As we’re coming up to the new year we thought we’d take a look ahead at what is coming up for STREAM, and for delivery, transport and logistics management more generally, in 2017.
What’s new in ecommerce and delivery management in 2017?
First, some predictions about the state of ecommerce and delivery management in 2017. Will everything be delivered by drones or driverless cars this time next year? Probably not. But some big steps forward in the way goods are delivered, both B2B and B2C, are on the horizon.
One prediction, made by Uwe Hennig in Logistics Business IT, is a continued move from multi-channel retail towards omnichannel. This means that in 2017, it will be more important than ever to have a robust and far-reaching order-to-delivery (and returns) management system in place, by integrating your delivery and transport management system with an order, retail and inventory management software, like Brightpearl or Veeqo.
Meanwhile, Jamie Merrick on Internet Retailing predicts the continued rise in the importance of fast, transparent delivery. In order to fulfil customer expectations, particularly in built-up areas of the UK, retailers need to keep up. Though items with a long lead-time, like furniture or cars, can’t be delivered next- or -same- day, setting expectations throughout the delivery process with proactive text and email notifications to customers, combined with a streamlined back-office process and optimised route planning, mean that even sectors with a traditionally long wait for delivery can begin to make strides in speed and transparency of delivery service.
We’ve also listened to what existing STREAM users, and other businesses making deliveries with their own vehicles, have found challenging this year. We recently recruited extra developers, so that we can release new functionality for STREAM, to make it even easier to manage your deliveries in 2017:
What’s new in Stream in 2017?
Improved helpdesk and support
First up, in 2017 we’re introducing a new support and helpdesk system to STREAM, which make interaction far easier and improves our offer to new and existing customers.
Vehicle transport solution
2017 will also see STREAM’s vehicle transport solution finalised. The solution was first introduced in late 2016 and will be finalised and ready for market in early 2017
Modernised screens
We’re also busy giving the STREAM order management and search screens a modern and mobile-friendly facelift, making them more user-friendly, and giving you more control.
New planning functionality
In 2017 we’re hoping to introduce exciting improvements to the planning functionality too. We’re in the midst of developing an autoplan function that we hope to roll out later in the year.
New integrations
We’ve also got more integrations, partnerships and collaborations in the pipeline for 2017. Our recent integration with Veeqo is already shaping up to be a hit. We’re always on the lookout for new systems to integrate with, to make order and delivery management easier than ever for STREAM users.
Open demos
Finally, we’re been working on our system for demos. It is now easier than ever to book a 1-to-1 demo at a time to suit you, and 2017 is going to see the start of our open demos, where anyone can pop in whilst we take a walk through some of STREAM’s core features and functionalit. These open demos are ideal for existing users keen to find out about the latest releases to business owners or operations managers who want to see exactly how STREAM can help manage their deliveries. The first open demo of 2017 will be held on Friday 27th January at 10am. To join, go to www.join.me/go2stream. You can use your headset or PC speakers to connect or if you dial in, the numbers is 020 3582 4515 with passcode 830-659-965.
2017 is also shaping up to be an exciting year for getting STREAM out and about. We’re already lined up to attend some great shows this year – if you’re thinking of attending any of these, make sure to pop along to our stand.
Where can you find stream in 2017
THE JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW
22-25 January 2017, NEC Birmingham Our first event of the year is the January Furniture Show, where we’re on stand A15 in hall 5, right next to long-standing STREAM users Scandinavian House. Book a meeting at the show, or just come over, grab a coffee and say ‘hi’.
THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW
25-27 April, NEC Birmingham we’re raring to show people in the commercial vehicle industry some of the functions of STREAM that were specifically developed to help manage vehicle deliveries efficiently. Come and find us on stand 3A54 for a coffee and a chat.
