Ekart tracking guide — statuses, troubleshooting and what each scan means

Efficient order tracking is a critical component of ecommerce success, driving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. However, tracking issues with logistics partners can create significant challenges for Indian D2C and B2B merchants. These issues often lead to customer complaints, delayed deliveries, and even order cancellations. The reliability of tracking information and the ability to resolve issues quickly are paramount. For merchants leveraging Ekart, understanding tracking statuses and knowing how to troubleshoot can mean the difference between a successful transaction and a customer service nightmare. Let's dive into how Ekart tracking works and how merchants can optimize this process using ShipyBox.

Key Takeaways

Understand Ekart's Tracking Statuses: Each status in the tracking process has a specific meaning and requires appropriate action from merchants.
Troubleshoot Efficiently: Immediate steps to resolve errors and correctly interpret tracking information can minimize shipment disruptions.
Utilize ShipyBox's Tools: Leveraging AI RTO Shield and ShipyBox merchant panel can improve delivery success rates and reduce return orders (RTO).
Track Metrics: Focus on critical metrics such as first-attempt delivery rates and RTO percentages to improve operational performance.
Integrate Smart Solutions: Use Smart Courier Allocation and Weight Reconciliation for cost efficiencies and accurate billing.

Understanding Ekart's Tracking Statuses

Ekart, as one of the major logistics partners in India, provides a range of tracking statuses that convey different stages of the delivery process. Being able to interpret these statuses accurately is crucial for merchants.

Shipment Dispatched

When a shipment is dispatched, it means that the package has left the seller's location and is on its way to a sorting facility. At this point, ensuring accurate documentation and secure packaging is essential to prevent delays. Merchants can facilitate this process by correctly generating the shipment manifest and labeling AWB codes.

In Transit and Out for Delivery

This stage indicates that the package is moving through various logistical hubs towards the delivery address. The package’s progress can be monitored through the shipment tracker. Merchants should keep an eye on these statuses to preemptively address any potential issues that may arise from regional delivery challenges.

Delivered or Attempted Delivery

A "Delivered" status signifies successful delivery, while "Attempted Delivery" indicates that delivery was attempted but could not be completed. Address discrepancies or unavailability of the recipient are common causes. Utilizing NDR Intelligence helps manage such exceptions by providing timely alerts and solutions to enhance delivery completion rates.

RTO Initiated

The RTO or Return to Origin process is triggered when a delivery fails and needs to be sent back. This is crucial for cash flow, especially for COD orders. Pairing your operations with ShipyBox solutions like Early COD Remittance ensures your business isn't strained financially while managing returns.

Troubleshooting Tracking Issues

Operational disruptions often stem from misinterpreted tracking statuses or technical glitches. Here are strategies to troubleshoot effectively:

Analyze the Shipment Journey

Utilize Shipment Intelligence to review and analyze the journey of each package. This solution provides insights into where issues occur, enabling you to make data-driven corrections swiftly.

Address Weight Discrepancies

Incorrect weight can cause shipment delays or extra charges. Regular audits using Weight Reconciliation ensure unmatched weights are identified and resolved before dispatch, preventing any undue expenses or delays.

Improve NDR Management

Managing non-deliveries or delays is critical. NDR management systems automate follow-ups with customers to confirm details or schedules, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful deliveries on subsequent attempts. This directly contributes to higher customer satisfaction and reduced RTOs.

Metrics to Track for Improved Operations

The key to optimal logistics performance lies in monitoring and improving specific metrics:

First-Attempt Delivery Rate

Track how many deliveries are successfully completed on the first attempt. This metric sheds light on logistic efficiency and areas requiring attention, such as better address verification or driver allocation.

Return Rate

Keep a close watch on the number of orders marked as returned. High return rates can indicate issues ranging from inadequate packaging to order quality. Engage tools like the AI RTO Shield to predict and prevent potential returns even before dispatch.

How ShipyBox Supports the Tracking Process

ShipyBox is equipped with features designed to enhance merchants' tracking capabilities and solve common logistical challenges.

Real-Time Shipment Tracking

By integrating our ShipyBox merchant panel, merchants can provide their customers with real-time tracking information, enhancing transparency and trust. ShipyBox's platform ensures you're always aware of your shipments' status, allowing for proactive customer communication.

Streamlined Courier Management

Effective use of our Smart Courier Allocation can optimize your choice of logistic partners based on performance data, further improving delivery times and service quality.

Resource Efficiency

Explore free playbooks and tools provided by ShipyBox to educate your operations teams on best practices, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency throughout the order fulfillment process.

Trying to bring RTO down?
Run a quick check with the RTO Loss Calculator or book a free RTO audit with the ShipyBox team.

FAQ

What should I do if the tracking status hasn't updated for several days?

First, confirm the status through Ekart’s platform. Sometimes, delays in status updates can be due to backend synchronization issues. If the problem persists, reach out to ShipyBox support for guidance using the shipment tracker on potential causes and solutions.

How can I reduce the number of RTO orders?

Using the AI RTO Shield helps preemptively identify risky orders that are more likely to result in RTOs. Also, ensure address validation and clear communication through NDR management.

What actions should I take if a delivery fails?

Check for issues flagged in the NDR Intelligence dashboard. Often missed deliveries can be rectified by confirming the recipient's details or scheduling a re-attempt. Make use of calls and messages for better customer coordination.

How can ShipyBox assist with COD-related challenges?

ShipyBox offers Early COD Remittance solutions to ensure cash flow is not disrupted by pending COD settlements. Additionally, our services provide a detailed analysis of COD orders to improve future cash management strategies.

Is there a way to automate tracking updates for customers?

Yes, by leveraging ShipyBox's automated notifications feature powered by the ShipyBox merchant panel, you can ensure your customers receive timely updates directly through SMS or email.

Sources

Ekart Logistics Official Website
ShipyBox Knowledge Base
Industry Reports and Market Analysis on Indian Ecommerce Logistics
Interviews with Operational Managers in Indian Ecommerce Retail
Whitepapers on Logistics Optimization in India

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