How to Integrate WMS Mobile with NetSuite ERP Seamlessly

Why native NetSuite integration matters

Connecting your warehouse floor directly to NetSuite ERP eliminates errors and delays. This avoids file uploads, batch syncs, and manual data entry, which is where most errors occur. NetScore WMS Mobile, being a native system, sits inside your NetSuite ecosystem. It uses the same items, bins, orders, and transactions. No separate integration layer is needed for pushing the data.

NetScore WMS Mobile leverages NetSuite records in real time. Including every scan for receiving, picking, packing, shipping, counting updates inventory and fulfillment. This results in the following-

  • Reduced stock discrepancies
  • Improved order accuracy
  • Visibility to warehouse managers from NetSuite dashboards

Key native capabilities of NetScore WMS Mobile

NetScore WMS Mobile is designed as a NetSuite-first warehouse solution. It is not a generic external WMS that you add later. It connects mobile and wireless devices to NetSuite. As a result, the barcode or QR scans flow straight into NetSuite transactions.

Core native capabilities include:

  • Real-time barcode scanning that posts to NetSuite item receipts, picks, transfers, and adjustments.
  • Receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory adjustments using NetSuite’s data model.
  • Smart label printing for items, bins, packing slips, and shipping labels.
  • Role-based access and permissions aligned with NetSuite user roles and warehouse responsibilities.
  • Cross-device support (Android, iOS, rugged handhelds, wireless scanners) without changing your NetSuite backend.

Step-by-step integration approach

Integration doesn’t involve building new connectors here. It is rather the activating and configuring of a native SuiteApp.

1. Prepare NetSuite data and configuration

    • Clean up items, units of measure, locations, and bin structures in NetSuite. This will ensure that the mobile processes have accurate masters.
    • Define which locations will use WMS Mobile first. For example, the main distribution center vs a small satellite warehouse. This will keep the initial rollout focused.

2. Install and enable NetScore WMS Mobile

    • Log in as an administrator or a role with sufficient privileges. Deploy the NetScore WMS Mobile SuiteApp and follow the steps in Installation Guide.
    • Configure WMS Mobile setup pages in NetSuite. Configuration includes license keys, menu options, device settings, and print configurations.

3. Configure roles, permissions, and workflows

    • Map warehouse job functions (receiving, picker, packer, supervisor) to NetSuite roles and WMS Mobile menus. This way each user only sees tasks relevant to them.
    • Configure scanning workflows (for example, single-order pick, wave/batch pick, transfer, cycle count). These should match how your warehouse operates today while leveraging WMS best practices.

4. Connect and validate devices

    • Register mobile devices and scanners (Android/iOS or rugged handhelds) to point at your NetSuite environment. Use secure credentials.
    • Test common flows like receiving, put away, picking, packing, shipping, from device to NetSuite. This ensures transactions post correctly and in real time.

Best practices for a seamless rollout

More than technology limitations, integration is about process design, training, and incremental adoption. Putting a structure around these areas helps you capture the full value of NetScore WMS Mobile’s native integration.

Recommended best practices include:

  • Standardize barcodes and labeling: Ensure all items, bins, and pallets have scannable codes. The codes map directly to NetSuite records. This avoids manual lookups.
  • Align transactions with NetSuite: Mirror purchase order, work order, and sales order flows. This way mobile actions always result in the correct NetSuite transactions.
  • Design clear exception paths: Define handling of short shipments, damaged goods, substitutions. So, exceptions are handled on the mobile app and never fall back to spreadsheets.
  • Train users on devices: Train them in scanning, error messages, and device usage. And not just on NetSuite screens. This increases adoption and reduces resistance.
  • Monitor KPIs in NetSuite: Track inventory accuracy, pick rate, cycle count compliance, and order turnaround time. using NetSuite saved searches and dashboards to prove ROI.

How NetScore’s native model reduces integration risk

Traditional WMS integrations often require complex mapping. Mapping between two databases, custom middleware, and sync schedules. Such mapping can fail or drift over time. With NetScore WMS Mobile, all warehouse execution runs on NetSuite’s live inventory and order data. As a result, there are no duplicate items or separate inventory tables to reconcile.

