Bob Group plays a role in South Africa’s tough last-mile delivery challenges

The API-based SaaS (software as a service) solution, first introduced in 2021, has seen significant interest from South African courier companies, notably The Courier Guy, Internet Express and MTE Xpress.

In 2023 alone, more than 17 million parcels were delivered and almost half a billion tracking events were recorded using the platform.

But it looks like this is just the beginning, with more and more South Africans shopping online. The sector grew by 29% to R71bn last year, and technology market research organisation World Wide Worx predicts it will cross the R100bn mark in the next two years.

The expected growth in e-commerce will of course result in an increase in demand for courier services and, consequently, for effective software solutions.

Cornel Rautenbach, Bob Group’s chief technology officer, explains that an advanced mapping system underpins the Ship Logic platform, defining areas for rates, surcharges, exceptions, driver assignments and service days.

“By using modern mapping technologies instead of traditional postal codes, Ship Logic can automatically assign shipments to drivers with precision, calculate rates accurately and provide reliable delivery time estimates,” he says.

Ship Logic is also working to make last-mile delivery an “Uber-like” service where customers can track their deliveries in real time and engage in secure two-way communication.

Implementing the system is simple

After registering as a courier on the platform, the service provider can configure the system by configuring users and their roles, as well as defining service areas and rates on various maps, as well as through various operational parameters.

Drivers use the mobile app to receive trip sheets and real-time shipment status updates. The app includes features like route optimization, text messages to notify customers when drivers are on the road, integrated navigation, and offline mode to ensure uninterrupted operations in the event of inconsistent cellular coverage.

Shipments are automatically assigned to drivers based on pre-defined geographic zones on maps, optimizing route planning and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Multiple proof of delivery options, including digital POD and OTP, ensure secure and verifiable deliveries.

Courier business processes managed by the platform include invoicing, payments and billing; rate calculation and estimates based on map zones; end-to-end shipment management from creation to delivery, including tracking and delivery confirmation; automatic scanning and weighing using SWAD devices; and detailed reporting and analysis.

Rautenbach notes that unlike traditional courier software platforms that rely on looking up postal codes and suburbs, Ship Logic was built from the ground up to convert all addresses to latitude and longitude specifications.

“This capability, combined with the ability to designate detailed zones on relevant maps, enables a high level of automation and accuracy for many internal processes that historically required couriers to perform manually.

“Improved location mapping and better customer communication significantly reduce the risk of failed pickup and delivery attempts, saving drivers valuable time and fuel costs.”

As a result, customers not only appreciate the experience offered by such software, but now expect nothing less.

Rautenbach warns that courier companies that fail to keep up with the latest technologies risk being overtaken by competitors who use these advances to streamline operations and improve service quality.