Logistics teams spend 50% of time on manual tasks

Last update: 27.06.2025

In this blog:

1. Why automate crucial delivery management processes
2. Six processes to automate
3. Increase order entry by 25%
4. A tried and tested tool
5. Further reading: Delivery automation FAQs
6. Other relevant blogs to read

Why automate crucial delivery management processes

According to research, a third of logistics workers spend more than 50% of their time on manual tasks.^[1] It’s an issue that’s particularly acute in the warehouse and delivery management process. Far too many organizations try to make do with managing deliveries manually or using spreadsheets, while paper-based processes remain rife. This often leads to delays and holdups - something that is particularly problematic during peak season and other busy periods.

Automating many of the day-to-day tasks could free up time for valuable activity. Doing so enables retailers to offer a better customer experience, respond more quickly to spikes in demand, and minimize errors. The right delivery management platform can be the ‘beating heart’ of high-performance logistics and fulfillment capabilities – delivering efficiencies, stronger loyalty, and increased sales, too.

Six processes to automate

To help save time and increase efficiency across the logistics process, nShift has identified six processes that ecommerce companies and logistics providers can automate across the supply chain:

1. Order management – Trexico Logistics recently made order entry 25% more efficient by working with nShift, transforming a highly complex process into something that can be managed through one platform
2. Carrier booking – working with a platform that can automate the carrier booking process leads to significant time savings. To give the business the flexibility it needs, it’s crucial that the platform connects to a wide range of carriers, widening the choices available to customers
3. Label printing – creating the correct label, regardless of the carrier requirements, including the bar code or manifest, increases accuracy and speeds up the process
4. Shipping documents –customs and other key documents can be automatically generated alongside the shipping label to further streamline the delivery process
5. Picking and packing– when inventories get larger, ensuring the right label is printed for each package becomes even more important.  Automated label printing helps increase the accuracy and efficiency of key warehouse processes
6. Returns management – automating returns processes makes it easier to check items back in and reduce customer service costs

Increase order entry by 25%

Trexico Logistics is a full-service logistics provider. It needed an integrated software solution that would enable it to manage operations with greater speed and efficiency. It used nShift Transsmart and Boltrics, enabling it to connect with existing carriers seamlessly and to add new ones instantly whenever needed. It also made the process of onboarding new customers much quicker and easier.

Since implementing the new solution, Trexico has seen a drastic improvement in efficiency with order entry now 25% more efficient compared to the old system. You can read more about this, and other successful implementations of automation in the warehouse in our customer stories.

A tried and tested tool

nShift is a tried and tested delivery management tool, that enables warehouses to automate crucial delivery management processes. Businesses all over the world trust us to power their mission-critical shipments. With our range of solutions, ecommerce companies can provide an end-to-end delivery experience from checkout to returns. Book a tailored consultation to find out how the nShift platform can help you automate crucial delivery management processes.

Further reading: Delivery automation FAQs

What percentage of time do logistics teams spend on manual tasks?

Around one third of logistics workers spend more than 50 percent of their time on manual and repetitive tasks like data entry, printing labels, and updating spreadsheets. This keeps them from working on higher-value actions.

Why is spending so much time on manual tasks a problem?

Manual work causes delays, errors, and slow responses—especially during peak times like holidays. It also takes time away from strategic work that could improve performance and customer satisfaction.

What kinds of tasks can be automated in logistics?

Tasks such as order entry, carrier booking, label creation, shipping document generation, picking and packing coordination, and returns handling can all be automated to save time and reduce mistakes.

How does automation improve logistics operations?

Automation speeds up processes, reduces human error, and frees logistics staff to focus on analysis and strategy. It also helps companies keep up with demand spikes and offer better customer experiences.

What impact can automation have on customer experience?

With fewer delays and errors, customers receive their orders faster and more reliably. This builds trust, increases satisfaction, and can boost repeat purchases and loyalty.

Other relevant blogs to read:

Five delivery tips to make customers buy

3 ways to manage customer expectations for Black Friday delivery

How building a seamless last-mile delivery experience can help business growth

^[1] https://www.bizagi.com/en/blog/want-a-resilient-supply-chain-time-to-automate-manual-processes

Author

Mattias Gredenhag

Chief Technology Officer

Mattias heads up the performance of nShift’s multipurpose software, overseeing product management and leading research & development projects. Mattias has more than 12 years of experience in the Delivery Management industry and the SaaS market, holding various senior positions in the industry for many years.