How to Improve Shipping and Logistics in Dynamics 365 ERP

Dynamics 365 ERP offers excellent functionality for managing shipping and logistics, catering to the essential needs of many businesses. However, companies with more complex requirements often find that the basic functionality falls short of their specific demands. This gap is especially pronounced when dealing with complex supply chains, international regulations, and customized delivery needs.

Fortunately, solutions like Axtension^® Shipping Control enhance Dynamics 365’s native features, offering advanced options for more sophisticated logistics management. By incorporating this extension, businesses can better orchestrate, accelerate, and integrate their shipping operations directly within their ERP system. Let’s explore the key benefits and functionalities of Axtension^® Shipping Control that address these complex needs.

Specifying Shipments for Consolidation in Dynamics 365

Efficient shipment consolidation can significantly reduce costs and improve logistical efficiency. Strategic consolidation can be the key to competitive advantage in industries where shipping costs represent a substantial portion of the operational expenses. This process involves grouping multiple smaller shipments into one larger shipment to optimize transportation routes and reduce costs.

Axtension^® Shipping Control provides robust tools that allow businesses to specify details for consolidating shipments in a way that aligns with unique operational needs. The system enables users to customize how each shipment is packed, addressing the needs of non-standard shipments that include oversized or irregularly shaped items or goods requiring special handling instructions. This level of detail ensures that every aspect of the shipment is planned accurately, minimizing the risk of damage and optimizing space utilization.

Automated Shipping and Logistics Process Alignment

Automating logistics processes can lead to game-changing improvements through reduced labor and costs. It minimizes manual intervention, reduces the likelihood of errors, and speeds up the entire shipping process. Automating the alignment of shipping processes with business operations ensures that each step, from order entry to delivery, is synchronized and efficient.

Axtension^® Shipping Control integrates seamlessly with Dynamics 365 ERP, automatically aligning shipping workflows with business processes. This capability ensures that shipments are automatically scheduled at the right time, with all necessary documentation prepared in advance. For example, if a shipment contains hazardous materials, the system proactively prompts the creation of the necessary safety documentation and ensures compliance with international shipping regulations. This proactive planning helps avoid delays and ensures smooth customs clearance.

Complex Inventory / BOM Considerations in Dynamics 365

Managing inventory that includes various components and finished products can be daunting in complex manufacturing and distribution environments. The challenge increases when these components need to be disassembled or specifically configured before shipping.

Axtension^® Shipping Control excels in managing complex inventory scenarios. It uses detailed information from the ERP system, including BOM structures, to manage how products are disassembled and repackaged for shipment. This might involve breaking down a product into its individual components and shipping them separately to meet specific assembly needs at the destination. This detailed handling ensures that inventory counts remain accurate and that the components are properly accounted for throughout the shipping process.

Carrier Integration Options in Dynamics 365

Integrating directly with multiple carriers through the ERP system can greatly simplify the logistics management process. It allows businesses to select the best carrier for each shipment based on cost, reliability, and speed.

Axtension^® Shipping Control offers extensive carrier integration capabilities, enabling businesses to connect directly with a wide range of carriers. This integration facilitates the comparison of shipping rates and services in real time, allowing for informed decision-making. Additionally, once a carrier is selected, the system can automatically generate shipping labels, track shipments, and update the ERP system with the status of each delivery. This seamless integration ensures that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date tracking information and delivery statuses, enhancing customer satisfaction through better communication and reliability.

Better Manage Shipping and Logistics Right Within Dynamics 365

Improving shipping and logistics within Dynamics 365 ERP can transform how businesses manage their supply chains, making processes more efficient and responsive to market demands. Axtension^® Shipping Control offers a comprehensive suite of tools that significantly enhance these capabilities.

Interested in how Axtension Shipping Control can work for your business?