This native architecture simplifies upgrades and extensions. New NetSuite fields, locations, or processes can be exposed to mobile users. There is no need to re-engineer a separate integration layer. It also shortens implementation timelines. Many customers go live in days or weeks instead of months. This is possible as the app is installed from SuiteApp, configured in NetSuite, and deployed to devices via standard app stores.

For more information book a demo here.

Integrated Rental Management for CFOs

CFOs in equipment rental businesses are often under pressure to improve margins. Yet many rental organizations still rely on disconnected tools and spreadsheets. Disconnected tools make it hard to see true asset profitability or forecast demand with confidence. A rental management platform that sits inside the company’s ERP becomes a real strategic advantage.

Data includes rental transactions, contracts, billing, maintenance, and assets. When all this is in one system, connected to core financials, the CFOs get a single version of truth. Finance leaders can analyze data in real time. This includes utilization, revenue, and cost at asset, contract, customer, or location level. Such unified analytics enable better decisions on pricing, investments, and growth.

Towards data-driven equipment strategy

Decisions about buying, retiring, or relocating equipment must be data-based. Utilization and revenue data helps CFOs to decide the investment on assets. They can also consider utilization trends across seasons, regions, and customer segments.

Each asset carries a full financial story – acquisition cost, maintenance history, rental revenue, discounts, and downtime. An integrated rental management solution enables linking of each equipment to its financial history. Decision makers can rely on it to optimize equipment mix, refine rental terms, and set pricing models. With NetScore Rental Management these insights are available inside NetSuite.

“Working with NetScore’s team took a lot of the friction out of the equipment rental process, particularly around complex rate structures that a previous system could not handle”, says Ben Harrison, VP of Finance, The Warehouse Rentals and Supplies.

Cash flow, billing accuracy, and revenue confidence

Cash flow is often a pain-point for equipment rental companies. This is even more of an issue when billing is manual, delayed, or error prone. Missed charges for extensions, damage, or overtime can erode margins. Disputes and credit notes create uncertainty in reported revenue. For CFOs, predictable and accurate cash flow from rental contracts is critical. Reliable cash flow gives CFOs cleaner financial signals – making planning and investment decisions far more grounded.

An integrated rental management solution is crucial for billing accuracy. It enables automating billing schedules and invoice generation based on contract terms. Automation closes the gaps where revenue leakage often happens. NetScore Rental Management runs inside NetSuite. So, every rental invoice, change, and credit flows into the general ledger. This ensures aligned revenue recognition and financial reporting. Such integration helps finance teams close books faster. Executives can feel more confident in the numbers they present to stakeholders.

Avoid risks, comply with safety requirements

Lost assets, undocumented damage, missing contract terms, and gaps in safety compliance stack up as financial risk. When documents, signatures, and maintenance logs sit in different systems, finance teams struggle to prove controls, respond to audits, or quantify exposure. This introduces uncertainty into financial forecasts and can affect borrowing capacity or valuation.

NetScore Rental Management for NetSuite provides a unified platform. Contracts, digital signatures, asset records, maintenance logs, and billing are on one platform. This makes it easier to enforce policies. CFOs and controllers get a clear view of rental terms, credit limits, and asset usage policies. This helps in setting approval workflows that balance control with operational agility.

Why NetScore Rental Management for NetSuite stands out

NetScore Rental Management for NetSuite is a SuiteApp built on the NetSuite platform. Rental operations share the same data model as finance, inventory, CRM, and reporting. This reduces integration overhead and manual reconciliations. The integrated availability calendar provided in the software enables accurate asset tracking, flexible billing options, and automated contract-driven invoicing.

It provides better visibility into asset-level profitability, customer behavior, and multi-location performance. CFOs can combine operational details with NetSuite’s native reporting and analytics. This visibility helps CFOs refine pricing strategies, prioritize investments, and scale growth across the rental portfolio. For companies that see equipment rentals as a strategic revenue stream, this level of financial integration becomes a key differentiator.

For more information book a demo here.

How Sustainable Practices Can Transform Last-Mile Logistics

As focus on sustainability gets increasing attention from businesses and consumers, focus on sustainability in delivery operations also is increasing. While much attention is given to speed, cost, and technology, it’s time for routing strategies to embrace eco-friendly practices that benefit both organizations and the environment.

