In the fast-paced world of logistics, email remains the cornerstone of communication. Yet, the sheer volume and complexity of emails received across individuals and teams can be overwhelming, affecting day-to-day efficiency and decision-making. This article explores why email won’t be going away any time soon for logistics companies, how they can enhance their email practices to make it more manageable and effective and what to look for in the best logistics email management tools.

Why email is here to stay for logistics communications

Communication efficiency

Email serves as the backbone of communication in the logistics industry, connecting businesses with clients and partners globally. It's the primary method for handling agreements, documentation, discussions and critical updates, which are essential for smooth operations and maintaining good relationships with suppliers and customers. In a highly competitive market, the speed of email communication is critical. Immediate responses are often expected by customers and delays can result in lost business. Efficient logistics email management can help logistics companies respond quickly and accurately, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Operational management

Logistics companies deal with a high volume of emails daily, including enquiries, orders and updates. Emails provide a clear audit trail of all conversations and transactions, which is essential for historical record and context, accountability and transparency. When disputes or queries arise, having a backlog of email communications to refer to is critical, ensuring the relevant team members are accurately informed and can act on the correct information. This reduces the risk of errors, miscommunication and costly mistakes. 

Customer service and marketing

Excellent customer service is fundamental to business growth, meaning that timely and accurate responses to emails and queries are critical. Email allows logistics companies to meet these expectations in real time by providing a reliable and instantaneous form of documented communication that can be accessed and reviewed as needed. 

How logistics companies can improve their email practices

Implement shared inboxes

Shared inboxes are single email accounts that multiple people can access and use to work on the same emails. These can be useful for teams that need to collaborate on handling customer enquiries and tasks. Using shared inboxes can also enhance visibility and accountability within teams. Shared inboxes reduce the chance of duplicate responses or missed messages, as all team members can see incoming communications and know who is responsible for replying. This transparency is crucial in a fast-paced environment where timely responses are essential for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Utilise automation in logistics email

Employing specialised email management tools can streamline communication processes. Platforms - like the one we’ve built here at Sedna - can automate the organisation of emails by categorising them based on urgency or topic, facilitating easy retrieval of important information. Automation in logistics has scope to significantly improve productivity and efficiency, reducing the time spent searching for, sorting and ultimately replying to emails. This saved time can be spent focusing more on valuable tasks that better contribute to the company’s bottom line.

A connected logistics tech stack

Connecting your email tool to your wider logistics technology stack transforms fragmented communications and operations into a unified, efficient workflow. Integrations enhance real-time collaboration and data management, reducing system fatigue caused by navigating across multiple platforms. By consolidating data from various systems into a single view, it enables quicker decision-making, minimises manual data entry and improves operational agility.

Educating staff on email best practices

Investing in training for staff on effective email communication can lead to improved business results. Education can cover topics such as writing clear and concise messages, using appropriate subject lines and understanding the importance of timely responses. It could also cover how to effectively use shortcuts and more advanced workflows to lighten the load of day-to-day admin when it comes to managing emails. This training can help standardise your teams’ approach to email, maintain a high level of operational and customer excellence and enhance overall communication quality within the organisation.

Key features to look out for when choosing logistics email software

Conversation organisation with tagging

Due to the nature of logistics communications and the volume of incoming messages, accessing an email or retrieving specific information from the inbox is often arduous and time-consuming. Tagging allows for all related emails to be automatically pulled together into a single, easily digestible view, making it simple to follow the flow of communications and transition between shared inboxes, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

Instant search capabilities

A robust search feature is essential for swiftly pinpointing specific emails and accessing information crucial for effective shipping communications. Traditional email solutions are slow and laggy when conducting search, causing frustration and delays. A smart email platform empowers you to surface the information you need quickly through a boolean search and provides live search notifications related to regions, ports and key contacts - ensuring you stay updated. The search should also be able to scan for attachments, making sure that finding crucial documents is quick and seamless.

Shared inboxes

Logistics email management tools should enable greater collaboration by allowing teams to work together seamlessly. Shared inboxes allow teams to access and manage emails collectively, ensuring no critical communication or response is missed. They ensure transparency and foster trust and collaboration between internal teams and external partners. The world of logistics doesn’t sleep - and as a global, 24/7 industry, sharing inboxes ensures team members across time zones can pick up on the important matters promptly. This is also key when it comes to team members being on annual leave; progress on projects and tasks doesn’t have to be compromised by a dead end “out of office message”. 

User permissions and security

Role-based access control to sensitive communications is a must, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access specific emails or information - thereby enhancing security and compliance. Any smart email platform should have robust cloud data storage, encryption and an intelligent firewall.

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Integrations with third-party applications

A unified email platform leveraging API integrations enables you to save valuable time and minimise the risk of missing critical messages and documentation. A smart email’s integrations with third-party applications creates a unified ecosystem, streamlining information flow, removing the need to context switch across systems and reducing manual work. Decisions need to be made quickly and accessing information across platforms in a single view is imperative to clarified decision-making.

Workflow automation

Modern email management tools provide automation capabilities that save time and reduce the risk of overlooking critical messages. Automated thread categorisation and tagging based on predefined rules ensure timely notifications, the surfacing of important information and prioritisation.

Multi-channel and multi-device access

Logistics professionals are constantly on the move whilst operating across time zones. Multiple channel and device accessibility is a must, enhancing responsiveness and operational efficiency. 

Choosing the right logistics email management tool can transform your logistics operations, making them more efficient and responsive. By implementing the strategies discussed and leveraging advanced email management tools, logistics companies can streamline their communication processes, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.

Digital transformation in logistics doesn’t have to be daunting. At Sedna, we believe the inbox is the best place for it to start. Modernising your email system gives you the best foundation to boost operational efficiency and can help you make email the API for other more sophisticated integrations within your logistics technology stack.