Nationwide Supplies, a family-run builders’ and plumbers’ merchant, is using logistics software to improve the planning and reporting of more than 25,000 deliveries a year.
The Hertfordshire-based company implemented the Podfather solution to replace paper delivery notes and manual processes, which were time-consuming and inefficient, and provided no visibility of its mobile operation. Using Podfather, which includes route planning and delivery optimisation tools, real-time tracking, and electronic proof delivery (ePOD) capture, Nationwide Supplies has reduced inbound customer queries by around 35%, achieved 100% visibility of deliveries and improved the efficiency of its planning process.
Nationwide Supplies can now start to pre-plan its deliveries the day before, allowing it to reserve vehicle space and delivery capacity for overnight orders. This has improved the efficiency of the transport operation reducing the need for last-minute planning and improving turnaround times for subsequent runs.
Adam Brown, Group Commercial Director of Nationwide Supplies, said: "Before Podfather, our delivery schedule was based on paper manifests, paper maps and the use of Google Maps. Planning took place at 4 o'clock in the morning for same-day delivery, allowing us to continue to take and act on orders overnight with no cut-off time.
"While this was good for last-minute orders, it wasn't so good for our customer service. There was little or no visibility of when an order was arriving, or even whether it was out for delivery, and this meant a high volume of inbound calls."
Nationwide operates its own fleet of 12 vehicles, including seven crane lorries, two curtain-side vans and three transit vans and offers a fast and efficient delivery service to the local area. From its branches in Ware and Buntingford, Nationwide makes two to three multi-drop runs per driver per day, resulting in up to 500 deliveries a week.
Electronic proof-of-delivery evidence, including time, date, and location stamped photographs and signatures, is also boosting customer service and reducing enquires by providing instant access to shareable information. Podfather's guided vehicle checks are also helping Nationwide Supplies improve fleet management by providing better visibility and therefore awareness of potential issues.
