As the world stands on the brink of a new era of web-based technologies, digital logistics platforms are the delivery industry’s contribution to the global shift taking place. 

The continuing digitalization of e-commerce since the onset of the pandemic has left a void between instant online purchases and slow, old-world delivery methods.

It’s a global supply chain disconnect that’s causing Direct-to-Customer (D2C) retailers teething problems that belong in the past, along with floppy disks and dial-up internet connections. 

The problem is, these are teething problems that bite into a retailer’s bank balance. 

If you’re one of them, you’re probably familiar with the following challenges:

• Failure of 3PLs to meet promised SLAs and delivery times

• A lack of end-to-end shipment tracking and access to data and analytics

• Poor customer support systems to address delivery issues

• Bad communication for last-mile tracking

• A slow onboarding and integration process that often takes weeks to get fully functional workflows

These common problems would make more sense if we weren’t in the midst of a digital transformation. Yet, we are.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are all part of an emerging Internet of Things (IoT) revolution that has entered the mainstream, and they are all about to transform many existing markets, from banking to healthcare to logistics. 

In the Asia-Pacific region, the impact of these technologies is forecast to reach an incredible Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 45% this decade, according to Grand Market Research.            

In the logistics industry, this means we now have available digital solutions to overcome traditional problems, including the automation of repetitive tasks, real-time adaptability to events, and much sleeker inventory management that reaps huge time and cost savings.

At swftbox, we can see how delivery companies in the region are failing to keep up with these norms when it comes to applying digital technologies to drive efficiencies in logistics.  

D2C retailers are paying the price through delayed deliveries to customers, tainting reputations through no fault of their own and customers are not getting the customer experience they deserve.

So we decided to do something about it. 

The swftbox mission is simple. With the growing dependency on ecommerce, the very least you deserve is a hassle-free delivery experience for you and your customers. Even if they want to pay cash, that system should be easily set for you to monitor.

Yet, with our intuitive digital logistics platform, you can get so much more than that by gaining full control of your delivery process all in one place. 

swftbox is a supply-chain solution that uses cutting-edge APIs to work in sync with your online storefront (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc), POS system or WMS. 

We know that, in your line of work, time is of the essence, which is why it takes less than 24 hours to get up and running with us, as opposed to the days or even weeks it takes with other logistics companies. 

As per its name, swftbox optimises speed and efficiency, offering:

• Plug-and-play API-based integration with your storefront within minutes, whether it’s with Shopify, WooCommerce or other popular ecommerce platforms

• Instant access to a professional delivery fleet 

• A real-time order system: we pick and pack, you get SMS confirmation of delivery

• Instant live chat support throughout the day from our dedicated support staff.

swftbox also loves to get smart with its user experience, offering:

• Live-tracking for you and your customers

• Smart addressing modules to help find your customers quicker

• Flexible and late cut-off times and quick delivery options

• Stress-free order fulfilment and returns

The swftbox Controlroom is your in-platform ecosystem where you’ll be able to handle all of this, from placing orders, managing customer data, simple integrations and insights into your delivery trends.

From the moment you log on, you’ll notice ControlRoom’s easy-to-use features and pop-up live chat support in the bottom-right corner. 

Yet, while having a clear design and layout is all well and good, how do we use it in the midst of a busy work day, with orders flying in from left, right and centre?

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the swftbox’s top features step-by-step, so that you can clearly see how to get up and running right away.

Read on to find out about:

1. Our easy integration options

2. How to create and manage shipments

3. Onboarding your logistics team

Looking for a digital logistics platform to improve success rates, tracking visibility and delivery time? swftbox uses AI-based technology combined with a professional fleet to improve the last-mile delivery experience for small and medium ecommerce businesses. Sign up in just five minutes and start delivering packages within 24 hours. 

swftbox: A digital logistics platform that delivers

Let’s cut to the chase. Old-world analog tools belong in the 20th century: why manually fill out paper documents or even spreadsheets when we have the technology to do it for us?

Integrated web-based systems are leading the way in digital technologies in logistics. They’re helping to ensure a smooth flow of data between stakeholders, all while avoiding siloed information and the resulting bottlenecks that have become the hallmarks of traditional logistics networks.

swftbox’s tech is a prime example of this new way of doing things. Smart and easy-to-use, it has been purposely built to overcome these old-world issues and supercharge deliveries for ecommerce retailers across the UAE.

Here’s a rundown of our value chain of groundbreaking features.

1. Quickly integrate to your storefront

The classic disconnect between online marketplaces and delivery services is one of the most common pain points for retailers and customers alike. It takes ages to coordinate order data across different platforms and increases your vulnerability of errors.

Now, by simply combining swftbox’s API-based integration capabilities with your virtual storefront in just a few clicks, you’ll be able to kickstart an all-in-one process, from understanding your inventory through packing to delivery. 

To start, click on ‘Account’ at the top right of your  dashboard. Then, select ‘Integrations’ from the row of tabs.

From there, you’ll find unique links that you would simply copy and paste into the platform of your choice. You also have access to direct API integrations through our extensive API documentation library.

With this integration in place, your order data will flow directly into swftbox ControlRoom without the time-consuming hassle of entering order data manually. 

