Definition
Exception alerts are automated notifications that let you know when there's a problem with a delivery. This isn't just a standard status update; it's a flag that something has gone wrong. This could happen if the address is wrong, the weather causes delays, there are issues at customs, or the delivery attempt fails for some reason.
In logistics, managing these "exceptions" efficiently is often the difference between a satisfied customer and a lost contract. By catching the problem early, you can often fix it before the customer even notices something is wrong.
Key Features
A good exception management system doesn't just tell you something is wrong; it gives you the tools to fix it.
Real-time notifications
You can't fix a problem you don't know about. Real-time alerts enable immediate action to address delays. For example, if a driver can't access a building, a dispatcher can call the customer immediately rather than finding out at the end of the shift.
Detailed reporting
Vague alerts aren't helpful. Detailed reporting gives specifics of the issue, like the cause (e.g., "vehicle breakdown" or "incorrect address") and the specific location. This helps you identify patterns—if one postcode constantly triggers exceptions, you might need to investigate the route data.
Customisable notifications
Not everyone needs to know everything. Customisable notifications allow targeted alerts for specific teams or stakeholders. You can set threshold levels so that a manager is only notified if a high-value package is delayed, or if a driver reports three failed deliveries in a row.
How It Helps
Exception alerts help delivery drivers and logistics managers by bringing issues to their attention quickly, reducing downtime and improving resolution speed.
- For Drivers: It removes the guesswork. If they flag an issue, they know the office sees it instantly.
- For Managers: It allows for "management by exception." Instead of watching every dot on a map, managers only focus on the deliveries that are actually in trouble.
- For Customers: Proactively addressing exceptions ensures better customer satisfaction. If you can call a customer to reschedule before they call you to complain, you've turned a negative experience into a neutral or positive one.
How Geo2 Handles Exception Alerts
Geo2 is built to keep the daily grind simple, so our exception handling is designed to be practical for the people actually doing the work.
Proof of Delivery (POD)
Geo2 includes functionality to mark deliveries as successful, failed, or partially completed, ensuring clarity at every stage. When a driver marks a stop as failed, they can immediately select a reason code, which logs the exception instantly in the system.
Email Notifications
We know you can't stare at a dashboard all day. Geo2 automatically sends detailed exception notifications to fixed recipients, like managers handling failed deliveries. These emails include order details and an attached PDF for further insights, so you have all the info you need to solve the problem right in your inbox.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An exception alert is triggered by any event that disrupts the planned delivery flow. Common triggers include incorrect addresses, recipient unavailability (no one home), vehicle breakdowns, weather delays, or damaged goods.