The features and capabilities of the 7bridges Automate product
Coverage
Automate currently covers the following shipment types:
- Mode: Parcel, Temperature Controlled Parcels (Specialty)
- Geography: No limitation
- Industries: No limitation
How we receive shipping information
We can able to receive shipping data in a number of ways:
- API - We have a series of API's that enables you automatically send all required shipping information directly to the 7bridges platform (removes manual data entry)
- sFTP/EDI - We can facilitate the upload of shipping information via File or EDI Transfer
- Manual Entry - Operational users can manually create shipments on the platform by entering all data manually
Booking integrator shipments
The 7bridges Automate product simplifies and automates the booking of your integrator shipments directly from one single platform.
Book with multiple providers from one single platform
The 7bridges platform through our extensive integration capability can enable you to handle all your shipments with integrators from one centralised platform removing the need for your teams to handle bookings and the subsequent management across several provider portals.
We will be able to display all applicable rates and services for your shipments giving you the very best choice based on your account landscape.
Seamlessly handle both domestic and international shipping
When booking with providers the platform enables you to ship to both domestic and international destinations using one standard workflow for both. Our Integrations with Integrators are enabled to facilitate paperless trade wherever possible for international shipments through capturing all required information as part of the booking process. Saving you time and money as you no longer need to print hard copies of the commercial invoices and associated documents.
Booking specialty shipments
The 7bridges Automate product simplifies the process of working with specialty providers through automating and controlling the booking process directly from our platform. Meaning you no longer need to rely on phone calls and emails which can be time consuming.
Rate generation based on your rate card
Where you have agreed rate card/tariff with a given specialty provider we can configure this on the platform and it can then be used to calculate applicable rates and services based on the shipping data provided saving you time.
Requesting quotes:
Where your agreed rate cards do not cover the lane you are looking to ship on you can trigger a quote request directly to your specified providers directly from the platform providing them with all required information to be able to provide you with a quote. The quote is then uploaded directly into the platform by the provider where you will be able to review this alongside any other quotes provided.
Submitting booking requests & confirmation from provider:
Once you have selected your required service & rate you will then be able to submit your booking request directly to the provider from the platform including any supporting documentation required. This is transmitted directly to the Provider allowing them to review and they then provide confirmation directly on the platform provided you with the AWB/Label, Tracking Number and planned collection date.
Automated decision making (Fulfilment Rules)
When on our advanced tier it is possible for you to automate your decision making using our fulfilment rules. Our fulfilment engine can enable to you to constrain/filter shipments so that they can only use Specific Providers/Specific Services/Specific Accounts all based on data points within the shipping data. Removing the need for your logistics team to make these decisions as part of the booking process helping to reduce your processing time.
Generating shipping documentation
Our platform offers as standard the ability to generate both a Pack List and Commercial Invoice (where applicable) based on the shipping information provided saving you the need to generate these separately. These currently use a standard format that cannot be customised.
Where Paperless Invoicing has been used for the shipment with an Integrator you do not need to print the Commercial Invoice but it will be visible for reference.
Label & document printing
As part of the shipping process you will be required to print the shipping labels and often any associated documentation for the shipment. The platform makes all labels and documentation for a shipment visible on the platform where you can then manually download and print as required. The platform can also work with print node which allows you to automatically transmit labels and documents to the relevant printers within your warehouse without requiring manual intervention.
Tracking Shipments
Once you shipment has been collected by the relevant provider and has start moving through their network, the 7bridges platform will display all tracking updates relating to each individual shipment within the platform. Giving you complete visibility from one single platform. Alongside providing an estimated delivery date based on the tracking data we receive from Providers.