Main modules of The POD Father
1) Job Entry & Allocation
The POD Father's XML-based API allows you to seamlessly integrate with your existing backoffice systems, uploading jobs from sales order processing or traffic management systems. The POD Father also has a module to allow jobs to be manually entered.
A variety of job types can be handled; including "Delivery", "Collection", "Completion" and "Exchange".
The Job Allocation module uses leading-edge technologies to deliver a simple drag-and-drop interface to quickly build electronic job manifests, and send manifests to both your own and third-party logistics agencies.
2) Handheld job completion
Once a manifest has been allocated to a driver, it will appear on their handheld, regardless of them being back at base or out on the road. Drivers can view and complete jobs, capturing an exact date and time of delivery and an electronic customer signature, using a 3G/GPRS equipped handheld.
Job details are then uploaded from the handheld to the The POD Father real time and are available online via the main web-interface.
Network coverage is not an issue as The POD Father will store all job details locally on the handheld. If the driver is out of coverage, they can process jobs and upload the completed details once they are back in network range.
The handheld application of The POD Father is capable of running on any handheld device with the following specification:
- Operating system: Windows Mobile 5 or 6
- GPRS/3G enabled
- Integrated touchscreen
- Full QWERTY keyboard is recommended
3) POD - Instant Archive & Retrieval
PODs are available online immediately after job completion. PODs - complete with your company logo - can be sent to customers via fax or email, or raw completed job details can be downloaded in XML format for integration with your existing backoffice systems.
Retrieval of PODs could not be simplier. Your staff can search using a combination of date range, customer name/site, customer purchase order number, your system reference number, and/or delivery driver name.
PODs are then view on-screen, with options to print a PDF, or send the POD by fax or email. Note that PODs are fully customised to display your company logo, head-office and delivery depot addresses.
4) Branded customer portal
The POD Father provides an online customer portal, which can be customised to appear as an extension of your corporate website. A URL is provided - e.g. http://yourcompanyname.thepodfather.eu - which also displays your company logo.
Your customer can retrieve PODs by a number of customer-defined fields, including purchase order number, date range, and/or by customer site. They can then select one or many PODs and obtain copies by fax, email, or download PDFs directly from the portal.
Your customers are free to log into this portal regardless of how many PODs they have to retrieve.