Assignment TakenDesigning software for Drone Delivery Management, Management Information system and Business Interfaces

Case UnderstandingCourier company wants to venture into Hyper local delivery space and drive innovation in the courier delivery market space by pioneering the use of drones for local delivery, thereby significantly reducing product delivery time, enhancing customer experience and positioning itself as market leader. Primary objectives of the firm are to break-even within first year of operation, establish brand presence and establish market leadership using the process of Innovation Key challenges that company faces from IT & Business Analysis side are: 1. Lack of efficient drone delivery management system. 2. Lack of MIS to keep track & analyze activities, spends and revenue. 3. Need for an app to advent into B2C sector while establishing presence across B2B sector.

BCS Solution SummaryIn line with marketing efforts to position the firm on both B2B and B2C fronts, to effectively execute the drone delivery and achieve desired results, company will need Advanced IT Infrastructure which will include: 1. AI based Drone Delivery Management System 2. MIS System which can efficiently for following processes: CRM: To Manage Customer Data, Maintain records of total orders received, total orders shipped, total orders returned and total orders cancelled and payment and reimbursement Logistics & Warehouse management 3. Supply Chain Management 4.Business Interfaces: Customer App, Agent App, Manager App

Solution

Step 1: Defining process (Journey from Customer Acquisition to successful delivery) and Identifying pain points to address with enhanced AI powered IT infrastructure

1. Our app enlists products of our partnered sellers. Customer places an order using the app

2. Product details are shared with the seller and product is shipped to the nearest warehouse

3. Quality check & packaging (as specified for drone delivery)

4. Unique QR codes are assigned to all products, products are segregated based on delivery location & weight 

5. Drone allocation & Last-Mile delivery : All packages are uploaded on drone designated for specific routes and delivery method (delivery methods: discussed below)

6. Payment

7. Returns & Refunds

Step 2: Identifying methods of package delivery using drones: 

1. Landing in Known Environment: In this method, drones will be landed on the ground where packages will be delivered to customers with help of QR Code Scanner. Upon scanning the specific package associated with the QR code will be released from the drone.

2. Dropping packages to deliver them from Air: Products will be delivered to customers by dropping them from air.

Required Softwares:

1. AI Powered Drone Delivery Management System

2. Management Information System

AI Powered Drone Delivery Management System: An end-to-end platform for delivery management is essential to optimize delivery, enhance efficiency, reduce delivery time, reduce costs, boost sales and deliver exceptional customer experience. From taking care of prompt route via route optimization software to allowing a business to have proper proof of delivery, a business needs everything to take care of. This can be taken care of easily with the help of delivery management system

1. Route Optimisation & Flight Management: 

Route optimization software will help the drone retrieve the most efficient path, using advanced AI models, the drone will traverse through the shortest possible path based on the drop locations of packages onboard to save time, and predict the optimum flight height to avoid obstacles (buildings, trees, electric wires etc.) and adapt to changing topology

2. Automated Dispatch:

Automated dispatch will help segregate orders based on their delivery location.AI system will be used to automatically sort orders based on next delivery point and automatically dispatch when the drone reaches the drop location set by the customer

3. Unique QR Codes & Scanner in Apps:

Each package, upon entry into the warehouse will be assigned a Unique QR code. In case of landing on the ground, customer will scan QR code on the drone which will be matched with the QR of orders onboard the drone and then the package associated with the particular QR code will be released

In case of dropping packages from air, all packages will be automatically organised internally with use of QR codes by the drone based on the upcoming drop

4. Smart Analytics: 

Comprehensive graphical reports to help access performance of drone delivery system, analyse and optimise delivery path, keep track of number of orders delivered via drone, cost analysis, and time analysis.

5. Enhanced Productivity: 

To get valuable insights about geography and surroundings in which the drones are used for delivery, store data of path traversed by the drone for future analysis and maintain record of customer’s experience by tracking ratings, feedback, and better communication.

Management Information System:

MIS system will consist of 3 main softwares that will help gather and report information which will provide us with valuable insights for business development and help in efficiently managing all orders, keeping track of logistics, marketing spends, revenue and more.

