100+ Logistics select ‘PODStar’ system to enhance delivery operation

Background

100+ Logistics are a general logistics provider based in Kirby-in-Ashfield. The company’s central location near Junction 28 of the M1 means that it is able to serve all areas of the UK. A large fleet of Mercedes vans and dedicated drivers provide a fast and reliable service that has enabled the company to acquire an enviable customer service reputation.

30 years plus of experience in logistics, quality processes and systems, plus a comprehensive range of services means the company can satisfy all logistics requirements. Their expertise in procurement, stock management and logistics means 100+ Logistics can design a complete logistics solution which gives the client the flexibility to meet today's changing business needs.  

The Project

After extensive research and evaluation of the latest available technologies, the management team at 100+ Logistics have commissioned an electronic proof of delivery system from Manchester-based Touchstar Technologies. The ‘PODStar’ system will solve the current challenges of a large paper trail, ensuring manual processes are optimised, credit control issues resolved and customer service improved.

The integrated PDA and web-based back-office solutions will allow 100+ Logistics to manage their operations in real-time and remove the problems associated with paper-based processes. The key objectives of the project were defined as;

• Implement an electronic proof of delivery solution to create a paperless environment.
• Create more efficient business processes through the integration of the cloud-based system and the PDA application.
• Create a real time view of the outbound delivery/collection operation
• Create real time communication with drivers to improve customer visibility.
• Reduce administration costs and improve the audit trail of delivery paperwork.
• Integrate with existing ERP software
• Provide real time tracking through mobile devices.
• Implement a vehicle checking process including the ability to specify mandatory photos for very specific/individual vehicle checks (i.e. front/rear/offside/nearside of vehicles)

The Solution

TouchStar’s ‘PODStar’ electronic proof of delivery solution is a back office and workforce automation tool consisting of three parts. Firstly a web-based application can be accessed globally through any web browser, and includes job tracking, driver tracking, delivery/collection information and customer information.  

Secondly an Android front-end application for PDAs provides a real-time communication interface with drivers, allowing the transmission of job and route information as well as confirmation of delivery. For 100+ Logistics an additional function was developed allowing for a mandatory photo of loaded vehicle immediately after load scanning at depot (to prove goods on vehicle before departure are all in good order).  

The third element is an Application Programming Interface (or API) which enables end-to-end integration with existing IT systems.  

Client Reaction

Scott Partridge, Managing Director of 100+ Logistics, is excited by the potential for the newly acquired system to transform their supply chain operation: “We were impressed by how the Touchstar team rapidly understood our business needs and by the overall capabilities of the software. We can readily drag and drop jobs onto runs and distribute seamlessly to the driver’s mobile devices. We’ll be able to plan routes and receive ETA information in real-time which will optimise our deliveries and improve our service to our clients. There are a lot of secondary benefits to the system such as automating our vehicle checks and the Touchstar team are developing one or two bespoke enhancements to this function. We appreciate that degree of flexibility from a supplier. We can’t wait to go ‘live’ with ‘PODStar’ and to start accruing the anticipated commercial benefits”.