Why Sustainability Matters in Delivery Routing

The carbon footprint of last-mile delivery is greater than many realize. Each mile driven by delivery vehicles contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in urban and suburban areas where traffic congestion increases idle time and fuel consumption. Companies that adopt intentional sustainability measures in routing are discovering unexpected advantages:

  • Reduced fuel costs through optimized, eco-friendly routes
  • Enhanced brand reputation by prioritizing environmental responsibility
  • Compliance with tightening regulations around emissions and vehicle standards
  • Stronger customer loyalty from eco-conscious buyers

Strategies for Sustainable Routing

  • Route Consolidation: Group deliveries to minimize repeated trips in the same neighborhood, reducing both distance traveled and emissions..
  • Real-time Traffic & Weather Integration: Using intelligent routing to avoid congested areas not only saves time, but also cuts pollution caused by idling.
  • Electric and Hybrid Fleet Routing: Incorporate vehicle type into route algorithms, scheduling electric vehicles for shorter, urban routes and hybrids for longer journeys.
  • Reverse Logistics Optimization: Plan return trips for pickups, recycling, or package returns, lowering the environmental impact per delivery mile. 
  • Green Delivery Windows: Offer customers specific time slots when environmentally friendly delivery is possible, such as consolidated neighborhood drop-offs.

Measuring Impact

Companies can track sustainability KPIs like fuel consumption per route, emissions reduction, and successful utilization of green delivery windows. Sharing these metrics with customers as part of post-delivery communications builds transparency and trust.

Why NetScore Delivery Routing Is a Smart Choice for Sustainable Last-Mile Logistics

When it comes to adopting eco-friendly delivery routing, the technology you choose is crucial. NetScore Delivery Routing stands out as an industry leader for several compelling reasons:

  • AI-Powered Route Optimization: NetScore leverages artificial intelligence to create the most efficient routes possible, that helps to minimizie miles driven, reduce fuel use, and cut carbon emissions on every trip.
  • Seamless NetSuite Integration: Designed natively for NetSuite, NetScore Delivery Routing lets logistics teams manage everything from order fulfillment to customer returns in a single cloud platform. Such a streamlining of workflows reduces the environmental impact of fragmented systems.
  • Paperless Operations: Instantly capture Proof of Delivery (POD) with digital signatures and photos on the driver app. This transition to digital eliminates paperwork and delays, and supports company-wide efforts to reduce waste.
  • Green Delivery Windows and Load Optimization: By using advanced algorithms, NetScore consolidates loads and identifies opportunities for green delivery windows, helping companies serve more customers with fewer vehicles and trips.
  • Proven Fuel & Emissions Reduction: Customers report significant drops in fuel consumption, paper use, and idle time after implementing NetScore Delivery Routing—enhancing both cost savings and eco-value.

Final Thoughts

Eco-friendly delivery routing isn’t just good for the planet—it improves efficiency, cuts costs, and meets growing customer expectations. As businesses rethink their logistics for 2026 and beyond, integrating sustainability into routing is a powerful step forward. By implementing NetScore Delivery Routing, businesses can unlock measurable environmental and operational benefits.

For more information book a demo here.

5 Signs Your Retail Business Needs an Upgraded POS System

As retailers navigate constant change and innovation, the Point of Sale (POS) system is more than just a cash register. It’s the nerve center of your operations. But how do you know when to upgrade your POS system? If your current setup is slowing you down, it might be time to consider a change. Here are five clear signs for POS replacement that indicate your retail business is ready for a POS upgrade.

1.Frequent System Crashes or Slow Performance

If your POS system is lagging during peak hours or crashing unexpectedly, it’s costing you sales. A slow or unreliable system can lead to long checkout lines, unhappy customers, and lost revenue. This is one of the most urgent retail POS upgrade needs.

Solution: Modern POS systems like NetScore POS for NetSuite offer cloud-based stability and real-time updates, ensuring smooth performance even during high-traffic periods.

2.Limited Integration with Other Retail Tools

Your POS should seamlessly integrate with inventory management, CRM, eCommerce platforms, and accounting software. If your current system requires manual data entry or lacks compatibility, it’s time to upgrade.

