At Zero Down, we work hard to not only stay at the forefront of supply chain technology, but to lead the way. Three years ago, we wrote about the Digital Revolution that was quickly changing the supply chain industry, and the possibilities that advancing technologies would bring to the field. Now, in the aftermath of the global Pandemic that utterly changed businesses and the World as a whole, we want to revisit the benefits of using advanced logistics platforms like our proprietary software suite, FreightOptics, to meet the challenges of this new professional landscape.

Remote Logistics Teams

Previously, we touched on the issues brought about by the Pandemic that specifically pertained to the supply chain industry. But, taking a wider look, perhaps the greatest change to the business world as a whole that we’ve seen come out of this disaster is the rise of remote work. At first a necessity due to health and safety concerns, remote work has spread to every industry and marketplace, and hasn’t shown any signs of fading as the Pandemic has receded. In fact, as more and more companies and employees embrace the trend, there are signs that remote work can be an even more effective business model than location-based work. But, only when the right technology and practices are in place.

Logistics teams are no exception. Here are three ways that our advanced logistics platform, FreightOptics, works to support the modern remote work model:

• Access: Our web-based technology suite provides one login access to your entire shipping profile, across all carriers and modes, consolidating disparate data from multiple sources into one easily viewed hub. Our site itself is mobile optimized, so you can access your data anywhere, on any device, with just a few clicks. For remote teams, that means they can stay connected to the data they need from home, co-working spaces, on-site visits . . . literally anywhere with an internet connection.
• Collaboration: One of the concerns around remote work is that it could make it harder for teams to collaborate on projects. But, FreightOptics and other technology solutions are tackling this issue head on. Our advanced logistics platform allows for multiple users, so team members can access the site simultaneously. On top of that, from our dashboards to our report modules, every piece of data in FreightOptics is exportable. Detailed dashlets can easily be added to presentations, or sent via chat software. Reports can be scheduled and sent automatically to selected inboxes, or run ad hoc as needed. Detailed in-system notation options also make it easy to work asynchronously, as schedules allow, without all the confusion. We understand that businesses work better when data flows freely, and we’ve designed our system with that in mind.
• Efficiency: An interesting side effect produced by the advent of remote work is that, now that employees can work from anywhere, they can also work from anywhere. ‘Work hours’ is becoming an amorphous term, as employees can easily correspond or analyze data with just a quick look at their phone or laptop. Productivity is no longer tied to a single location or set time. While this ability to constantly connect has led to more flexibility in personal and professional schedules, there are still only so many hours in the day, and so efficiency is prioritized above all else. That’s why the increased automation and actionable insights provided by FreightOptics are valued so highly by our clients.

The world is never done changing, and business is no different. Just as supply chains have expanded globally, companies are expanding their reach, taking advantage of the latest technology to create connected networks that have moved past the standard office modality. As the remote work model continues to evolve, teams will need technology and innovations that can meet the new challenges that arise. Are you and your company ready? Can you afford not to be?

You Can Be Better. We Can Help.