TrueMobile improves traceability and service quality of Posten Logistik's shipments
Posten LogistikPosten Logistik uses TrueMobile, a mobile track and trace service from Optidev, to increase the traceability of all shipments and to improve service quality for customers in the Nordic region, the Baltic states, and Germany.
Background
Posten Logistik is a subsidiary of Swedish Post, and it manages packages, pallet shipments, and express services. Its customers are businesses with central warehouses and large distribution networks. Posten Logistik provides speedy, scheduled shipments that help both suppliers and customers lower their stock levels. Among its customers are Svenska Spel, Volvo, and Honda.
Shipments are picked up in the afternoon and delivered during the night. Posten Logistik’s drivers have access to the customers’ warehouses, and they are responsible for discharging the goods. Thanks to this service, customers do not need to have their own logistics workers on duty during the night. The delivery does not interrupt the customers’ business, and the products are available when the workday starts in the morning.
Problem
With most deliveries taking place during the night, it is rare that somebody is available to sign for the goods. Drivers were using pen and paper to report when the delivery was completed. The manual work was time-consuming, forms were lost, and errors were frequent. The manual process made it difficult to track goods and to find information about missing or delayed shipments. Svenska Spel, one of Posten Logistik’s largest customers, required proof of delivery and traceability. This became the starting point to replace pen and paper with a real-time mobile computing system.
“Information services are becoming more crucial to success in our competitive industry,” said Eddie Sjoberg, IT director of Posten Logistik. “Our customers demand traceability, proof of delivery, and timely deliveries.”
Requirements
Posten Logistik uses many external drivers, and users are spread across large areas. Consequently, it was critical that the system had a real-time connection to the central track and trace application. It was also essential that the system was easy to implement, learn, and support. Additionally, Posten Logistik was looking for a flexible solution that would make it easy to add more functions and users in the future.
Solution
Swedish Post selected TrueMobile, a mobile track and trace solution from Optidev. TrueMobile does not require any initial investment, but is based on a monthly fee. Posten Logistik pays a fixed price per month and per user, and everything is included – the mobile computer, track and trace software, a standalone track and trace Web site, GPRS data, 24-hour exchange repairs, and support.
TrueMobile is module-based software, and it can easily be adjusted to the customer’s needs. Posten Logistik uses a Windows CE-based mobile computer called M3 Red, but the software is hardware independent and can also be used on other types of devices. All communication is GPRS-based, and seamless roaming ensures that the device stays connected to the track and trace application even if the device loses the network signal.
Advantages
TrueMobile enables drivers to scan shipments at critical checkpoints along the route, including at pickup, arrival at terminal, and delivery. The recipient confirms the delivery by signing directly on the computer’s display, or the driver scans a unique bar code that marks the delivery location. This validates that the right shipments were delivered, and the mobile computer records the time of the delivery.
All captured information is sent in real-time to the Post’s central track and trace system. Within seconds the information is searchable online. Data can also be sent directly to any of Posten Logistik’s customers’ systems.
“Our drivers are spread out in many locations, and it was accordingly important that the solution is easy to implement and support,” continued Sjoberg. “TrueMobile offered the best tools for maintenance, support, and service, minimizing downtime and the workload on our internal resources.”
Optidev’s program for 24-hour exchange repairs provides fast handling and minimal downtime. Service requests are submitted via ServiceWeb, and Optidev sends a new unit within 24 hours.