Traditional forms of quotation and processes monitoring are still present in the logistics industry. As a result, most entrepreneurs still use “analog” tools, such as spreadsheets.

However, it is worth considering global changes that are taking place not only in the logistics industry, but also in any other. They mainly concern the changing expectations of customers regarding both the quality of services rendered after the conclusion of the contract, as well as the valuation process itself before starting cooperation.

What are the changes in the logistics industry and what do that result from?

Since the era of digitization, the world around has changed intensively. With regard to this area, the industry of the company’s activity doesn’t play a significant role. All because the customer always stands at the end, and he sets the trends based on his own needs and deciding who to start cooperating with.

As long as the competitiveness in some areas, including the transport industry, was insignificant, entrepreneurs could define their own directions and methods of contract execution – from quotation to delivery. Today, most entrepreneurs must follow the changing expectations of the customer and closely watch the steps taken by the competition – even the few.

Due to the aforementioned digitization, the majority of processes such as quotation, sales service or after-sales inquiry service is automated. Customers have become accustomed to the fact that they receive an almost immediate response to their applications. Thus, entrepreneurs basing their current processes on classic tools such as spreadsheets and systems requiring manual data entry should seriously consider their restructuring and automation. Especially since there are more and more tools adapted to the needs of a particular industry on the software market.

How to keep up with the changing needs of the market?

First of all, it is important to realize that ignoring technological progress can result in large losses for the company. Although the dynamics of processes automation in freight is still not at high speed, but observing the entire logistics industry, we can see clear progress.

For entrepreneurs based on traditional, existing methods of doing quotations and post-trade service, this means that they may be far behind their competitors.

Sales automation tools are primarily used to increase efficiency. Hence, improving the efficiency of quotation and service translates into shortening the time spent on these tasks and the ability to perform more tasks or focus on other, equally important.

Every freight manager should have access to such tools that will allow him to make a quick and efficient quotation, as well as allow for comprehensive and quick responses to contractor queries.

Benefits of implementing sales automation tools:

• Fast generate and send professional personalized multilingual freight quotes
• Control rates, costs and margins with the fastest contract-processing algorithms
• Know sales performance with real-time updates

If you want to test freight software and see how it will improve time and cost efficiency in your enterprise, you can use free trials developed by providers of such services. One of them is Quotiss logistics software.