MIS-CRM:

1. Order Management: 

The MIS system linked with the Manager App will allow us to keep track of all incoming and outgoing orders. All orders in different stages from warehouse entry to QR code assignment to drone delivery will be tracked and stored

2. Tracking marketing activities, associated spends and results: 

This will give us a comprehensive understanding of marketing activities, spends and ROI. By using the information from MIS we can differentiate performing marketing channels from the non-performing ones and thereby allocate spends to maximise returns   

3. Maintaining customer database (leads):

All leads will be stored and rated as per the conversion status

4. Tracking Revenue:

Total revenue generated from different business operations will be maintained. Revenue details by customer, by marketing channel, by time (Day/Month) and by location will be available

5. Forecasting & Identifying growth opportunities:

This will help us get projections based on current performance and future trends and assist in setting business targets accordingly

MIS-Logistics & Warehouse Management:

As apart of MIS, Logistics & Warehouse Management will help in 

1. Seller Inventory Management:

Real-time inventory information is updated across multiple locations (both offline and online sites and multiple warehouses) simultaneously. Software will be equipped with Auto inventory replenishment, Handheld support, FIFO stock picking support.

2. Logistics integration:

Every package moving In and Out of the warehouse will be tracked and other features including gate pass management, purchase order management, Stock transfer and return to vendor will be enabled for efficient tracking and records 

3. Return Management:

Courier returns or customer initiated returns will be tracked, It will be  integrated with accounting ERP and the supplier’s account and all the updates will be shared with internal teams and the customers.

Supply Chain Management:

Procurement: After Purchase order processing, receipt confirmation, and invoice verification, our agents collect orders from the client’s location and order is transferred to our nearest warehouse for last-mile delivery.

Warehousing & packaging: Upon arrival at the warehouse, order are packed in boxes as per required specification for drone delivery

Cross Docking: In cases where products are packed as per specification by the client then Just QR codes are assigned and orders are uploaded on to the drone based on their delivery location, size and designated delivery time

Order fulfillment and sales order processing: Once orders are successfully delivered to the customers, a sales order is generated and shared with client updating them about the status of order delivery

Business Interfaces: Customer App, Agent App, Manager App

This is required to create a marketplace for customers to buy products on and get delivered in the shortest possible time. We will need an app that enlists all of our clients' products (Businesses whose products we are delivering). Customers will place an order on our app and the product will be collected from the manufacturer, packaged as required and shipped using drone delivery.

This approach will create unique value propositions for businesses to partner with us and we will not only be providing fastest courier services available but also have a marketplace where businesses can sell their products.

For efficient management of all activities, along with customer app, we will have applications for agents and managers

Customer App: 

Key features 

1. Enhanced GPS System to mark delivery points:

If customers want to get package air delivered on their preferred locations, they can use integrated enhanced GPS mechanism to pinpoint the marker on the delivery point

2. Real -Time Tracking: 

Customers will be able to track Estimated time for arrival with precision of upto 90 secs or less and know current location of their order

3. Payment gateway integration: 

To make payments using UPI, Net banking or Credit/ debit cards

4. Notifications: 

Give regular Notification to customer about order status, distance & time of arrival

5. QR Code Scanner: 

This will be used when customer wants to collect orders from drone which has landed on the ground (alternative to air dropping), drones will be equipped with QR scanner and once customers scans the QR code, and their matches with the one on the package onboard the drone then package will be passed out to the customer 

6. Customer Feedback/complaints section: 

To help customers provide their feedback on products & services

7. Easy Returns & Refunds: 

Option to return products in customer wants

8.Wishlist: 

For customers to add and store their preferred products

9. Automated chat bot: 

To answer to generic customer queries, help customers with basic information on how to place orders, contact us and more

Agent App:

This will be used by agents to keep track of all orders

Help assigned agent track status of order delivery, QR Scans, and answer to customer queries

Manager App:

To manage details of orders placed at online stores

To generate advanced analytic reports of orders placed by customers

To Track on-field personnel, Location of drones, Route,order dispatch, order delivery, incoming orders and more

ConclusionWith the use of AI based delivery management system, MIS tracking and supply chain management, we are confident that our firm will be able to rapidly expand its customer base, position itself as market leader by pioneering the use of latest technology, provide quick & smooth delivery to its customers and thus achieve financial objectives.