Best Grocery Delivery Software for 2024

Updated on January 09, 2024 by Alina Kostukova

Online Grocery Delivery Market is anticipated to hit USD 965.4 billion by 2032, up from USD 258.6 billion in 2022, with a noteworthy CAGR of 14.3% throughout the forecast period.

This remarkable growth signals a surge in competition for grocery delivery businesses aiming to secure their spot on the market - and on customers' dining tables.

Whether you run a cozy local grocery store, a trendy organic food truck, or a sprawling hypermarket, the key to success lies in embracing cutting-edge technology for seamless delivery operations.

That's where grocery delivery management software comes in.

In this article, we'll guide you through the best grocery delivery software in 2024 and talk about the essential tools that can help you make deliveries faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

Jump to comparison
Track-POD
Routific
Detrack
Tookan
Instacart

Key tools of grocery delivery business software

Handling online grocery deliveries involves a complicated process that includes managing orders, dispatching fleets, and executing delivery procedures.

For food businesses where time and accuracy are critical, it's important for grocery delivery management software to simplify daily operations and enhance overall efficiency significantly.

Let's discuss the crucial functionality to look for when exploring grocery delivery business software.

1. Order management

Make sure your orders are on track and delivered on time with efficient order management.

The order management functionality features assist grocery delivery businesses in maintaining accurate customer and order details, ensuring prompt dispatch of orders to available couriers.

2. Delivery windows & order priority

Setting up delivery time windows and order priority is crucial for online grocery delivery software.

Since drivers handle perishable items, it is crucial to know when customers expect their orders.

This ensures that the goods arrive promptly, staying fresh and avoiding long waits at the customer's doorstep.

3. Route planning and optimization

Advanced grocery delivery management software goes beyond handling orders and focuses on planning the most efficient courier routes.

Given the large number of orders in grocery deliveries, algorithms for route optimization are employed to craft swift and optimal routes.

The goal is to guarantee that each grocery bag reaches its destination promptly and in optimal condition.

4. ETA & live tracking

Efficiently tracking a courier's location is crucial for both customers and dispatchers.

Live tracking and dynamic Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) enable accurate predictions of the courier's arrival time and allow customers to follow their orders in real-time. 

This not only prevents an overload of inquiries to the client support team but also streamlines customer service.

Having the option to personalize the live tracking page is an added advantage for any grocery delivery software. It not only creates a white-label experience but also provides an opportunity to showcase your brand identity.

5. Shipping labels

Handling a large number of orders, especially those involving perishable items, leaves little room for mistakes.

A practical solution to reduce the costs of delivery mistakes is to use shipping labels. Shipping labels include essential details like customer information, order and route details.

Moreover, shipping labels have unique QR or barcodes assigned to each order or item. By scanning each item before departure, you can perfrom a load planning and make sure that all goods are packed and nothing is left behind.

6. QR & barcode scanning

Ensuring effective scanning is essential for optimal performance when dealing with shipping labels. There are two options you can explore in this regard.

One option is to invest in external scanning devices from providers like Zebra or Newland.

Alternatively, you can convert your courier's smartphone into a high-performance barcode scanner using dedicated grocery delivery business software.

7. Driver app and ePOD

Using Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) is a great way to make grocery deliveries smoother and more reliable, reducing disputes and ensuring successful drop-offs.

An advanced online grocery delivery software should provide a dedicated mobile app for delivery couriers, enabling them to capture proof of delivery photos, make notes, enter reasons for rejection, and collect e-signatures.

Business cases for grocery delivery management software

Grocery delivery software has become crucial for food-related businesses looking to enhance customer experience and streamline daily operations.

From traditional supermarkets to niche specialty stores, various companies leverage this technology to optimize their logistics.

Here's a glimpse into the diverse range of businesses benefitting from grocery delivery management software:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores: Grocery delivery management software is extensively used by supermarkets and grocery stores to streamline their online ordering and delivery processes. These businesses leverage the software to manage fleet disptach, process orders efficiently, and coordinate deliveries to meet customer demands.
  
  
• Local farmers and farmers' markets: Grocery delivery software allows farmers to expand their reach beyond traditional markets by offering online ordering and home delivery services. This helps connect consumers directly with local produce while optimizing delivery logistics.
  
  
• Specialty food stores: Specialty food stores, such as organic or gourmet shops, use grocery delivery management software to provide a convenient and efficient way for customers to access unique, high-quality products.
  
  
• Meal prep delivery services: Businesses offering meal kit services heavily rely on grocery delivery management software to orchestrate the delivery of pre-portioned ingredients and meals to customers' doorsteps.The software facilitates coordinating suppliers, warehouses, and delivery teams to ensure accurate deliveries.
  
  
• Convenience stores: Convenience stores use grocery delivery software to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving retail landscape. This technology enables them to offer online grocery ordering and doorstep delivery services, enhancing customer convenience.
  
  
• Restaurants and cafes: In response to the growing demand for food delivery, many restaurants and cafes integrate grocery delivery management software into their operations. This allows them to offer prepared meals and raw ingredients or packaged goods for customers who prefer cooking at home.
  
