Computers and business software before were regarded as practical only for big companies as a way to automate accounting systems and streamline work processes. Yet as communication devices and network reachability improved over the years, the use of innovative computer software became essential even for startups. Business software provides tools that enable businesses to build and grow their customer base, being the major force that drives growth to any business entity.

How to Choose the Right Business Software?

All across the globe, entrepreneurs and corporate organizations use software for different purposes and functions. Since there are different types of software that offer varying solutions, citing a specific business is a more effective approach for discussing how to choose a business software.

A trucking business for one distinguishes itself from competitors by using software that will enable it to perform efficiently in the supply chain. Now more than ever, providers of trucking services play an important role since consumers are finding it more convenient to shop for products online.

However, since investing in software for a trucking business is not a trifle matter, the owner of a trucking enterprise must carefully choose software that offers applicable techniques and management principles. The best way to go about this is to checkout and compare software reviews that are usable as truckers software guide

Basically, trucking software aims to improve efficiency by which trucks are dispatched when moving loads. Areas of improvement or enhancement include speed and quality of services, optimization of operational costs particularly fuel usage, as well as usage of equipment and facilities

A typical trucking software comprises functionalities for managing routing and dispatch, tracking the location of trucks and drivers, monitoring fuel usage including reports on interstate fuel tax agreements (IFTA) and keeping records of invoices due for payment and/or collection.

Additionally and ideally, trucking software includes features that can increase the profitability of a trucking business by analyzing the maintenance needs of trucks in relation to cost of repairs and mileage reports. However, most trucking software do not include functionalities for providing back-office accounting transactions.

Basic Features of Trucking Software

Dispatch and Routing Management Feature

This feature ensures coordination between dispatcher and truck drivers using planning tools that allow dispatchers to handle orders placed in real-time. Dispatching and route planning tools can help drivers take the most efficient route that at the same time provide turn-by-turn navigation for reducing mileage and for quick and efficient delivery. Optimization of routes not only reduces maintenance, but also improves quality of services that lead to greater customer satisfaction. Some software call their dispatching and routing features as load management tools.

Fleet Maintenance Reports

This feature generates reports on which to base preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for trucks as a way of extending the life-cycle of transport equipment fleet. The functionalities of this feature include setting routine inspection schedules to make sure that the trucks being deployed are in good running conditions.

Fuel Costs and IFTA Payment Management

This feature generates trip by trip fuel usage records, including fuel permits associated with interstate travels linked to the company’s IFTA account. It automates data collection and tax filing by tracking licenses presented in different jurisdictions, track licenses and exemptions where and when applicable.

Basically the accounting system of a trucking software may be limited to storing information about suppliers with whom drivers of the trucking business purchase on credit. On the other hand, recording for accounting purposes also includes receivables from customers with approved credit line.

The bottom line about the enumerated pointers is that when investing in business software, know what are included as basic features and if they can help the business operate efficiently and profitably at the same time.