Why NetScore POS for NetSuite? It integrates effortlessly with NetSuite, giving you a unified view of your business operations and reducing manual work.

3.Inadequate Reporting and Analytics

Are you still relying on spreadsheets or basic reports to make business decisions? A modern POS system should provide detailed insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory turnover.

NetScore POS for NetSuite Advantage: It offers advanced analytics and customizable dashboards, helping you make data-driven decisions with confidence.

4.Poor User Experience for Staff and Customers

If your staff struggles to navigate the POS interface or customers face delays during checkout, it’s a sign your system isn’t keeping up with expectations. A clunky interface can lead to errors and inefficiencies.

Upgrade Benefit: NetScore POS features an intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces training time and enhances customer service.

5.Lack of Mobile or Cloud Capabilities

Retail is no longer confined to a single location. Whether you’re managing multiple stores or selling online, your POS system should support mobility and remote access.

NetScore POS for NetSuite: With cloud-based access and mobile compatibility, you can manage your business from anywhere, anytime.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time for a Retail POS Upgrade?

Recognizing the signs for POS replacement is the first step toward improving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. If your current system is holding you back, consider the benefits of switching to a modern solution like NetScore POS for NetSuite.

With its robust features, seamless integrations, and scalable architecture, NetScore POS is a smart investment for retailers looking to future-proof their operations.

For more information book a demo here.

WMS Mobile_Blog Banner

Beginner’s Guide to Mobile Warehouse Management Systems (Mobile WMS)

In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, efficiency and accuracy are everything. Warehouses are no longer just storage spaces—they’re dynamic hubs of activity that require smart technology to keep operations running smoothly. That’s where Mobile Warehouse Management Systems (Mobile WMS) come in.

If you’ve ever wondered “what is WMS mobile?”, this guide is for you.

What is Mobile WMS?

A Mobile Warehouse Management System is a software solution that allows warehouse staff to manage inventory and operations using mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, or rugged handheld scanners. Unlike traditional WMS systems that rely on desktop interfaces, mobile warehouse management brings flexibility and real-time data access directly to the warehouse floor.

Key Benefits of Mobile WMS:

  • Real-time inventory tracking
  • Barcode scanning for accuracy
  • Reduced manual errors
  • Faster receiving, picking, and shipping
  • Improved staff productivity

Why Use a Mobile WMS?

Implementing a mobile WMS can transform your warehouse operations by:

    • Eliminating paper-based processes.
    • Speeding up order fulfillment
    • Improving inventory accuracy
    • Enhancing customer satisfaction

Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, a mobile WMS helps streamline workflows and reduce operational costs.

WMS Mobile Guide: Choosing the Right Solution

When selecting a mobile WMS, consider:

  • Device compatibility (Android/iOS)
  • Ease of integration with your ERP
  • Barcode scanning capabilities
  • Customization options
  • User-friendly interface

One standout solution in the market is NetScore WMS Mobile for NetSuite.

Why NetScore WMS Mobile is a Smart Choice

NetScore WMS Mobile is designed specifically for NetSuite users and offers a robust set of features that make it ideal for wholesale distribution and manufacturing operations.

Key Features of NetScore WMS Mobile:

    • Real-Time Barcode Scanning: Ensures accurate inventory tracking and reduces errors..
    • Cross-Device Compatibility: Works on Android/iOS tablets and handhelds.
    • Smart Label Printing: Print packing slips and labels directly from mobile devices.
    • Inventory Management: Perform counts, transfers, and adjustments on the go.
    • Customizable Workflows: Tailor the app to your business needs using NetSuite’s reporting tools.
    • Quick Setup & User Adoption: Easy to install and intuitive for warehouse staff.

Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring mobile warehouse management solutions, this WMS mobile guide should help you understand the basics and make an informed decision. With its powerful features and seamless NetSuite integration, NetScore WMS Mobile stands out as a reliable, scalable, and efficient choice for modern warehouses.

For more information book a demo here.

