes.
StarShip Capabilities
Widescale ERP Integration
Integrate your rate shopping across your entire organization, whether you are primarily using Tecsys or the Infor CloudSuite. This helps streamline the shipping, accounts receivable, and customer service processes within your ERP in a simple interface. StarShip also integrates with Amazon’s ordering system as an extension.
Multi-carrier/Multi-mode
Manage both large shipments, small parcels, and LTL from one easy-to-use application. StarShip enables you to rate shop in a variety of modes and auto-select specific carriers based on custom parameters set by you.
Browser-based
The rate shopping interface is easily accessible by all necessary personnel within an enterprise through the use of a browser-based system that can be accessed from anywhere that you designate within your cloud-based ERP system.
EDI Integration
StarShip allows EDI integration through Tecsys, Infor, and other industry leaders that enable supply chain automation. It is also built for email integration, which helps with email automation throughout the shipping process.
Variable Printing Options
Within StarShip, you can print shipping labels and documents (both with both domestic and international presets). Packing lists, shipping labels, and branding materials can be automated and integrated according to the user’s needs.
Dashboard Customization
Users are able to get instant access to important rate shopping metrics, shipment history, reporting tools, and more. These dashboards can be easily customized and implemented with other ERP dashboards.