Company News
14. February 2020

PODFather Technology - helping to drive bott forward

Initially in response to a customer requirement for a quicker POD process, we have recently invested in a new electronic proof of delivery system from PODFather. Having started with the basic package, we’re well on the way to improving our customer service and are looking forward to maximising its full potential in the future.

Effective Planning

The new electronic POD system seamlessly integrates with our existing SAP ERP system – giving us improved communication and data accuracy. All order data is now instantly uploaded from SAP to the PODFather portal, ready for the logistics team. With the click of a button, PODFather formulates the most efficient route patterns - in minutes!

LEAN principles

Chris Sweeney, Logistics Manager at bott said:

For us, one of the main benefits of changing from a manual process to the new automated one, is the valuable 2-3 hours we get back each week. We’re always looking for ways to introduce LEAN principles into the business, not just in the production & warehouse areas, but in the offices too. With the efficiencies made, the office staff can start to use their time more effectively and focus on improving in a more proactive way. Compared to previous routing systems we’ve tried, PODFather offers a more accurate and improved visual display. The sales and logistics teams can now compare runs and provide real-time ETA notifications and a full EDI service to our customers. We can immediately see proof of delivery, and where the signature was taken. Before, paper POD’s were brought back to the office, scanned and attached to the order. Now, our customers can log into the portal 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 offices, PODFather also gives us greater flexibility within the fleet. We can be more agile and reactive to customer’s 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!

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Testing & Roll-Out

The focus for the current roll-out is the UK, for our workplace storage equipment customer base. Transport Administrator Beth Bray, worked closely with Blair Stuart, Account Manager at PODFather to develop the fit-for-purpose solution for bott with a project plan and agreed timescales.

PODFather

Chris commented:

I gave Beth the opportunity to take ownership of this project. After being involved in the initial research, exploring the options and learning more about PODFather at the CV Show, I realised that having a dedicated internal project manager here at bott would make for a smoother roll out. She’s done a fantastic job and to have her on board has enabled me to focus on operations.” He added: “If not managed properly, a project like this can go nowhere. It’s been hard work with a few challenges, but she’s got this project off the ground, developed a plan and has created a great set of training documents for the drivers - I’m really proud of her!

We are starting to see the benefits now and the initial feedback from the drivers is very positive. After the final demo from PODFather, we embarked on a three-week testing period - the advice given to us was to roll-out the devices in stages, making it easier to manage any issues that might crop up.” He added “We have a mix of ages and experience in our team and Jason, one of the newest drivers, helped with the initial testing. He was keen and interested and the input and feedback we got back from him was great. All of our drivers have been confidently using it for about a month now and are happy with the performance. Our IT team, who have supported and advised us throughout this process, are currently researching the options to upgrade their devices for more effective usage.

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Driving Forward

Compared to many 3rd party carriers, our fleet is very competitive. Internally, we’ve seen reduced paperwork, reduced admin and time savings. Externally, we have satisfied the customer need for a speedier process; providing them with confidence, visibility and an improved service.

Potential for the future

Chris says:

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. I’d like to have a combined KPI & OTIF dashboard running, this would give 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 look at. We’d like to move from paper parking receipts to digital ones, there are the environmental benefits too.

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We’re always looking to improve and new technology is helping us to keep driving forward.

Learn more about our delivery fleet and UK Manufacturing capabilities.