Podfather: how telematics helps win over customers
Technology provider Podfather has outlined the efficiency and customer service benefits for fleets of its proof of delivery (POD) solution.
“Telematics is at the heart of any delivery tracking capability and smartphones have improved so much that you don’t always need a dedicated ‘black box’ tracker,” said Jane Geary, marketing director at Podfather.
“Phones are simply now trackers in their own right. However, they need to be an integral part of a wider connected system… Tracking the consignment to the point of delivery is of course a key part of a real-time electronic POD solution.
“Podfather has developed and refined a system that automates many of the tasks associated with managing deliveries. The system tracks in real-time so the office can see exactly where a driver is and whether the delivery is going to be on time. If there is a delay, customers can be informed and the ETA updated.
Jane Geary of Podfather
“Drivers also use their smartphone for navigation to each drop, so again telematics is an integral part of the system. Drivers receive their delivery jobs electronically and can use the app to take photos and they can use their device to do their vehicle checks and receive messages.
“The ePOD facility meanwhile is a simple-to-use app, with sign-on-glass replacing paper delivery dockets or tickets. The POD transmits in real time back to the office and your customers can receive immediate email notifications, and texts if required.”
Much of the demand for Podfather is currently being driven by a need to improve customer service, says Jane; and HG Walter, which supplies meat to high end retailers, restaurants and catering operations, is one company seeing the impact of Podfather’s technology in this area.
Leon Hackett, HG Walter’s logistics and operations manager, explained: “Before Podfather the management of deliveries was proper old school with paper-based picking notes, a printer producing duplicate copies of delivery notes and driver knowledge that would challenge that of a London cabbie!
“So, we realised we needed better visibility with tracking and more control of the delivery operation. I introduced the ethos that our drivers’ job is not just to deliver but to prove they have delivered.”
He continued: “With Podfather we can show a customer in which fridge a delivery was left, at what time and on what date. We can even show them a photo of the member of staff that signed for it.
“This intelligence, available at the click of a button, has greatly reduced the resource required to deal with queries, has dramatically reduced the number of credit notes or duplicate orders we have to issue and has therefore had a significant financial impact on the business.
“The ability to share this information with customers and also keep them informed as deliveries are made has also positively impacted our customer service.”
