subject: Is Xml Integrated Shipping Important? [print this page] The courier industry is one which is becoming increasingly driven by technology. Often, the level of service that can be offered by a courier company is defined as much by the technology they have in place as it is by the quality of their vehicles or the training of their staff. When you're trying to choose which San Francisco courier service you should give your business too, using their technology to evaluate them is a very valid way of helping you decide which company to work with.
XML integrated shipping might not sound like one of those defining technologies which can mean you're going to have a great experience with a courier company, but in fact, it is exactly that. More and more, the way we interact with our couriers is through electronic means, typically through their website. The best types of sites that are going to allow you the maximum amount of control over your courier services from a computer are going to be those which are equipped with integrated shipping in XML format.
What XML shipping formatted sites present you with is essentially a great online portal where you can control of your shipping operations. This is extremely useful for people that prefer to conduct their business over the internet, instead of having to call their courier company every time they need something.
The types of features that you will find on a courier's site who has integrated XML format shipping are things like the ability to place your orders online. Advanced GPS tracking systems are also usually present. If you're working with a courier that offers storage, this will often also include inventory management and fulfillment order placement options. Generally, almost every type of request that you make from your courier company can be made with this type of software in place. Even for the user of courier services that only uses their most basic services, the ability to quickly and easily place orders online is one that most people greatly appreciate.
There are a lot of advantages to using software to communicate with your courier rather than the telephone. First, you can do it from anywhere, as Wi-Fi networks and smart phones have freed us from our desktops when it comes to using the web. It is a time saver, because you can multitask and complete other jobs while you're ordering courier service, and because you don't have to wait on hold to talk to someone at the courier company.