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Beyond Go-Live: Continuous Shipping System Optimization 

Published Date
Author Katy Schroedl, Content Marketing Manager

Discover why a go-live isn’t the finish line and identify key areas to continuously optimize your shipping software

The launch of a new shipping system can feel like crossing the finish line of a major race. The planning, the implementation, the training – it all culminates in that pivotal 'go-live' moment.


However, in the shipping world, this isn't the end of the journey. In many ways, a ‘go-live’ is just the beginning of a crucial phase: continuous optimization. While a successful go-live signifies a significant milestone, treating it as the final destination can leave valuable opportunities for improvement untapped. It's important to recognize that achieving true optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time event [Shipping Software Implementations: Why Quick Wins Are a Myth].


Let’s look closer at why continuous optimization is essential for maximizing the long-term value of your shipping system, driving sustained efficiency, and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of today’s supply chain environment.

The Pitfalls of a "Set It and Forget It" Mentality 

It's easy to think that once you’ve had a successful go-live, you can sit back and let your new shipping system take care of itself. However, adopting a 'set it and forget it' mentality with your shipping software can lead to missed opportunities.


The initial configuration, while carefully planned, is based on the data and understanding you had at that time. As your business evolves, shipping volumes fluctuate (hello, peak season!), carrier services change, and customer expectations shift, the initial setup may no longer be the most efficient or cost-effective.


Ignoring these changes can result in:

  • Poor Cost Management: Initial carriers and the business rules controlling service level choices and rating are based on a snapshot in time. Over time, carrier rates change, new surcharges are introduced, and your shipping patterns may shift. Without ongoing analysis and adjustments, you could be missing out on opportunities for better rates, more cost-productive carrier mixes, or rules that automatically avoid new surcharges, leading to significantly higher shipping expenses than necessary.
  • Decreased Efficiency: Workflows that were once streamlined might become cumbersome as new needs emerge or customer shopping patterns evolve. Processes that required specific manual steps initially might now be automatable with new system features or configuration tweaks.
  • Missed Opportunities for Automation: While routine updates and maintenance happen automatically, unlocking the full value of your shipping software requires more than just staying current. Without a proactive approach to optimization, your business could miss out on powerful new features, deeper integrations, and automation opportunities that reduce manual tasks, minimize errors, and boost overall efficiency.
  • Reduced Visibility and Insights: The wealth of data generated by your shipping system is a goldmine for identifying trends, bottlenecks, and areas for strategic improvement. A 'set it and forget it' approach means this data isn't regularly analyzed, leading to overlooked chances to optimize carrier performance, identify cost-saving measures, and improve the customer experience.

Key Areas for Continuous Optimization 

Continuous optimization isn't a one-size-fits-all project. It requires a focused approach across several key areas of your shipping operations and system configuration. Here are some critical aspects to regularly review and refine:

  • Carrier Performance and Selection: Continuously monitor carrier performance metrics like on-time delivery, damage rates, and billing accuracy. Analyze your shipping data to identify trends and opportunities to adjust carrier allocations based on cost, service, and reliability for different lanes and service levels.
  • Business Rules and Workflows: Periodically evaluate your existing business rules. As your business evolves, new rules may be needed to optimize for changing priorities, customer requirements, or cost considerations. Streamline workflows within your shipping solution to eliminate unnecessary steps and manual interventions.
  • Integration Effectiveness: Your shipping system should seamlessly integrate with other platforms like your warehouse management system (WMS), order management system (OMS), e-commerce platform or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, allowing you to regularly assess the health and efficiency of these connections. Ensure data flow is streamlined and accurate to avoid errors and delays [5 Integration Nightmares and How to Avoid Them for a Seamless Shipping Workflow].
  • New Features and Updates: Your shipping platform may evolve in the background with regular automatic updates and routine maintenance, but not every enhancement will automatically benefit your business. Staying informed about new features, carrier additions, and integration options allows you to strategically assess which ones can drive efficiency, unlock new capabilities, and solve operational challenges.

The Long-Term Rewards of Continuous Optimization 

Focusing on the continuous optimization for your shipping system yields significant and lasting rewards. By making ongoing review and refinement a core part of your logistics strategy, you're not just fixing immediate issues; you're building a more resilient, efficient, and cost-effective shipping operation for the future. The long-term benefits include:

  • Sustained Cost Savings: Regularly optimizing your rate shopping logic and business rules, and surcharge avoidance strategies ensures you're always operating in the most cost-efficient manner.
  • Enhanced Operational Agility: A continuously optimized shipping platform allows you to adapt more quickly to changes in your business, the carrier landscape, and customer expectations.  
  • Improved Customer Experience: Efficient and budget-friendly shipping translates to better service for your customers, fostering loyalty and positive brand perception.
  • Data-Driven Strategic Decisions: The ongoing analysis of your shipping data provides important insights that can inform broader supply chain strategies and business decisions.
  • Maximized ROI on Your Technology Investment: By actively working to improve and adapt your multi-carrier shipping solution, you ensure you're getting the most out of your investment and leveraging its full potential over time.

The journey beyond go-live is where the true power of your shipping system is unlocked. By embracing ongoing improvements, you transform your shipping from a static function into a dynamic, strategic advantage.

ProShip: Your Partner in Continuous Optimization 

ProShip’s industry-leading multi-carrier shipping software is designed to be more than just a parcel execution platform – it’s built to empower your continuous optimization efforts. Here's how ProShip facilitates ongoing improvement:

  • Data-Rich Environment: ProShip captures granular shipping data across all carriers and services, providing the detailed information you need for in-depth analysis. This wealth of data is the fuel for identifying trends, spotting inefficiencies, and making informed decisions. [Learn more about ProShip’s tracking, analytics, and data solutions]
  • Flexible Business Rules: ProShip's robust and configurable business rules allow you to easily adapt your shipping logic as your needs change. You can quickly modify rate shopping carrier and service level criteria and other parameters to optimize for cost, speed, or other factors.
  • Seamless Integrations: ProShip's versionless architecture enables seamless integration with your other business systems (ERP, WMS, etc.). This ensures smooth data flow and eliminates data silos, providing a holistic view of your supply chain. The ability to integrate smoothly with other systems is often a result of an open and well-designed architecture, allowing for greater flexibility and data sharing [Why Open Architecture Matters].
  • Ongoing Support and Updates: ProShip is committed to continuous improvement, both in our platform and in our partnership with you. We provide ongoing support and regularly release updates with new features and enhancements to help you stay ahead of the curve. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our development practices [Continuous Release, Continuous Deployment: Why Your Shipping Software Can't Live Without It], ensuring you always have access to the latest advancements.

Ready to transform your shipping from a static function into a dynamic, strategic advantage? Schedule a discovery call with ProShip today to explore how our shipping platform can empower your continuous optimization journey and drive lasting improvements in your shipping operations.