Grasshopper vs. IDLS

Overview

It is essential for businesses to find the right delivery model that can support their company’s operation needs through an effective workflow. In this blog, we compare Grasshopper and IDLS- both cloud-based technology platforms for managing logistics. We’ve broken down each model to help you find the best fit for your business demands.

IDLS

IDLS (Integrated Delivery and Logistics Systems) is an information technology company that builds delivery management software for last mile delivery providers. IDLS application allows carriers to manage delivery dispatch, inventory organization, and billing settlements through their platform that also supports mobile management. 

Grasshopper

Grasshopper Labs was founded with a single mission in place: to embed technology into the traditional industry’s supply chain + logistics processes, and help customers discover the efficiencies a cutting-edge technology can provide in their business. Grasshopper empowers hundreds of delivery terminals, retailers, and delivery networks that service thousands of customers every day through its single mobile application. Its technology provides businesses with end-to-end ERP solutions designed to help operate your logistics and business growth cost-effectively, with real-time visibility through your entire supply chain system. 

GrasshopperIDLS
IndustrySmall / Medium / Large product Businesses + Delivery Networks:
– Retailers (furniture, sports/medical equipment, etc.)
– Final-mile delivery operations
– LTL + FTL carriers
– Last mile delivery networks
Complete Mobile Management
Route OptimizationGrasshopper’s OrchesTruck module automatically generates your most efficient routes in consideration to make shipping process easier, including large bulky products. OT calculates:
– volume density
– account profile
– service level
– region/manifest management
– real-time traffic data
With additional filters updated in real-time to adjust at your convenience
IDLS automatically arrange stop order based on:
– fastest route w/ ETA
– arrival time guarantees
– assembly time
Tracking– real-time driver tracking + order status- complete transparency into order status with recorded history + present data: date of booking, hub, warehouse, claims, payment, damage, inspection, calls, outbound, etc– real time driver tracking + order status
– ETA calculations + route monitoring
– document delivery workflow
Automatic Notifications
Delivery SchedulingThe consumer (ultimate recipient of delivery) can self-schedule deliveries for their shipment by accessing a list of available delivery dates using Grasshopper’s transparent technology.Customers must request specific delivery times to honor them
Warehouse + Inventory Management SystemComplete WMS built into mobile app with automatic notifications:
– manage inventory across multiple locations
– usage allocation / forecasting
– inbound / outbound lane update
– oversee SKUs + in-stock merchandise
– track item dimension/weight/condition to estimate vehicle capacity + confirm ready to ship
– split/combine + manage returns for oversized products
– barcode scanning
IDLS WMS mobile integration supports the following:
– receiving
– OS & D reporting
– LIFO / FIFO Fulfillment
– returns processing
– barcode scanning
Order ManagementFull tracking of each piece in every order, from time of pickup to the consignee delivery, whether it’s on a truck or in your warehouse:
– across multi regions- generate any reports (performance, revenue, success rates, distance, etc.)
– track / analyze P&L data by region, quarter, customer, etc.
– built-in notifications system
– cost automation calculator- customer surveys
IDLS allow you to queue every order into its action center for scheduling with customer communication:
– order ready to be scheduled
– time frame calls
– surveys
– address errors
– orders that failed geocoding requiring manual update
IntegrationsGrasshopper’s API provides customized flexibility to integrate with your business enterprise systems to enable a seamless operation control in addition to some of the well-known business platforms:
– Shopify
– QuickBooks
– Amazon S3
– SalesForce
– CommerceHub
And more!
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Integrated Shipping CalculatorGrasshopper provides integrated pricing system with complete transparency that automatically calculates based on each service level for you to manage considering: distance, service level, fuel, account profile, units, etcYou can calculate freight charges based on ratings + units of measure contained in your client contracts
Calls Recording(x)
Customer DashboardGrasshopper isn’t just for your team – your customers also have access to the dashboard, where they can check on and update all of their orders without the hassle associated with excessive email traffic. All changes in order status or specifications are automatically communicated to the appropriate team members.(x)
Reports & DocumentationReports can be generated from any part of your operation sector (payments/hubs/POD/etc): 
– all deliveries made within a chosen date range on behalf of a chosen retailer
– all orders in the warehouse ready to be scheduled
– all pieces ready to be picked from inbound trailers.
IDLS gives you access to review your load documentations: manifest, BOL, route summary, COD reports
Business InsightTrack your critical KPIs automatically, with customized reports for you to analyze and assess your business performance:
– sales + deliveries
– margin by customer + cost per delivery
– analyze performance of individual teams, hubs, regions, etc.
– optimize spending
– export all reports to CSV
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Grasshopper offers a full package solution to scale up not just your logistics operations, but your entire supply chain management through its single platform. It was designed to enable retailers, delivery networks, and eCommerce brands to grow their business without having to integrate with various costly applications. From managing warehouse and route optimization to accounting and assessing business performance, let Grasshopper do the work to leverage your company to its full potential through a seamless, cost-effective process. 

To learn more about Grasshopper, feel free to contact us here. We would love to tell you more about what our technology can do for your business.