Does your company still use paper and pen to document deliveries? This could be time-consuming when anything goes missing, and you must manually follow the paper trail. Fortunately, modern solutions will save you time, hasten delivery, and permit visibility throughout the entire chain. Electronic proof of delivery software (ePOD) is the answer. We will discuss this software in detail and explain why every organisation requires it.
Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) refers to both the software app that enables field agents to collect that data and confirm the accomplishment or failure of their tasks, as well as a digital version of the delivery note (a document used to verify completed deliveries and in some cases also to allow billing).
Customers had to sign a paper document known as a “proof of delivery” in the past to attest to receiving a delivery and, in some situations, to authorise the charging of their order. Now, businesses can use digital proof of delivery to give their employees more mobility and freedom while increasing visibility and control over their tasks.
Mobile ePOD Software Features
1. Quick Invoicing
The proof of delivery data is instantly and real-time transmitted to your back office system. This enables you to generate bills for tasks that have been performed, maximising cash flow for your company.
2. Route Planning
You may drag and drop the jobs onto the appropriate vehicles using real-time job information, and built-in checks will ensure that the vehicle isn’t overloaded. A manifest is then remotely distributed to the field engineers or drivers when it has been produced. It can show the route on a digital map to increase efficiency, saving fuel and time spent driving.
3. Tracking of vehicles and drivers
You can keep tabs on your driver and car using the handheld device. On a computerised map, the fleet management may see real-time updates on the driver’s whereabouts. There is no need for a different tracking programme because it displays job and fleet information within the same system.
Mobile ePOD Software Benefits
Mobile proof of delivery software can benefit companies of any size and type that employ a mobile workforce. It is scalable and adaptable. Both large and small enterprises can use the software across a wide range of sectors. Software for electronic proof of delivery might completely alter the game for you and your business. This is how:
1. Removing Paper-based Documents
When using conventional means of delivery evidence, it is rather typical to encounter lost or destroyed delivery notes. However, these problems are resolved when utilising mobile ePOD software. The administrative complexity associated with paper-based methods that drivers employ is also removed by adopting straightforward electronic procedures in the electronic proof of delivery.
2. Establishes Uniform Procedures Throughout Your Fleet
Every consumer will receive a consistent brand experience across all depots, staff, and subcontractors thanks to standardised mobile operations. Using mobile ePOD software by all mobile workers will require them to adhere to the same pre-established protocols, which is essential for establishing consistent processes throughout your fleet. Consistent data can be gathered for reporting and compliance purposes.
3. Boost Accuracy and Detail of the Proof of Delivery
Data collection options for electronic proof of delivery include images, checkboxes, notes, and alphanumeric fields. To get a complete view of what is happening in the area, you can integrate all these data-gathering tools into the electronic forms that are unique to your organisation. Depending on the drivers’ responses, you can start other procedures using the various data-collecting choices. You can send consumers more precise information using electronic proof of delivery, such as the accurate drop-off location or delivery entrance.
4. Enhancing On-site Services
The company’s brand can be enhanced; on-site operations can be sped up, drivers are given the information they need to make deliveries, and delivery instructions from customers can be provided when you go from paper to ePOD delivery methods. By streamlining your on-site procedures, you will release the strain drivers typically experience, enabling them to give clients the finest service and serve as the best brand ambassadors for your business.
Industries That Use Mobile ePOD Software
Regardless of their industry, businesses have always had the client as their main priority. Enterprises have made numerous technological investments to enhance customer service and boost income to keep customers. We will examine the various industries that can employ mobile ePOD software to see how it can benefit any firm that implements it.
Food Distributors and Processors
The automated and streamlined method that ePOD provides food processing and delivery businesses with ensures that the products are delivered more quickly. Additionally, it allows precise product tracking and tracing and quicker invoicing without delays. Customers can check the status of their deliveries, which enhances the level of customer care you provide.
Manufacturing and Distribution Industry
The most critical activity in this sector is the delivery of products. They require confirmation of delivery to increase efficiency and optimise operations—the ability of ePOD to accelerate billing and cut costs. In addition, it can provide complete inventory visibility thanks to the utilisation of real-time stock-level information. By knowing when their product will run out, they can place orders in advance or prevent having too much stock on hand.
Second, ePOD improves the delivery process to guarantee they fulfil consumer expectations. They can schedule deliveries in advance, organise delivery, and contact clients if a problem arises.
Any enhancement to delivery enhances operations. Doing this will ensure that any problems with the items, such as manufacturing flaws, will be discovered sooner and fixed before they cause a significant issue.
Retail Industry
Since the retail sector moves quickly, it needs technology to do the same. The ePOD can boost productivity and increase operational effectiveness. Customers will receive evidence of delivery more quickly, and the frequency of lost or wrong delivery documents can be reduced.
Because employees won’t have to spend as much time manually entering data, eliminating paper-passed operations will raise staff productivity. This will also increase delivery process accuracy.
Drivers employ mobile ePOD software to record client preferences such as delivery location and customer feedback and immediately print bills for revised orders, providing customers with superior service.
Logistics Industry
Agents in the field and operators in the office use ePOD in the logistics sector. It helps drivers successfully collect proof of delivery at every other day’s drop-off. Up to the point when they receive it, the agents make sure the consumers are informed about their deliveries.
The staff can keep track of real-time updates concerning delivery, allowing them to adjust routes or driver schedules if deliveries are going to be delayed. Customers are satisfied because they receive information about the status of their orders, which meets their expectations.