Delivery Milestone
A delivery milestone represents a specific status update within the logistics process that marks the progress of a shipment from origin to destination. Common milestones include pickup confirmation, customs clearance, departure, in transit, and delivery completion. These checkpoints are logged and tracked in the ERP system to provide visibility, enable notifications, and support performance measurement. Delivery milestones help both service providers and customers stay informed and responsive throughout the shipping lifecycle.
How Delivery Milestones Work in Logistics?
Each shipment in the ERP system follows a timeline defined by delivery milestones. As events occur—such as the truck arriving at the warehouse or goods being handed over to the customer—the system logs those updates against the job file. Updates can be manually entered by operators or automatically synced via carrier APIs or mobile apps. These milestones trigger alerts, update customer portals, and drive follow-up actions like invoicing or issue resolution.
Delivery Milestones in Day-to-Day Logistics Operations
Progress Tracking and Notifications
Milestones give real-time insights into shipment status. Alerts and emails are sent automatically when key stages are completed or delayed.
Configurable Event Mapping
Users can define milestone types based on service models, like air freight, ocean freight, or last-mile delivery, for tailored tracking workflows.
Integration with Carriers and Drivers
Milestones are captured from carrier updates or driver apps, allowing ERP systems to reflect actual movement without manual data entry.
Performance and SLA Monitoring
Timely milestone completion is tracked against predefined service-level agreements (SLAs) to evaluate carrier performance and operational efficiency.
Customer Transparency and Support
Customers can view updated milestones through ERP-linked dashboards or portals, reducing the need for status inquiry calls and emails.
Conclusion
Delivery milestones are essential checkpoints that bring structure and visibility to logistics operations. By capturing each step of the delivery process in the ERP, companies gain control over execution, reduce uncertainty, and ensure proactive communication with customers. These milestones help simplify reporting, strengthen accountability, and support continuous improvement across the supply chain.