Our client utilized manual and semi-digitized processes for managing shipments. Creating, updating and deleting shipments were done on spreadsheets while uploading packages to these shipments was manually entered resulting in errors and time-consuming workflows. Processing each shipment involved repeat data entries across two to three platforms, often manually modifying and transforming data to formats required for the next part of the process. Notifying customers of their shipment status was another significant pain point. The company struggled with timely updates due to the need to manually compose notification messages for each user and each package. This labour-intensive process resulted in delays and inconsistencies in communicating shipment statuses, contributing to an increased workload for the staff.

To address these challenges, Intelbyte invested time in understanding the client's processes with a keen focus on its operational process, legacy systems and customer journey. The process of aggregating data about submitted shipments from various receiving points and carriers was prone to multiple data re-entry and errors as it involved a lot of transposition. There were different data form types for different classes of cargo. In addition, the customer notification process on the status of their shipments was not automated. We developed a custom canvas power app with accompanying cloud flows designed to simplify and standardize the collection of data from received packages. This data was saved directly to cloud servers with the necessary transformations made at the point of capture. We provided reverse integration of this app to the existing data capture tools and processes and allowed bulk upload of data from data sheets into the platform. Using Power Automate, standardized notification messages based on the type of cargo, the status of the shipment and the response action required by the customer, were generated. The solution also provided the client with the option to deliver these messages to customers via any of the preferred messaging platforms using API integrations with cloud-based communication platforms.

Implementing this Power App and Automation solution led to the client reporting a 75% reduction in processing time and a 60% reduction in reported shipment errors. Our customer also reported a boost in productivity, as the reduction in processing time freed up staff to do more in less time, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and optimized employee work load.