How Spoton Logistics’ newly launched self-service portal is solving MSMEs’ logistic problems
Bengaluru-based Spoton Logistics operates across 350+ locations. Its new portal will cover over 22,000 pin codes across India, including Patna, Ranchi, Chennai, and Ambala.
Logistics company Spoton Logistics recently said it is developing customisable solutions for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, including retail traders, to support the small businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bengaluru-based company aims to cover 22,000 pin codes across India, covering Tier I, II, and III cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Ranchi, Patna, Ambala, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc.
From heavy-weight consignments to cargo, to the most fragile little possessions — the express delivery company, operating across more than 350 locations.
Speaking to SMBStory, Abhik Mitra, Managing Director and CEO, Spoton Logistics, said, unlike large companies, MSMEs do not have big logistics teams, but their requirements are equally critical. So, Abhik and his team decided to leverage technology to solve this problem.
He added, “The solution will allow them to place an order on the platform without having to make a call, print the label, the consignment note, and track it throughout until it reaches the destination. This way, the SMB owners will have everything done on their desktop without having an army of people to carry out this process.” This service will also include return items processes.
Spoton has leveraged various technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) while building the backend to make the portal seamless and convenient for MSMEs to use.
Its customer self-service portal will be sector agnostic and will help in the transportation of items like computers, laptops, mobile phones, garments, etc.
The logistics company provides its services in five broad verticals — Road Express, Air Express, Spot Retail (movement of small consignments that do not require industrial packing), Edu Express (a simplified transport solution for students for movement of their study material and personal consignments), and Spot Xhibit (specialised services with a standard operating process for moving exhibit material across locations).
The logistics sector amidst COVID-19
The logistics sector was hit hard in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with supply chains throughout the world facing disruption. However, this paved way for the strengthening of the local supply chains.
Attesting to this trend, Abhik says, since the last year, the company has seen an upswing of 45 percent in terms of business.
He adds, “People are producing more in India, there is more movement between the unorganised and the organised sector, imports are coming in less, and there were a lot of pending consignments because of the lockdown, which was later released.”
The National Logistics Policy has been under development for a few months now. If reports are to be believed, the policy will be rolled out soon after getting proper approvals from the cabinet.
Abhik says this crucial policy will help in streamlining the transportation processes. He says, “The new policy will be driven by three main themes — simplification, multimodal, and technology.”
This means the government will simplify the processes, make the transportation system multimodal using rail, road, ship, etc., and finally, leverage technology to integrate processes.
Spoton caters to about 5,500 clients, including Reliance, Bosch, HCL, and Godrej, and ecommerce companies Flipkart and Amazon.
Edited by Suman Singh