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Axes Software » POD – Proof Of Delivery

xTrack POD

POD – Proof Of Delivery

It has happened to our customers:

  • Reduction in the margin of error when estimating delivery times to a few minutes
  • Easy collection of data and real-time communication with the drivers regarding the tasks they have to perform
  • Compliance with ETD (Estimated Date of Delivery) with errors of a few minutes
See benefits

What are the benefits of a POD solution?

xTrack POD – Proof of Delivery

Delivery process streamlining

100%

Reverse logistics / Returns management
Reduction in delivery times

-30%

Accuracy of processed data

Recording of cash collections

Reduced transport costs

Full traceability of deliveries

Reduction in the number of errors

Choose the type of business you need POD for

POD for Distribution

POD for Distribution

xTrack POD means electronic confirmation and real-time monitoring of deliveries. In short – complete workflow automation through digitalization.

POD for Couriers

POD for Couriers

xTrack POD is very useful for couriers because the volume of deliveries they have to manage requires real-time monitoring of activities in the field.

POD for Carriers

POD for Carriers

Managing shipments with xTrack POD provides carriers with the assistance they need to increase efficiency and visibility of their activities.

POD for Field Services

POD for Field Services

xTrack POD helps companies optimize their field services, improve performance and see how each activity is carried out in real time, every step of the way.

What functionalities does xTrack POD have?

Intuitive Interface

The main component of the xTrack POD application is the one through which drivers confirm the activities they carry out in the field.

One of the main challenges in developing this application was to create an intuitive user interface so that, even if a freight forwarder keeps changing the drivers it works with, the application should not require them to complete training periods in order to learn how to use it.

The simple and intuitive way in which the application works is a very important xTrack POD feature.

Flexibility

We are experts in developing software applications that break the activities pertaining to various logistics workflows down into specific tasks which we call “generic tasks”. The tasks in xTrack POD are used in the same way they are used in our xTrack WMS application. Thus, complex workflows whereby deliveries or pick-ups are confirmed can be implemented through different types of tasks.

Offline/Online

When you carry out your transportation operations, there may be cases when the GPRS 3G / 4G / 5G signal is non-existent not only in rural areas, but also in densely-populated urban areas. This should not hinder or prevent the use of the xTrack POD application. Our application has been designed to automatically switch to the offline mode, and the driver can thus carry on his delivery activities even if the delivery is made in a basement, in front of the store or at the home of end customers.

The user does not have to make any changes in the system configuration. The application does not require installing or configuring to operate in the offline mode as the synchronization is done automatically.

POD (Proof of Delivery)/POP (Proof of Pick-up)

POD (Proof of Delivery) refers to delivery, and POP (Proof of Pickup) focuses on pick-up of goods. Our application can be used for both operations, independently or in combination. If the application is used for both operations, a driver can receive successive pick-up or delivery tasks. Loading and unloading list data can be imported from an external system, such as a TMS application. The workflow of activities (tasks) to be performed by drivers applies to the list of route stops, and the tasks to be executed are automatically sent to them.

Integrability

The xTrack POD application integrates seamlessly with the applications in our xTrack suite. The most commonly used xTrack POD integration is with the Transport Management application, xTrack TMS, from which xTrack POD automatically receives more data regarding, for example, the order in which deliveries are made or the times when the loading / unloading activities should start and end. xTrack TMS also provides information on the estimated times which can later be compared with the actual times.

However, we do not overlook interfaces with other systems similar to those in our xTrack suite or with ERP applications where the data is usually entered manually.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

The main purpose of a POD application is that of measuring the performance of any type of transport operations. Performance refers, first of all, to driver performance, but, at a higher level, it is also about the performance of the company the drivers work for.

Such performance indicators can be easily defined because any task that a driver performs has several time intervals that can be compared later: the desired time period, the estimated time and the actual time they have spent to confirm deliveries with mobile devices.

Each task is measurable in terms of performance time by the difference between its start time and end time. Such data becomes very useful in measuring driver performance.

xTrack POD modules

xTrack POD tasks

xTrack POD tasks have a concept similar to those presented in the xTrack WMS application. Here, too, the tasks are basic elements in the confirmation of deliveries and / or pick-ups of goods.

A task has several characteristics:

  • desired execution interval;
  • expected execution interval;
  • actual execution interval.

All these periods can be the basis for defining performance indicators.

The tasks also have a color code that indicates a higher degree of flexibility in the ergonomics of the application.

Workflow customization

Tasks also ensure the application flexibility as new tasks may be added to a workflow. Thus, we can start a POD implementation by performing a simple unloading task, and then we can introduce new tasks such as:

  • confirmation of arrival at the destination;
  • actual unloading;
  • collecting the value of the delivered products;
  • pick-up of packaging and / or returns, etc.

All this is done without the need to change the application version on drivers’ smartphones. The workflow changes and drivers receive new tasks that they have to perform without being specifically trained because this is impossible in certain situations.