 

equipment rental management software

What Is Equipment Rental Management Software and Why It Matters

Running an equipment rental business isn’t just about handing over gear and collecting payments. It’s about tracking inventory, scheduling rentals, managing maintenance, handling contracts, and keeping customers happy—all while trying to stay profitable.
That’s where equipment rental management software comes in. It’s not just a tool—it’s your behind-the-scenes partner that helps you run things smoothly, efficiently, and with less stress

What Is Equipment Rental Management Software?

It’s a digital system that helps you manage every part of your rental business. Whether you rent out construction tools, medical devices, AV gear, or party supplies, this software helps you:

  • Track what’s available and what’s out
  • Schedule rentals and returns
  • Manage customer details and contracts
  • Monitor equipment condition and maintenance
  • Handle billing and payments

It’s like having a smart assistant that never sleeps.

Why It Matters

Here’s how it makes a real difference:

    • Know What’s Available—Instantly: No more guessing or flipping through spreadsheets. You’ll always know which items are in stock, which are out, and when they’re due back. That means fewer double bookings and happier customers..
    • Streamline Your Workflow: From booking to billing, everything happens in one place. You can create quotes, send invoices, and even collect payments—all without switching between apps or chasing paperwork.
    • Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape: The software can remind you when it’s time for maintenance or inspections. That means fewer breakdowns, safer rentals, and longer equipment life.
    • Make Smarter Decisions: With built-in reports and analytics, you’ll see which items are your top performers, which ones are underused, and where your money’s going. That helps you invest wisely and grow faster.
    • Deliver a Better Customer Experience: Fast bookings, clear communication, and reliable service—all contributing to a better customer experience.

Who Should Use It?

  • Small rental shops looking to get organized and grow
  • Large rental companies managing hundreds of items and clients
  • Specialty rental businesses like medical, AV, or event equipment providers

For businesses already using NetSuite, solutions like NetScore Rental Management integrate seamlessly with your existing ERP system, providing specialized rental functionality without disrupting your current workflows.

Final Thoughts

if you’re still juggling rentals with spreadsheets, sticky notes, or memory, it’s time to upgrade. Equipment rental management software doesn’t just save time—it helps you run a smarter, more profitable business.
And the best part? You’ll spend less time on admin and more time doing what you do best: serving your customers and growing your business.

For more information book a demo here.

 

Configurable POS Systems Matter in Modern Retailing

Why Configurable POS Systems Matter in Modern Retailing

Small businesses need every advantage they can get. Whether it’s a boutique, a local grocery store, or a pop-up shop, it is important to manage operations efficiently and to meet customers’ expectations. Configurable POS systems can make a big difference by not just enabling sales but also providing flexibility in running the business.

The Evolution of POS Systems for Retailers

POS systems have evolved over time from merely handling transactions, and tracking inventory, to the Retail POS Software of today that adapts to business needs. Today’s POS systems are more robust and configurable. Whether you’re managing a single storefront or planning to expand to multiple stores, having a system that fits your workflow makes a lot of difference.

POS System Features That Make a Difference in Your Business

What makes configurable POS systems stand out? Here are some essential POS system features:

  • Customizable User Interface: Tailor the layout and functions to suit your staff’s workflow.
  • Flexible Pricing and Promotions: Easily set up discounts, loyalty programs, and dynamic pricing
  • Inventory Management: Track stock in real-time across multiple locations.
  • Integrated Payments: Accept various payment methods, including mobile wallets and contactless payments.
  • Advanced Reporting: Generate detailed sales, inventory, and customer reports to inform business decisions

Why Cloud-Based POS Systems Are a Great Choice

One of the most significant advancements in POS technology is the shift to the cloud. Cloud-based POS systems offer many advantages:

  • Remote Access: Manage your business from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Real-Time Updates: Instantly sync data across all devices and locations.
  • Scalability: Easily add new registers, locations, or users as your business grows.
  • Data Security: Benefit from automatic backups and secure data storage.

Why Configurability Really Matters

Every retail business is unique. A one-size-fits-all POS solution often leads to inefficiencies and frustration. Configurable POS systems empower retailers to:

  • Streamline operations by aligning the system with specific business processes.
  • Enhance customer experiences through personalized service and faster checkouts.
  • Reduce training time with intuitive, role-based interfaces.
  • Quickly adapt to market changes, seasonal trends, or new business models.

