workflow of package scanning and tracking?

workflow of package scanning and tracking?
I am looking at starting a courier and delivery service. I have no experience in the industry, although there is a specific need that I have addressed and am looking at pursuing it with more information. What I can not find is a website that details the exact workflow from beginning to end. I understand that if you have a handheld scanner you can scan packages, and then at some point download that scanner to a computer, where that information in then partnered with a customer number and tracking number, and then when you scan the package at delivery and then upload again the number is updated. I have no idea how this really works and what equipment and software is really needed. I am hoping to find out as much information as possible first and then make a decision from there. Any help would be appreciated.

Best answer:

At this point I would not invest a lot of money in a state of the art package delivery system. Instead I would adapt a off the shelf inventory control system to fit your needs.

There are many accounting software packages such as peach tree that should a accommodate your needs. In the beginning you will be sorting the packages by hand anyway and just need to scan at strategic points to keep track.

Use an inexpensive label printer that can be attached to a PC using a universal plug and play adapter. Similarly by the cheapest hand scanner you can find.

Don’t blow a lot of money on package scanning and tracking in the beginning. You will eventually have to replace it later on when you have a better idea of what the special needs of your business are.

Tags: Package, scanning, tracking, workflow

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