  
• Corporate catering services: Businesses providing catering solutions benefit from online grocery delivery software. It aids in efficiently managing bulk orders and coordinating timely deliveries for corporate events or daily meal services.
  
  
• Health food stores: Stores specializing in health and wellness products, including supplements and organic items, use grocery delivery management software to provide a seamless online shopping experience. The software helps them manage orders and ensure that organic goods arrive on time and in perfect condition.

Best grocery delivery software

Track-POD pricing

Track-POD keeps it simple with flexible pricing options. You can go for 'per driver' plans, starting at $29 per month per vehicle/mo, or opt for 'per order' plans, beginning at $0.19 per task. Plus, there's a hassle-free 7-day free trial to check things out before you decide.

2. Routific

Routific is an easy-to-use software crafted for planning courier routes and overseeing grocery deliveries.

Alongside various essential grocery delivery management tools, Routific excels in the following key features:

• Order management: Organize orders and keep track of their deliveries efficiently.

• Route planning and optimization: Plan efficient delivery routes, saving time and resources while ensuring timely deliveries.

• Driver App and Driver App Lite: Enhance couriers' performance with a user-friendly app for drivers, available as a full mobile application and a Lite version on the web.

• ePOD: Capture essential delivery information with electronic signatures and photos (up to 5 pictures).

• Customer notifications: Keep customers in the loop by sending them personalized delivery notifications.

Routific Pricing

Routific's most affordable plan for an annual payment starts at $39 per vehicle per month. It's worth noting that live GPS and tracking features require an upgrade. You can explore the app at no cost with a 7-day free trial.

3. Detrack

Detrack offers an affordable solution for businesses, especially in the food delivery industry, catering to the needs of small to mid-sized delivery operations.

Detrack offers several ready-to-use tools tailored for grocery delivery:

• Route optimization (paid add-on, requires integration with ElasticRoute): Optimize delivery routes for efficiency.

• Delivery time windows: Set specific time frames for convenient deliveries.

• Live Tracking with ETAs: Provide real-time tracking and estimated arrival times for better visibility.

• SMS & Email Notifications: Keep customers informed with timely SMS and email notifications.

• Custom branding: Add a personal touch with custom branding options.

• Shipping labels & barcode scanning: Generate customized shipping labels and scan them for load planning.

• Proof of Delivery: Capture proof of delivery for documented completion.

Detrack pricing

Detrack follows a simple per-vehicle pricing model, starting at $26 per month, with a free plan available (with limited features). Route optimization through ElasticRoute comes at an additional $29 per month or a bundled pricing option of $44 (Detrack + ElasticRoute).

4. Tookan

Tookan is a tool designed for businesses looking to upgrade their daily grocery delivery services.

It offers a range of features for smooth coordination between delivery drivers and managers in the grocery sector:

• Route optimization (requires Mappr integration): Build the fastest routes between multiple stops.
  
  
• Driver app: Simplify daily deliveries with a mobile app for drivers.
  
  
• Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD): Confirm deliveries with e-signatures and photos.
  
  
• Barcode scanner: Easily scan generated barcodes for efficient load planning.
  
  
• Customer notifications: Set up and send shipping notifications for delivery visibility.
  
  
• 90 days of analytics (requires Kato integration): Access analytics data for improved performance.

Tookan pricing

Tookan follows a task-based model, with monthly costs based on the number of tasks. The basic plan covers 200 tasks and is priced at $39 per month with an annual subscription. Tookan offers a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to test the software before committing to a subscription.

5. Instacart

Instacart is a popular on-demand grocery delivery service that collaborates with local stores. It uses gig economy workers to shop for and deliver groceries to consumers. Acting as a middleman, Instacart connects customers with retailers. 

This app differs from others on our list by offering on-demand third-party order fulfillment services, while the rest are focused on in-house grocery delivery management.

Let's review some of the main tools offered by Instacart grocery delivery management software:

• Order management: Activate online ordering with a built-in order management tool.
  
  
• Fulfillment: Benefit from fulfillment solutions for online delivery and store or warehouse pickups.
  
  
• Delivery dispatching: Dispatch your deliveries to available couriers.
  
  
• Route optimization: Build the quickest routes from retail points to customers' doorsteps.
  
  
• Delivery live tracking: Dispatchers and customers can efficiently track deliveries on the map.
  
  
• Insights: Use data tools to enhance retail operations and make well-informed business decisions.
  

Instacart is only available in the US and Canada, meaning it's not an option for companies operating outside North America.

Instacart pricing

Instacart pricing depends on the partnership agreement. While there are no upfront fees, Instacart deducts a percentage from each order. There is no free trial option.

The final verdict

The grocery delivery scene is buzzing, highlighting the need for user-friendly grocery delivery management software to keep logistics running smoothly.

Critical features like order management, route optimization, ETA & live tracking, barcode scanner, and a driver app shine a spotlight on how tech ensures accurate and timely grocery deliveries.

When picking the right software for your online grocery delivery, think about what your business needs, the tools you require and prioritize, and your budget for logistics. The choice among the software options depends on finding the perfect balance for your delivery setup.

Got questions about our grocery delivery management solutions at Track-POD? Book a free custom demo, and we'll show you around!