Choosing the Right Retail POS Software

In a competitive retail environment, having the right tools is crucial. Retail POS Software that’s flexible, cloud-based, and packed with useful POS system features can give a competitive edge to any business. By choosing a system that grows with your business and adapts to your needs, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

Ready to simplify your retail operations with a POS system that actually fits your business?

NetScore POS for NetSuite is built for flexibility, speed, and scale – so you can serve customers better, and adapt to change with confidence. Whether you’re running a single store or scaling across locations, our configurable solution helps you stay ahead.

For more information book a demo here.

Loyalty Rewards in 2020

Loyalty Rewards in 2020

Kyle Scobey, Supply Chain Evangelist

We have all heard the case for running loyalty reward programs to help increase customer retention, create more attachment to your brand, raise revenue through return customers, and high return on investment. However, the practice of solely awarding some points to a customer that results in a discount or free product is not optimizing your return on investment if your program does not change with time. Comparable to developing a website that gets a lot of traction when initially launched but will quickly lose interest if it is not dynamic and updated regularly.

According to Merkle in their Loyalty Barometer Report 2020 “on their own, traditional do/get loyalty program structures can feel uninteresting.” Customers shopping habits, outside events such as the pandemic, and willingness to share personal information can affect how they respond to loyalty programs. Merkle emphasizes that affective loyalty programs include the reward portion, but also need to be accompanied by other brand touchpoints to “fuel an omnichannel, connected consumer journey — one that doesn’t just persuade customers to buy, but earns their trust and continued business.”.

Customer shopping habits: have changed in 2020 due to the pandemic and its effect on more traditional shopping experiences. This has led to a shift in how customers expect to redeem points and how retailers are responding to the surge in online shopping. Software vendors such as NetScore have expanded the reach of their Loyalty Rewards solution to allow points to be redeemed at checkout when placing an online order. Reward points earned, award tiers, available reward certificates (if part of program), can be viewed online.

Loyalty members feedback: indicate the number one problem with most programs is the time it takes to obtain a reward. More frequent rewards and ease of redemption seems to be the preference. Data from your NetSuite solution will provide you with metrics such as average order size, annual customer spending, and other metrics that can be used determine how frequently your customers will achieve rewards. Using this data will help you scale your rewards program.

Engaging your customers: beyond the sales transaction and rewarding them for participating in these activities has been found to be popular. Encouraging product reviews, social media endorsements (likes) and referring friends are all opportunities to engage you customers and reward their involvement. NetScore’s Loyalty Rewards gives you the ability to provide reward points for all of these activities.

 

 

Start Rewarding Your Customers


Being able to personalize: your loyalty programs increases acceptance with 85% indicating they would prefer to pick their own rewards. Members count on their loyalty program experience to be personalized based on their specific purchases and individual preferences; however, how much personalization is acceptable is still up for debate.

Personal information: customers are willing to share varies and is something that should be factored into your program. Merkle indicates consumers are wary of allowing brands to use their location data, but 59% said they are comfortable allowing their purchase history to be utilized. Some 53% accept brands using gender, while 42% cited self-selected profile preferences, 30% cited browsing history on a brand’s site, 29% cited current location, 25% cited address, and 21% cited income. Consider including a more personalized approach for customers willing to share their data but having a more standard alternative for those unwilling to do so ensuring your audience is not diminished.

In May 2014, the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) jointly issued a converged standard on revenue recognition. In the new regulations it laid the groundwork for the accounting for loyalty programs, particularly for U.S. GAAP preparers. The guidance later became regulations resulting in greater deferral of revenues, changes in balance sheet liabilities, and additional financial statement disclosures. Companies must now account for points issued as a separate obligation, which involves developing more robust models to enable management to comply with these accounting requirements. NetScore’s Loyalty Rewards solution integrates with your NetSuite accounting solution to ensure the accounting for your rewards program complies. This is critical to accurately reflect how the program is impacting your balance sheet.

Software companies: such as NetScore continue to upgrade their solutions to meet the changing demands of this evolving environment. Constantly increasing the flexibility to allow customers to modify programs and add multiple reward programs that can be targeted at specific customer segments. While NetScore’s solution is carefully crafted to support the NetSuite ecommerce platforms, the solution also offers support for other popular platforms such as Magento, Shopify and WooCommerce.

