
Providing the services provided by logistics and delivery companies requires seamless delivery of merchandise and other commodities. Electronic proof of delivery software (ePOD) has become a universal tool that has shifted the usual approach to the work processes of companies. Consequently, organizations aim to increase operational efficiency, cut costs, and satisfy customers; thus, choosing ePOD software is crucial.
This article focuses on the aspects a business should consider while selecting ePOD services for operations.
Real-time tracking featuring GPS integration is one of the key points inherent to every electronic proof of delivery software. The delivery tracking feature enables the actual location of the delivery vehicle within the delivery company or the customer to be identified in real time. With features like GPS, dispatchers can plan routes, avoid traffic problems, and promptly tell customers the estimated arrival time. It also increases business productivity as it eliminates wasted time and energy of the firm in an endeavor to meet the increasing customer expectations of delivery time through adopting this approach, thereby controlling for uncertainty generally associated with delivery windows.
The digital signature captures functionality that eradicates the conventional use of a physical stamp and actual signatures, providing a secure and efficient means of acknowledging delivery. As it is known, digital signatures are saved in electronic format; therefore, they can be easily accessed in the future or case of some controversy. This improves the legitimacy of delivery records and minimizes spurious developments and opportunities for lost papers. Also, the implementation of digital signatures has improved drivers’ efficiency because they no longer deal with the paperwork, thus helping to increase efficiency and time-saving.
POD should also involve electronic proof of delivery. Two features that should be incorporated are photo and document capture. This feature enables delivery personnel to take photographs upon delivering an item at the customer’s location to confirm the condition and placement of the delivered item. It is most advantageous for recording any losses or variations that are likely to happen with the product while in transit. Pictures, when availed, help arbitrate the disagreements fast while at the same time ensuring that delivery is proved.
Evaluating each, one can state that a good ePOD software should be compatible with other company’s solutions, such as ERP or TMS. Integration also means that information can be passed efficiently from one system to the other, minimizing the possibility of mistakes while keying the same information repeatedly. For instance, order details acquired from the ERP system can be directly fed into the ePOD system; conversely, the delivery confirmations can be updated in real time within the TMS.
Control over workflow is another fascinating feature needed in electronic proof of delivery software. The delivery process for different industries and companies is different because of certain factors related to their specific nature and operations. Hence, ePOD software must support the variability of configurations of end-to-end solutions to accommodate particular organizations’ requirements. Workflows are especially useful because companies can describe and optimize activities in the delivery cycle, including inspection checklists, customer notifications, and feedback collection after the delivery.
Features that can enhance the organization’s operations, data quality, and customer satisfaction should be considered during the addition of the electronic proof of delivery software. This concerns features like real-time tracking, capturing digital signatories, photo and document capture, interface compatibility, configurable processes, ability to work offline, report and analytics, and expansiveness. These are some of the drivers of a mature ePOD solution. Meanwhile, by focusing on such features, businesses can improve their delivery systems, thus cutting expenses and prioritizing customer satisfaction.