Order tracking: How to implement it effectively in logistics

Order tracking is a top priority in logistics nowadays. Customers expect to know the exact location and status of their purchase at any given time. In an increasingly competitive environment — where speed, transparency, and strict adherence to delivery dates make all the difference — having an efficient order tracking system is imperative. Besides improving the customer experience, it optimizes operational management, enabling companies to anticipate and resolve potential issues.

In this post, we explain how to deploy an automated order tracking system in your warehouse and what technologies will make the process efficient and hassle-free.

What is order tracking in logistics?

In logistics, order tracking is the process of monitoring each parcel’s location and status in real time, from warehouse processing to last-mile delivery. By scanning the package ID at each step, every movement is recorded: transit times, status changes, and incidents (if any).

This logistics tracking helps customers check their shipments and follow them at each stage. Moreover, it allows businesses to streamline their transportation routes, anticipate delays, and comply with their service level agreements (SLAs). In high-volume, fast-moving environments, an order tracking system is crucial for delivering competitive service both nationally and internationally.

Benefits of order tracking systems

Implementing an order tracking system offers clear advantages for both logistics operations and customer service. Its main benefits include:

• Real-time visibility. It gives logistics managers up-to-date information on the location and status of each order, making daily warehouse management and decision-making easier.
• Enhanced customer experience. Customers can access a tracking platform, check their tracking number, and monitor their order without having to contact the company. This eliminates uncertainty while building trust in the service.
• Fewer errors and claims. Automating order tracking reduces manual management, minimizes mistakes, and simplifies problem detection and resolution.
• Optimized logistics processes. Real-time tracking data provides valuable insights to analyze performance, identify bottlenecks, and speed up deliveries. These capabilities are vital for meeting SLAs.
• Control over the last mile. Integrating shipment tracking with carriers enables full oversight of the most critical delivery phase, helping avoid delays.

Key technologies for real-time order tracking

To implement an effective tracking system, it’s essential to integrate the various technologies connecting the warehouse, carriers, and customers:

• RFID scanners and smartphones. Barcode readers log each package in real time, linking a tracking number to each operation. Some companies also use GPS tracking to pinpoint shipments during transportation.
• Warehouse management system (WMS). This software centralizes inventory, order, and shipping information. It’s the mastermind that connects the warehouse to transportation providers and tracking platforms. For instance, Easy WMS features the Multi-Carrier Shipping Software module, which integrates multiple carriers. Additionally, it automates label creation, assigns tracking numbers, and updates shipment status across platforms.
• Transportation management system (TMS). TMS software organizes and optimizes shipments while maintaining real-time communication between the company and carriers. This is paramount for guaranteeing accurate real-time tracking.
• Tracking platforms. These systems allow customers to monitor their orders, check tracking numbers, or see a package’s current location anytime.
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP). This software unites all business processes, including sales, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution. Connecting an ERP system with WMS and TMS solutions enables end-to-end traceability, from order creation to customer delivery.

Step-by-step example: Implementing an order tracking system

Deploying an order tracking system isn’t merely about installing software. It involves integrating processes, technology, and teams to achieve more agile and traceable logistics processes. Prime examples of this are Wallbox and Stand-Privé.com, two companies that implemented tracking systems in collaboration with Mecalux:

Step 1. Needs and goals analysis

Every project starts with a detailed analysis. Wallbox, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicle chargers, faced the challenge of managing a growing volume of international orders while tracking every shipment in real time. Stand-Privé.com, a major French fashion e-commerce retailer, required fast processing of thousands of daily orders and full traceability to enhance the customer experience.

Step 2. WMS integration

Both businesses chose the Mecalux Group’s Easy WMS along with Multi-Carrier Shipping Software. This module connects to carriers and automates label management, shipping documentation, and data communication. This step involved:

• Configuring the software for their usual carriers (DHL, UPS, GLS, etc.).
• Integrating Easy WMS with ERP and e-commerce platforms (in Stand-Privé.com’s case).
• Customizing shipping rules and automatic carrier assignment based on destination, cost, or delivery time.

Step 3. User training and testing

The success of any implementation depends on people. Both Wallbox and Stand-Privé.com trained their warehouse associates and logistics managers so they’d become familiar with the system. Tests were conducted for label printing, data validation, and shipping process simulations to ensure a smooth, error-free launch.

Step 4. Go-live and daily operations

After training, the software solutions were deployed. For Wallbox, this allowed real-time visibility of every order, from fulfillment to last-mile delivery. This feature is a must for international distribution. Stand-Privé.com reduced shipping times and provided customers with detailed tracking information, even during peak periods such as sales events or Black Friday.

Step 5. Continuous optimization

Once the system was operational, both companies began analyzing data to maximize process efficiency. Wallbox utilizes information from Easy WMS and the Multi-Carrier Shipping Software module to plan international shipments and minimize logistics costs. Stand-Privé.com leverages traceability to manage issues proactively and strengthen customer loyalty.

Order tracking: A strategic foundation for logistics competitiveness

Order tracking is no longer just an added benefit — it’s a fundamental capability in modern logistics. Implementing an automated system ensures real-time traceability, lower costs, an improved customer experience, and compliance with demanding SLAs. For companies, it means turning logistics into a strategic area that drives value and competitiveness.