Having the right software solution to assist in managing your rewards program gives you the ability to offer the flexibility needed to keep customers happy in 2020 and beyond.

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Extending Your Reach With Delivery Services

Companies are always looking for ways to build relationships with their customers that will extend beyond the product and build customer loyalty. One method being adopted by many companies is providing delivery services to their customers. In a world of social distancing and increased regulations for operating instore activities, having the ability to provide delivery services is increasingly important to keeping businesses viable. The New York Times reported that online consumer spending jumped nearly 40% at the height of the pandemic. In-person shopping had already dramatically decreased prior to the coronavirus as younger shoppers opted for online options.

Delivering the product to the end customer in many cases can run 30% with food deliveries as high as 45% of the total meal cost (TMC) cost. This can be difficult to hide in the cost of the product and is often waived as a competitive edge. Use of third-party delivery services has traditionally been the answer to this question, but many companies such as Amazon are opting to build out their own delivery services. The phenomenal growth of digitally-enabled delivery services indicates that customers value the convenience and variety they provide. McKinsey estimates that the digital food delivery market alone will be worth $22 billion by 2025. Now many companies are looking to tap into that revenue by internalizing their delivery services.

Properly run services can increase customers loyalty, provide lower cost ability to respond to emergency product demand, maintain control of customer data, and tighter control of the delivery process. Delivery services can also be a source of revenue for the seller and increase margin if effectively managed. However, poorly run delivery services can be a costly mistake.

To be effective in planning and executing deliveries, companies are adopting delivery management solutions to streamline how their delivery services are performed. Being able to organize routes and build delivery plans are critical to providing effective services and lowering the cost of managing delivery operations.

NetScore’s Delivery Routing application is built on the NetSuite ERP system to provide a complete planning solution for organizing delivery orders into routes. A mobile application is included to provide drivers with everything they need to carry out the deliveries.

Getting organized is a key element to running a successful delivery operation. As sales orders are processed and fulfilled in your NetSuite solution, NetScore’s Delivery Routing system takes the orders and creates delivery orders. The route planning capability using a geo-point mapping solution to organize the delivery orders into stops on the route. A rule based system allows for further control over the building of routes and can control the number of orders to be included, management of weight and volume capacity by truck type, and time to complete routes based on the calculated transit times between stops. Routes can be adjusted to meet the route planner’s preferences and assigned to a driver.

Keeping control over your delivery fleet is critical to ensure drivers are following the most effective route and keeping on schedule. NetScore gives planners the ability to view graphical representations of each route and see updates as deliveries are completed. A map view shows the planner all drivers location in real time. Routes can be adjusted while they are in progress if needed due to changing requirements by the customer. Delivery orders can even be moved from one driver to another in the event a delivery vehicle breaks down or additional assistance is needed to complete the route.

Making your driver’s life easy is key to running a delivery service that is cost effective and efficient. Route plans that provide the most effective method of accomplishing each delivery is critical. Being able to properly load trucks in reverse stop order makes sure each order to be delivered is properly positioned on the truck. NetScore’s solution produces a route plan that can be used as a picking document or loading document to properly position orders on the truck.

Execution of the route plan is critical to achieve the objective of delivering product on time and at the lowest possible cost to the service provider. Mobile applications now put powerful tools in the hands of drivers to assist them in carrying out their deliveries. Effective applications like NetScore’s Delivery Routing solution provides:

 

  • Travel time between stops.
  • Graphical depictions of the route plan
  • Turn by turn instructions.
  • Order contents to be delivered.
  • The ability to send alerts to customers of impending delivery.
  • Enter reasons for delivery cancellation if the customer refuses delivery.

 

Proof of delivery is an important element to any delivery service to capture signatures, photograph product drops, and note other key information regarding the delivery. This gives the service provider undisputable evidence that the product was professionally delivered and accepted by the customer. NetScore’s mobile application incorporates all these features and allows the driver to quickly gather the information. The proof of delivery information is then automatically uploaded to the backend system and attached to the delivery record. NetScore gives you the value added integration to Google Drive to store pictures and signatures keeping your NetSuite data storage to a minimum.

