Shipment tracking on the first and last mile

When handling shipments within the global supply chain, Scope supports users from quotation creation to final delivery with Proof of Delivery (PoD). Processes are leaner from the start, workflows are smoother, and order processing as a whole is more efficient. One potential weak point is the first and last mile. While freight forwarders are increasingly working to become more digital, it is not uncommon for trucking companies to be inadequately digitized or not digitized at all in the first and last mile. It is true that Scope offers interfaces due to its connectivity. But since not all trucking companies have interface solutions, we have developed a solution that does not require any special apps or APIs, but transmits loading and unloading information using a simple QR code process.

Transparency from the first to the last mile

Seamless, cross-company tracking is an indispensable service of a digital freight forwarding company. And for customers, it is increasingly a prerequisite for placing an order. Digital tracking creates the transparency that all participants in the global supply chain rightly expect. And it reduces the amount of communication required especially in the processing phase of the first and last mile, as a large number of telephone calls and email exchanges can be dispensed. This increases efficiency and, above all, gives customers the certainty that the door-to-door process will run smoothly.

Tracking and transparency through interfaces

The integration of CargoSteps adds an important component to the tracking functions in Scope. All relevant data between pickup and delivery is automatically transmitted to CargoSteps on an ongoing basis using a mobile app, and it is immediately visible in Scope thanks to the integration.

Thanks to the integration of the local transport specialist Planzer, Swiss and German forwarders close to the border are able to send orders directly from Scope to Planzer without having to re-enter data manually.

QR code process for tracking with little effort

In fact, integrations like CargoSteps and the interface to Planzer are more comprehensive and sophisticated. But it can't hurt if forwarders also use the QR code process to enable all parties involved – especially drivers without an interface solution – to transmit data quickly and reliably without sophisticated technical requirements and other barriers.

This is where the QR code process comes in. The technical requirements are few: a transport order with a QR code and a smartphone or tablet with a QR code scanner that can open web pages. That's all. Drivers only have to scan the QR code and confirm loading and unloading with a click on the website. The transmitted data – with exact date and time – automatically updates milestone planning and the status of the shipment in Scope. This enables other process participants to take further steps immediately.

More than transparency – convenience and compatibility 

There is more to the QR code process than meets the eye. Developed for domestic transport, it can be used to document not only the first and last mile but also all truck transports, such as between branches or to airports. To ensure that the data can be transmitted conveniently, the confirmation fields on the website appear in the user's native language without any language barrier. In addition, the system knows if and when the next step is unloading and offers the appropriate dialog.

A special highlight is that we followed IATA's Milestone Operating Plan during development, making the QR code process compatible with CargoIQ. 

Tracking data for KPI reports 

Based on all tracking data, KPI reports can finally be created, on the basis of which performance can be evaluated and, if necessary, improvement concepts can be worked on. This is how we do it ourselves, and thus we make sure that Scope gets better and better.