FMCG Logistics Software: Key Delivery Features

Updated on November 29, 2023 by Alina Kostukova

In a modern supply chain that moves at breakneck speed, managing the logistics of FMCG products demands precision, speed, and a touch of technological finesse.

If you're in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, you know how important it is to have streamlined and efficient delivery management.

That's where FMCG logistics software takes center stage.

Equipped with the right delivery management software, any FMCG company can enhance its logistics operations, cut costs, and ultimately improve its bottom line.

We've previously discussed one critical category of FMCG logistics software— the best meal prep delivery tools. 

Now, let's delve into the FMCG logistics industry in more detail.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at FMCG logistics software, explore its benefits, and highlight the key features you should consider when choosing the perfect delivery software for this industry.

What is FMCG industry

The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is the heartbeat of our daily lives, comprising products we use regularly and restock frequently. 

This sector is engaged in creating, distributing, and promoting consumer goods characterized by rapid turnover, a short shelf life, and relatively low prices.

Think toothpaste, shampoo, snacks, and laundry detergent—FMCG has got it all. 

The FMCG industry is all about speed; products move swiftly from production lines to store shelves to our homes. That's where FMCG logistics comes into play.

Understanding FMCG logistics

The FMCG supply chain orchestrates well-coordinated logistics involving producers, distributors, retailers, and courier companies.

FMCG logistics refers to the process of managing the movement and storage of these goods from the manufacturer to the point of sale, ensuring that they reach customers in good condition.

Here's a simple breakdown of how FMCG logistics works:

• 1. Manufacturing: FMCG products are produced in large quantities by manufacturers. These could be food processing companies, toiletry manufacturers, or any company producing everyday goods.
• 2. Packaging: After the products are manufactured, they undergo packaging to ensure secure storage in warehouses and facilitate distribution to retailers.
• 3. Warehousing: At each stage of the distribution process, the goods may be stored in warehouses. These warehouses act as temporary holding points before the products move to the next stage of the supply chain.
• 4. Distribution: The packaged goods are distributed from the manufacturer's warehouses to various distribution points.
• 5. Retailers and wholesalers: The goods are eventually delivered to retailers or wholesalers, who then sell them to customers. Retailers could include supermarkets, convenience stores, or ecommerce platforms.
• 6. Last mile delivery: This process involves the delivery of goods from the points of sale to the customer's doorsteps.

Technology plays a crucial role in the FMCG supply chain, mainly through software tools designed to streamline daily logistics tasks such as delivery management and route optimization. More about that is below.

What is FMCG logistics software 

FMCG logistics software refers to specialized software solutions designed to address the unique challenges and requirements of delivery management operations within the FMCG sector.

FMCG logistics software serves as a valuable tool for efficiently managing orders, handling deliveries, planning routes, and executing various distribution and delivery tasks. 

Key features of FMCG software for logistics

Let's delve into essential features to keep in mind when choosing logistics software designed for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) deliveries.

Order management

Efficient order management plays a crucial role in FMCG software designed for deliveries.

This feature is essential for smoothly handling a large number of orders, guaranteeing precision throughout the entire order lifecycle, from creation to delivery.

Advanced delivery management software should enable you to edit orders in bulk quickly, easily update contact and order details, duplicate orders, and access delivery documents.

Real-time tracking with ETA

In the FMCG industry, where products have a short shelf life and demand fluctuates rapidly, GPS-enabled live tracking is a must-have tool for logistics. 

It allows businesses to instantly monitor the movement of goods from warehouse to destination.

With real-time tracking, delivery managers and customers can monitor their orders as they make their way to the destination.

On the other hand, the estimated arrival time (ETA) information offers a clear picture of when products will arrive at their destination.

This not only helps dispatchers and couriers with planning but also enables customers to anticipate and prepare for the arrival of their goods.

Shipping labels

Shipping labels with barcodes or QR codes are essential components in the logistics of fast-moving consumer goods. They offer visibility to couriers, facilitating easy order scanning during load checks.

Shipping labels give customers extra visibility, allowing them to access order and shipper details, including courier contact information.

FMCG logistics software enables the customization of shipping label templates based on the type of goods and facilitates printing of these labels.

Email and SMS shipping notifications

Shipping notifications provide transparency across the entire supply chain, spanning from the warehouse to the ultimate consumer.

Email and SMS updates on shipping facilitate effective planning, coordination, and timely responses to possible delivery disruptions.

Shipping notifications ensure that customers, retailers, and other stakeholders in the supply chain are kept informed about the current status of their orders, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and real-time tracking information.

With FMCG logistics software, shipping updates can be set up and dispatched at various stages of the order fulfillment process, such as:

1. Prior to route;
2. At route start;
3. En route;
4. At departure.

Route planning and optimization

In FMCG logistics, getting products to their destinations quickly and cost-effectively is vital.

The goal is to maximize the number of orders delivered on each route, making the entire process smoother.

That's where route optimization tools come into play as part of FMCG logistics software. 

Multi-stop route planning feature helps delivery managers and couriers plan the shortest and cheapest routes between stops.

Route optimization algorithm considers essential factors such as delivery time windows, order priority, and traffic data.

Barcode scanner

Another critical feature simplifying FMCG logistics is a barcode scanner.

The ability to effortlessly scan barcode labels is essential for the error-free load planning and delivery confirmation processes.

With a barcode scanner, couriers managing a high volume of packages can ensure that all orders are loaded accurately, especially in situations where per-item scanning is necessary.

Proof of delivery (ePOD)

Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) allows for documentation of deliveries, providing a transparent and traceable record of the entire delivery process. 

As a part of FMCG logistics software, the ePOD tool should allow couriers to use different delivery confirmation methods, such as:

1. E-signature;
2. Photos;
3. Location coordinates;
4. Goods quantity;
5. COD amount;
6. PIN code;
7. Custom note.

Cutting-edge FMCG logistics software empowers companies to choose appropriate proof of delivery forms and configure custom ePOD templates based on the specific type of goods and delivery methods.

Integration capabilities

Software for FMCG deliveries should allow seamless shipping integrations with existing systems such as ERP, invoicing, and inventory management software for a unified approach.

Integration capabilities are crucial for FMCG logistics software as they boost efficiency and facilitate smooth communication between various systems. 

This results in real-time information flow, ensuring improved visibility throughout the FMCG supply chain.

Data analytics & reports

Robust analytics tools are a must-have for FMCG delivery management software. 

In the dynamic landscape of FMCG logistics, where quick shifts in consumer demand, seasonal fluctuations, and market trends are common, analytics tools offer valuable insights.

They allow tracking of courier productivity, fuel consumption, route costs, fleet efficiency, and other essential metrics. Logistics managers can employ analytics reports to discover areas for improvement and make data-driven choices.

Before you go

FMCG logistics software is a strategic tool that empowers companies to optimize their supply chain, improve decision-making, and ultimately enhance their competitiveness in the dynamic FMCG market.

FMCG logistics software provides a comprehensive toolkit for companies in this sector, from route optimization to barcode scanning and delivery analytics. 

Essentially, embracing advanced logistics management software enables FMCG companies to streamline operations, cut costs, and ultimately boost their profitability. 

Feel free to schedule a live custom demo if you have any inquiries regarding customized delivery management solutions for your FMCG business. We'll be happy to address your questions in real-time.