Cloud-based proof-of-delivery (POD) applications can save as much as $500 each month for each vehicle in your fleet. What’s more, they can actually improve customer service, increase driver efficiency and retention while reducing driver stress and cut administrative costs.

According to John Freund,  president and chief executive officer of Jump Technologies, “There isn’t a manual process that when automated doesn’t save time and money. So it’s no wonder that transportation firms are increasingly interested in replacing their paper-based POD systems. Further, it makes sense that they’re looking to the cloud for the lowest-cost applications that are also the easiest and fastest to implement and use. A cloud-based POD solution, in fact, seems to be the perfect storm, merging cloud and mobile technologies.”

Lowest cost POD solution

Since cloud applications are actually subscriptions to software that is delivered over the Internet, there is no capital expense involved—no hardware to purchase and maintain, says Freund. Drivers can use the smartphones and tablets they already have for accessing their company’s fully-secure, cloud-based software system. Software upgrades are performed on the central servers by the company hosting the application without any IT or driver involvement. What could be easier and less expensive to generate almost instant return on investment?

The administrative cost savings are abundant, including:

● Real-time delivery updates for improved dispatch and decision making;

● Customers access up-to-the-minute status of their shipments, reducing phone inquiries;

● Signature capture at delivery sites for returns to increase accuracy, accountability;

● Elimination of costly printed forms and document handling;

● Elimination of manual data entry for accurate, efficient billing initiated immediately to improve cash flow;

● Electronic audit trail;

● Detailed management reporting; and

● Improved competitiveness by being a lower-cost provider.

Integrating GPS

GPS technology helps dispatchers and drivers navigate more efficiently for avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption and road delays. It stands to reason then that the integration of GPS with cloud-based POD technology lengthens the long list of benefits offered by this low-cost solution.

Freund goes on to say that the GPS basics alone have a dramatic impact on customer service, fuel use and delivery schedules. It enables dispatch to locate drivers nearest to customers requesting emergency pickups or deliveries and contact/route them through their smart devices. For ensuring that drivers avoid losing time caused by traffic delays, traffic alerts warn drivers and help them navigate around obstacles.

Analytics for accurate decision making

Beyond the basics, pre-mapped driver routes programmed into a driver’s GPS streamline delivery to:

● Increase the number of deliveries drivers can accomplish during their shifts;

● Increase driver accountability with prescribed routes that can be tracked;

● Increase miles per gallon (MPG) by eliminating backtracking and unnecessary fuel consumption;

● Increase management insight with analytical information about length of time for deliveries, in between stops (drive time) and number of driver hours to determine how much more business can be handled by the existing fleet.

Driver satisfaction/retention

The NPTC study showing that fleets using electronic onboard technology have a lower turnover of drivers than fleets that do not is particularly noteworthy in light of the well-publicized driver shortage. In fact, this finding should motivate non-users to consider adding it. However, the FMCSA may beat them to the punch with its planned mandate for GPS training for entry-level drivers.

For purposes of this discussion, the integration of smart devices, GPS and the latest POD technology relieves the driver of administrative responsibilities and enables more drive time to improve job satisfaction. Specific benefits include:

● Eliminate of paperwork with customer signing shipment receipt on the smart device;

● Immediately transfer electronic document to the back office;

● Capture photos of damaged shipment to include with electronic documentation; and

● Create notes about other pertinent issues.

“Automating delivery via cloud and smart technology not only saves as much as $500 per month, but also it is one of the keys to greater driver efficiency and job satisfaction,” Freund adds.