2. Alternate ways of creating orders

You always still have the option of uploading orders manually at any time. That random delivery that came at the last minute? You’re also covered. 

To place an order, go to the ‘Orders’ tab in the top left corner of your dashboard.

Then, it’s a case of filling out a simple order form containing the name of your order (‘Reference Number)’, customer phone number, pick-up location, delivery time and a text box for additional remarks. 

Once complete, click ‘Go’ to log the information. 

Clicking on the customer name will then take you to their customer profile, where you can edit their information, add alternative addresses and check their order history.

When you’re finished with this, click ‘Save’ to store the data so that you don’t have to fill it in again.

Alternatively, you also have the option of uploading an excel sheet with required fields if you have 3 or more orders to plug in. Within seconds, your orders are created and deliveries are scheduled.

3. Everyone gets to track orders in real time

Order tracking is one of the main points of anxiety for both logistics providers, retailers and customers, with the company’s technology either non-existent or not up-to-scratch. 

Our shipment tracking provides enhanced visibility, providing customers with accurate SMS updates. Retailers get access to a continuously updated order status, including estimated delivery time, and current driver location.

Start by clicking on ‘Orders’ to get a list of all your placed orders.

Here, you’ll be able to see whether it’s pending, under preparation, picked up, or completed, as well as its requested date and time.

To delve further into an order, click on its status to see more specific details, such as the distance of the journey, the scheduled drop-off time, and the driver’s current location.

4. Onboard team members 

swftbox gives you the chance to grow and easily manage your team, so that multiple users can have access at once.

You can get people on board in just seconds by:

• Clicking on ‘Account’ in the top-right corner

• Selecting ‘Users’ then ‘Add User’

• Filling out the new user’s details

Using swftbox’s user-friendly dashboard, you can have an integrated multi-user order system up-and-running in the time it takes to open a package. 

swftbox: Enhancing the customer experience 

swftbox’s plug-and-play digital logistics platform not only makes your life easier, it also dramatically improves your customer’s experience, too. 

When we found out that the average delivery success rate in the UAE was below 85%, we realised that we could combine new AI-powered technology with operational excellence to change this. 

Here are some of the rewards that our clients, and their customers, are already seeing.

Improved delivery success rates

Meeting delivery deadlines eight times out of 10 just won’t cut it for us: we want customers to have a 10 out of 10 service. 

In our first few years of operation, we’ve already come close, with our cutting-edge system and professional drivers reaching a success rate of 96.5 %, compared to an average of less than 85%. 

Whether it's for Next Day, Same Day or even our Bullet Delivery service (between two and four hours), our dispatch system embodies the swiftness of the digital era. We are especially noted for our reputation in solving same day delivery challenges.

Reduced customer complaints

Customers with parcels in their hands are happy customers, but sometimes issues occur that affect that happy arrangement. 

The trouble is, the faceless client service that marks other major distributors often leaves people feeling cold. 

This is where our quality customer support service kicks in, with multiple ways for you and your customers to connect with us, from our platform’s instant chat service through to our social media channels.

Customers used to impersonal drop-offs from rushed delivery personnel may be surprised to see a smile on the face of swftbox courier partners, while the clarity provided by our platform will ensure that they’re always kept in the picture and the right expectations are set.

The upshot for you and your staff will be fewer complaints to deal with, higher positive feedback returns, and referrals to new customers who are also seeking a fresh alternative to the inefficiencies of the current outdated delivery service.

Goods delivered in prime condition

From supplier to customer, our strong network of fulfilment centres keep your goods in mint condition without you getting your hands dirty. 

We take care of your inventory, with accurate labelling and bar codes; our warehouses have multi-storage options catering to every type of product; and we pick and pack your goods so you don’t have to. 

When it comes to collecting your items, we know that you don’t want to be pestered with early pick-up times that catch you unaware. Our late cut-off timing gives you as long as possible to get ready, a bigger window for fast delivery options, while still meeting customer expectations

Get integrated today

In an industry where time means money, you don’t want to waste precious hours on a slow sign-up process that often drifts into weeks with other courier services. 

With swftbox, you’ll be in a position to offload your delivery headache with the help of our digital logistics platform within hours. We aim to get new clients ready to go within a day, meaning you’ll be able to quickly integrate your storefront and get rid of a score of manual procedures. 

Take our valued partner Zahra’s Kitchen. Recently launched in the UAE, Zahra supplies frozen appetisers directly to her customers, but was struggling for resources to get her online store off the ground. 

Frustrated, she signed up to swftbox hoping for a quick resolution, but she may not have expected what followed. 

Just 24 hours later, Zahra had integrated her Shopify site with swftbox, stored her frozen goods at our fulfilment centre and delivered her first order! All this for an affordable rate, no hidden fees and without adding any extra personnel to manage the operation. 

Zahra now enjoys a same-day delivery success rate of 98.5% and continues to grow month on month.

Like Zahra, you can quickly supercharge your business with us, whether you’re launching or upscaling. 

Remember: every minute you save with us is a minute that can go toward the tasks that will help you drive your business forward, just like Zahra did. 

Need to get your online business off the ground? swftbox takes care of your end-to-end logistics process by using AI-based technology that puts deliveries on autopilot and leaves your rivals in the dust. Sign up with us today, or learn more about how we can help you.