NEWS\\\


In this age of instant gratification, same and next day delivery has gone from being a ‘nice to have’ to the ‘norm’ in terms of consumer expectation, writes Steve Collins, general manager, Fargo Systems. This instant fulfilment culture places increased demands on logistics providers to deliver in record timescales. With customers now able


to track and trace their order at every stage of its journey, logistics providers are under increased pressure to ensure transparency throughout the delivery process. Real-time


visibility in


provision of live status and event information also makes it possible for logistics providers


Multimodal 2017 Daily Issue 2 - Freight Business Journal


7


Electronic PODs transform the logistics landscape


directly or to view real-time job information and updates - again, saving employee time


possibilities ePOD can offer them. One such provider is Maze Logistic Solutions. Now


TOPS ePOD and is benefiting greatly from the ability to send transport instructions and receive POD updates. Use of TOPS ePOD has now become part of


its standard operating


procedure. Maze will be rolling out TOPS ePOD to all customers


the traffic sheet, transport operators can have instant visibility of the job status, expected arrival times or ETA alerts if the job is running late. Again, this provides focus for the transport operators to be able to manage the exceptions. ePOD systems such as


the


supply chain has thus become a must for logistics managers. Paper-based proof of delivery just isn’t practical in today’s fast- paced commercial landscape. It results in cumbersome working practices and slow customer service response times. With such high demand for reduced delivery times, more and more logistics providers are turning to web-based electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) software solutions to improve efficiency and customer service. These systems streamline the


administration of the delivery of goods and services, reducing the physical paper trail in the process. The reduction of paper handling directly reduces the margin for error by ensuring information cannot be mislaid or changed. This overcomes the age-old problem of ensuring consistent traceability between third party logistics providers and their drivers. Using an ePOD solution that


works in conjunction with your transport management system of choice vastly improves overall operational effectiveness and significantly reduces operating costs. Such systems allow full order information to be transmitted to everyone in the delivery chain and it


is this complete


transparency throughout the supply chain that improves efficiency and customer service. The availability of real-time


data not only simplifies pre and post-job reporting, the


TOPS ePOD have dramatically transformed the logistics landscape. The introduction of ePOD really can be heralded as the digital revolution of POD. In terms of return on investment, the increased efficiency, reduced operational costs and improved customer service levels that they deliver mean that they really do pay for themselves. The benefits of these systems are so great that many freight forwarders are making it a mandatory prerequisite for all of their third- party logistics providers. With this in mind, I struggle to think of a reason why any logistics provider wouldn’t want to invest in the implementation of an ePOD system. Fargo Systems is in its usual


to stay one step ahead of


the game. Furthermore, the reduction in paper is better for the environment. The key benefit of managing


PODs via an electronic system is that it is easier to manage. With ePODs we can make a step towards managing PODs by exception. With the ePOD system taking care of PODs received, employee time can then be directed to where it is most needed, the ‘exceptions’ or rather jobs without a POD. This allows staff to focus on their core job making them, and ultimately the business more efficient.


Smart transport


management systems like TOPS that have a built-in POD engine can automatically forward received PODs to customers or consignees in the supply chain. This saves employee time when PODs are requested and eliminates the need for your customer to have to request PODs. This type of solution can be


used alongside a web portal tool (such as TOPS.WEB) which can provide a secure access method for your customers or consignees to log-in to a read- only portal and access PODs


Customers, whom we have convinced:


on both parts as customers and consignees can access the information they need directly without having to ask the logistics provider for it. More and more logistics providers are waking up to the


in its sixth year of trading, Maze is a specialist container haulier that operates from all UK ports and inland container yards. After a successful trial, it is


now implementing our internet browser-based EPOD solution,


and drivers throughout the first quarter of 2017. For transport planners, a big


benefit of this type of integrated solution is that it provides real- time updates direct to the traffic desk. Integrated into


spot next to the entrance at Multimodal 2017 (stand number 4002). The team will be showing off their brand new stand this year and will demonstrating new products such as TOPS ePOD and TOPS. WEB.


Perfect for production peaks.


When you find reliable transport companies for your transport orders quickly. You too should test Europe's largest transport platform now for up to 4 weeks for free.


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