Mobile App

The application running on the mobile devices is a WEB application which has the great advantage of being also used without an Internet connection. This feature of switching to offline mode automatically has its advantages when using the xTrack POD solution. And this change of operating mode is visible to the user.

The mobile app has an integrated database specially designed for offline mode, and its installation is not a problem because it is accessed, more often than not, via a link where users can find all the information about the trips they are interested in.

A color code is used to alert users to any interface and workflow changes that may occur while using the application.

Reverse logistics

An important supply chain component today is represented by the recovery of goods and packaging. This is generically known as a reverse logistics activity. Therefore, such activities are automatically tracked through the xTrack POD application. This allows the management of a stock of crates, for example, through the xTrack POD functionalities. In this way, xTrack POD is integrated into the delivery workflow or creates new, separate workflows for the pick-up of packaging from customers.

Of course, reverse logistics also means return of goods, which can be announced or not. Generating tasks  related to the pick-up of goods is an important feature of the application. Basically, the driver can generate pick-up tasks even if they were not provided as mandatory to be performed before setting out on a delivery trip.

Pictures

We learnt from our previous projects that it is necessary to capture images in the field. Here we refer to several types of pictures:

  • pictures of the store;
  • pictures of the goods shelf;
  • pictures of signed documents;
  • pictures of returned goods or packaging.

The photos can be taken by the driver, who, at the same time, can also view pictures already saved in the database. A useful picture for the distribution drivers, for example, is the picture of the stores where they have to deliver goods, especially if there are several stores in the same area and they need to quickly identify them.

Maps & GPS

The xTrack POD application can be integrated with various maps to help the driver optimize his route. Such applications can be well-known ones, such as Waze or Google Maps or lesser-known professional applications.

Such an application can help drivers identify the fastest route between the starting point and the next loading or unloading point. The user can choose to enter the map mode to view the optimal route.

The use of maps is not mandatory, but this functionality can be made available to drivers. However, integration with a certain type of map application must be configured by specialized personnel.

Document Management

Documents can be photographed or scanned with a mobile device immediately after they have been signed by the customer or the supplier. Photographs of the documents are saved in the database and can be consulted later for clarification. Electronic document management is an important advantage in saving working time as it is usually done manually until the deployment of the xTrack POD application.

Taking pictures of documents with a view to saving them is mandatory and the driver cannot proceed to the next step until the picture has been taken. To validate the picture, a barcode which may be identified by the application can be optionally inserted in the document. This verifies that a photo of the correct document has been taken.

SMS & Email

The module for sending messages to users is very important. When a delivery trip is assigned to a driver or when the goods have been loaded in the truck, the related tasks and the link to the application are sent to the user through an SMS message. This method is often employed by forwarders using hired drivers who do not know how to access the application.

For experienced users, dispatchers or transport managers, the method of reporting exceptions by sending reports by e-mail is used. Different reports can be configured on request, and the trigger can be different each time.

IOD

IOD (Information on Delivery) is a subsidiary functionality of a POD application. The way in which the information about task execution times and delivery performance is saved in the database turns the xTrack POD application into a powerful tool for measuring delivery KPIs.

Important data about the drivers’ activities is saved simply by pressing buttons on mobile devices. If the activities are not confirmed by the drivers, warning messages can be sent by e-mail to dispatchers or transport managers for rectification.

EDI

The xTrack POD application seamlessly integrates with the xTrack TMS application from where it can receive all the data needed to create a workflow to be transmitted to drivers. The xTrack POD application can also be integrated with WMS or ERP applications if there is sufficient data on the order or at least the grouping of deliveries by a specific car or driver. Integration with external applications is done by one of the methods listed below:

  • intermediate database;
  • FTP files;
  • API services.

Over 250 successful software deployments

The Axes Software xTrack POD which complements xTrack TMS helps us gain full control over the deliveries we make, with minimal effort on the part of the delivery drivers. Our bakery products are delivered within well-defined time intervals agreed upon with the stores so that we can give our partners the opportunity to maximize their sales. 

xTrack POD also greatly simplifies the reporting system for our managers who coordinate product deliveries. With just a few clicks we can see, in a centralized manner and in detail, the delivery times of our drivers – and all this, in real time, so that we can intervene and correct any deviations from the planned delivery schedule.

We can confirm that the xTrack POD application helps us to improve the quality of our services, with a direct impact on the increase in the level of satisfaction of Vel Pitar customers and consumers, which makes us happy too.

Modern technology significantly supports the human resources involved in logistics. Starting from this principle, we’ve had the xTrack WMS software solution deployed in Eurovet Logistics warehouses. In addition, we also use the xTrack POD application to ensure the complete traceability of the products we store and deliver. This application allows our distribution drivers to confirm the delivery of goods, collect cash payments and issue receipts, and enables managers to monitor transport and delivery activities in real time. And the handheld mobile computers through which the application allows access to data as well as data transmission make our drivers work much easier. Deliveries are made quickly and efficiently, and our customers are very satisfied. And so are we!

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Alexandru Vîrban
Sales Manager
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