Why New Software? And Why Now?

Why New Software? Why Now?

Change does not always equal customer satisfaction. But in the digital age, change is ubiquitous, inevitable, and predictable. Yogi Berra once famously said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, Yogi didn’t live in the digital era. These days, software needs updating. Whether to keep up with the latest hardware or to incorporate more functionality, software needs to be fluid, adaptable, and flexible.

The SPL Group is a service-based business and as such strives to keep its customers happy. Our current Version 1 of operating software is proprietary and built in-house. SPL Group is now transitioning from it to Version 2. Think of it as our Windows 95 or iOS 8, or switching from a diesel-powered car to an electric one. Sure, you can still drive the diesel and it will work, it’s just that the world is moving away from it and to electric. Our software is a newer, more utilitarian version going in the direction change is taking us.

When to Patch vs. When to Scrap

Software need not be great, possessing all sorts of bells and whistles to remain relevant and functional for a long time. So long as the software competently functions within the ecosystem it services, you can get years of use. Like anything else, it needs the occasional maintenance, but if it is resilient it will last.

Shipping had for years been a relatively complacent and straightforward business. You had a parcel, it needed to get from Point A to Point B. You opened up a shipping program on your computer, printed a label, ordered a pick-up, and moved on. Simple patchwork was certainly enough to keep your software running efficiently, staying updated, and keeping its functionality.

On the surface shipping is still a straightforward business but it is no longer complacent. Amazon, eCommerce, Covid, and a host of other factors have made shipping a more integral part of doing business. With the exponential growth comes changing regulations, varying carrier requirements, increased functionality, and the need for tighter security. Patchwork may just not be enough to adapt. Companies like SPL Group which invest heavily in technology, employ a combination of vision, common sense, and practicality when deciding to completely overhaul their perfectly functioning software.

Creating a new version of the software is an ideal opportunity to implement customer feedback. At SPL Group, we have incorporated many refinements our clients have told us will make their operation run smoother like more detailed billing for example. With all software updates, the goal is to provide more, efficient capabilities. At SPL Group, we prioritize our investment in technology and will continue to make improvements and adjust to the latest capabilities, trends, and efficiencies our new technology offers.

Improved Infrastructure

Shipping needs are growing, FAST! With growth comes the need to be able to add features and adapt to changing regulations. For example, seamlessly integrating new carriers or services onto the platform. And, your business is growing too. You need to be able to ship through multiple entities, whether different branches, locations, or corporations. Maybe you need separate billing for each, or perhaps they have different names but you need one consolidated bill.

Version 2 technology allows for either but would have been difficult or impossible to create with simple patchwork. Software capable of pivoting and adjusting to these modifications in real-time is only made possible by employing newer coding and programming.

Creating a new version of the software is an ideal opportunity to implement customer feedback. At SPL Group, we have incorporated many refinements our clients have told us will make their operation run smoother like more detailed billing for example. With all software updates, the goal is to provide more, efficient capabilities. At SPL Group, we prioritize our investment in technology and will continue to make improvements and adjust to the latest capabilities, trends, and efficiencies our new technology offers.

New Features and Old Features Improved

SPL Group has added or improved many features including the following just to name a few: Predictive search, auto-fill labels, direction swapping, address save, custom dimensions, additional shipping options, pick-up scheduling, filters on searches, and more.

Since cyber security is paramount, it is important to focus on the fact that those who seek to hack and break into commercial web-based programs are getting more sophisticated and bold; SPL Group’s new software gives you added protection against online predators. 

These changes enhance user experience even while the old version still functions efficiently and safely. It’s not just about today, it’s also about being prepared for the changes that are coming down the road and having adaptable software in place for them.

SPL Group’s Version 2 will also make international shipments easier to navigate and offers alerts to fill in required fields so as not to cause delays. It has also added downloadable instructions for printing labels and technical resources to guide you through the process. It offers additional shipping options and easy access to tracking your parcels.

Pick Your Service vs. Rate Shopping

Consumers of technology take for granted pointing, clicking, and receiving a list of choices based on their specifications. Think of websites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Kayak, and Booking.com to name just a few. When you search on Expedia for a flight from New York to Miami, it does not give you say, only the United Airlines flights, it gives you all of the airlines flying on the dates you are looking for.

SPL Group’s Version 1 was a powerful and successful software that efficiently got parcels delivered but the code it was written in necessitated our clients to pick the service they wanted or needed. Version 2 now gives more choices. One can search by cost or delivery time and the results seen on the screen include multiple carriers with various times of delivery and price ranges.

Investing in technology is crucial to remaining competitive, knowing what changes to make and when to make them requires foresight. Striking a balance between the cost and the necessity is well, a necessity. 

We feel that now is the time to move forward with our software because the future is calling to us and letting us know – what worked yesterday may not be enough tomorrow.

Contact us today to find out how our new software can help optimize your shipping operations.

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