“The construction sector is having a difficult time and the impact on its suppliers cannot be ignored,” commented Lee Carpenter, Head of Operations at Selkent. “Labour shortages, rising costs, supply chain issues and regulation, are just some of the challenges to be overcome and in order for to us to maintain the high-quality service we are known for we knew we needed to take a close look at the delivery side of the business.
“We were already using some aspects of the system but realised we weren’t exploiting it to its full potential,” he continued. “So, we challenged ourselves to look at every aspect of our delivery service to see where improvements could be made and how these could be achieved. In every case Podfather had something to offer!”
Selkent is a family run business that has been supplying construction and infrastructure projects across the UK for more than 35 years. Stocking more than 8,500 product lines ranging from nuts and bolts to site equipment including generators and safety equipment, Selkent operates from its operational hubs in London and Birmingham and has recently opened a new depot in Ipswich. Running a fleet of 16 vehicles ranging from 18 tonne trucks to 3 ½ tonne electric vans, Selkent offers a nationwide next day delivery service, with a same day service within the M25, and makes around 250 deliveries a day to customers.
Using Podfather, Selkent plans to overhaul its delivery operation. The fleet logistics software will integrate with the company’s back-office systems to improve the efficiency of dispatch with automated pick-lists and digital delivery manifests. Intelligent planning and route optimisation tools, that take into consideration customer time windows as well as driver hours and vehicle capacities – a factor in the company’s gold FORS accreditation, will also ensure cost effective, resource efficient, delivery management.
The Podfather App will provide real-time visibility of the delivery schedule as it unfolds allowing for accurate customer ETA notifications and updates, and timely interventions in case of any problems. The electronic Proof of Delivery functions offered by Podfather will also ensure both the back-office staff and the customer, whether on-site or remote, know when a delivery has been made, the exact location the products were left in and who signed for them - backed up with date, time and geocoded photographs.
“Our reputation and our dedication to the highest industry standards is what sets us apart from our competitors,” Carpenter concluded. “Using Podfather we can ensure that we maintain these whilst also managing our financial costs and our environmental impact.”
