Having tried previous routing systems in the past, the Bott team were determined to introduce a successful solution that could not only plan and manage jobs, but also provide a detailed overview of on-the-day performance, end-of-day reporting, and easy-to-use customer communication tools. As a result, Podfather was selected to provide the Bott team with its full suite of job management, route optimisation, asset tracking and customer communication, proof of delivery and invoicing functionality.
“Compared to previous routing systems we’ve tried, we now have a more accurate and improved visual display, giving us a detailed overview of the planned delivery routes and drops. The sales and logistics teams can compare runs and provide real-time ETA notifications to our customers,” comments Chris Sweeney, Bott’s Logistics Manager. “We can immediately see proof of delivery, a pinpoint on the map shows where the signature was taken. Before, paper PODs were brought back to the office, scanned and attached to the order. Now, our customers can log into the portal themselves and instantly retrieve their POD – this means; less time-consuming phone calls to us to chase paperwork and a faster invoicing process for them.”
As well as the efficiencies made in the transport office, Podfather also gives Bott greater flexibility within the fleet. “We can be more agile and reactive to customer needs,” Chris explains. “Flexibility within a fleet like this is what we’re all about. Being able to change something, to have more control. For example, organising collection notes previously took up so much time. Time spent tracking down the customer’s whereabouts, time spent sending out emails and the driver’s waiting time. Now, if a customer gets in touch for us to collect from them, we can do it, just like that!”
Bott has already seen the short-term benefits of using Podfather with significant admin and paperwork time savings. In addition, Bott has been able to satisfy its customers’ need for a speedier process, increased visibility and improved service.
“We’ve already seen the short-term benefits of using Podfather within the company; reduced paperwork reduced admin and time savings,” Chris continues. “Outside of the company, we have satisfied the customer need for a faster process; giving them confidence, visibility and an improved service.
“There’s so much potential for the future. We started by focusing on satisfying the customer and our sales team, but there are lots of opportunities for us to tap into by using the combined KPI & OTIF dashboard, giving us a true reflection of how well we’re performing, moving the goods from site to the customer. There’s driver tracking, vehicle checking and other options that we’re keen to use more fully. We’re always looking to improve and new technology, from Podfather, is helping us to keep driving forward.” concludes Chris Sweeney.
