Opportunity
McBurney Transport Group, one of Ireland's largest independently-run logistics operations, employs a highly focused customer strategy. The market has changed over the years, with advances in technology and the development of sophisticated mobile apps. Customers now expected proof of delivery (POD) within 24 hours, so in order for the company to stay competitive and manage internal operations more efficiently, a new logistics app was needed.
Pace IT were briefed to develop a mobile app for McBurney Transport, to enable their drivers to interact in real time with the main office from their remote locations. The app needed to:
- deliver enhanced customer experience
- provide regulatory compliance data capture, and
- reduce back office manual tasks
Solutions
Transportation and logistics mobile apps need to handle both fleet management and the delivery of goods. Our solution has enabled the company to provide instant PODs, carry out vehicle checks, track vehicles and drivers in real time and improve efficiency in other areas, too.
POD (Proof of delivery)
Problem:
Customers wanted more real-time information. They wanted PODs back within 24 hours, but this wasn’t possible when the drivers were away for 3 or 4 days at a time. The paperwork wasn’t processed and sent to the client until the driver was back at the depot.
Solution:
The new mobile app allows for the digitalisation of the paperwork. Drivers can now take a photo of the POD the moment it happens and provide real-time, instant confirmation to the client.
Pre-trip check sheet
Problem:
Part of the day-to-day running of the business requires pre-trip checks on delivery vehicles. Previously, drivers would write them down and had to do this every time they changed trailer.
Solution:
Now minor problems can be detailed on the app by the driver, so management can make decisions about what to do with the vehicle if there is an issue.
Tracking of vehicles and drivers
Problem:
Desk-based trackers would have to phone drivers to check their location and estimated delivery time and whether the job had been completed.
Solution:
Track Phone is used to track the position of the driver’s phone at all times while logged into the app. Trackers can now see the exact information they require on the screen, so can provide a superior level of customer service. The new system is also safer than calling drivers when they are on the road.
Transportation of goods
Problem:
If goods delivered to customers are damaged or rejected, this creates a complicated set of operational issues.
Solution:
The new mobile app allows the recording of any special issues like insurance claims, ferry damage, faults or rejected loads. Photos can be taken and a record made of the issue, which is a much more efficient way of managing deliveries where a problem arises.
Other functionality
- Uniform Requests allows driver to order available uniform and clothing items.
- Diary Requests allows the drivers to request and view their booked holidays, and to notify of sick days.
- Accident Report allows the drivers to compile a detailed report in case of an accident.
- Alerts inform the drivers of any special conditions like weather warnings or global alerts.
- A Daily Work Schedule helps the drivers perform their collections and deliveries by providing them with relevant real-time information, recording their time and position and allowing for the reporting of issues and the photographing of paperwork.
- Expenses allows the drivers to make expense claims/requests directly from their mobile device.
Results
-
Increased cash flow
Now that the POD can be captured instantly, the customer can be invoiced without delay.
-
Better customer service
Real-time tracking means that the company can give customers the information they need, when they need it.
-
Improved working processes
App functionality such as the Daily Work Schedule and driver tracking have helped McBurney Transport Group to develop efficient and streamlined ways of working.
About McBurney Transport Group
McBurney Transport Group, founded in 1965, is one of Ireland’s largest independently-owned logistics companies. A family-owned and managed business, the company delivers logistics services to clients in the UK and Ireland including major supermarkets and high street retailers.
About Pace IT Systems Ltd
Pace IT Systems, founded in 2007, deliver software applications and support services to established and emerging organisations across key technology platforms including; Microsoft.NET, JavaScript, Progress OpenEdge & Mobile Platforms NativeScript & ReactNative.
Help with your business mobile app
At Pace IT, we use NativeScript development to build mobile apps that will transform the way you do business. Contact us to see how we can help.