Moving beyond delivery can be advantageous to many companies to optimize what their delivery service operation can produce for the company. Being able to perform functions like:

  • Picking up returns during their delivery route.
  • Accepting payment from customers for outstanding invoices or cash on delivery orders.
  • Picking up product based on purchase orders issued by the service provider.

NetScore’s Delivery Routing application provides all features described above to your NetSuite system and the associated mobile application.

To help you plan and implement your delivery service, please reach out to NetScore Account Executive.

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Getting Creative With Rentals

As the corona virus took hold and businesses shut down across the globe, many were forced to get creative to survive. One hard hit industry is health clubs forced to shutdown due to the inability to maintain social distancing for their customers. Many have suffered dramatic losses, and some may not reopen. However, some are getting creative allowing them to stay in touch with their customer base and generate revenue for their businesses. One common thing they all have is a substantial amount of assets from treadmills to stationary bikes, weights, and other workout equipment sitting idle.

Julie Guttormson owner of an exercise facility in Wyoming decided to rent her workout equipment to existing customers who wanted access to equipment at home but didn’t want to spend the money needed to purchase it. This offered a great solution for people dealing with stay at home orders that wanted to continue their exercise routines. Within two weeks 70% of Julie’s equipment was rented with a waiting list for some of the more popular items. She extended her business offering by including online classes that the renters could attend. This type of creative thinking provided a winning approach to a difficult situation.

S&P Global Ratings is forecasting a steep global recession with global GDP reduced by 2.4% in 2020. They expect the economic contraction and reduced capital expenditures (capex) by key end markets to curtail demand for original equipment. Rental of equipment is an option that many companies are turning to as sales of big-ticket items slow in the face of the pandemic.

Companies ask “how do I learn what is needed to build a rental business as part of my product offering?” Clearly there are many considerations and requirements that need to be addressed when managing a fleet of rental assets. Having the right resources to maintain a fleet of rental equipment is critical in maximizing profit for this business. Working with a partner who understands all of what needs to be considered and effective tools to meet those demands is extremely helpful when expanding into this line of business. NetScore’s Rental Management software provides the tools NetSuite users need to manage the entire rental process. Our team of experts has helped numerous companies take the necessary steps to build their rental business and manage it effectively.

Building a rental asset pool is the first step which generally involves creating a separate (can be virtual) warehouse where rental assets are managed. This removes the items from your saleable asset pool and allows you to easily manage the rental and return process. It also facilities the ability to depreciate the assets for those companies wishing to do so.

Scheduling and reserving items is an important aspect of rental management especially for companies who deal in longer term rental contracts. Having a scheduling tool that lets you view rental requests and reserve assets is critical for demand planning. Being able to take deposits against reservations helps ensure customers are committed to the future rental. This is also needed when you rent equipment that periodically needs to be removed from the rental pool for maintenance.

Managing rental assets on contract for long term rentals means you need to be prepared to manage situations like equipment failure, routine maintenance, and the need to replace equipment in the field. Having the ability to swap out equipment during the rental and updating the contract to show the replacement is a complexity that needs to be dealt with.

Maintaining your equipment and capturing maintenance costs helps you get a true picture of the profit generated by a rental asset. Keeping track of maintenance records, cost of repair, preventive maintenance, and other items needed to keep your rental asset pool operational is important. This is especially important for equipment that needs to be calibrated or certified such as medical equipment.

Billing can be complex for rental contracts that span longer periods of time and requires generation of invoices on a billing schedule. Keeping track of each rental contract and generating invoices can be a time-consuming process. Having an automated billing engine that manages this process can simplify this process for long term rentals. With NetScore’s billing engine, invoice generation can be automated and can consider discounts for individual items or for the entire rental contract.

Accounting for your rental business requires the need to properly recognize revenue, capture costs, and even depreciate your rental assets. NetScore’s rental management solution handles everything needed to properly account for your rental business and manage it with your NetSuite financial solution.

While there is a lot to consider in managing your rental business, our team of experts and software solution will ensure your rental business will deliver the desired results. If now is the time to explore how you can expand your business model to include equipment rentals, reach out to NetScore Account Executive to get things started.

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