Overnight carrier Hellmann Overnight Logistics is using T@lecom’s Wireless Delivered solution across its entire UK fleet of 500 drivers following highly successful live tests at its depots nationwide. And Jan O’Hara, chief executive officer for T@lecom, is optimistic that parcels companies Interlink Express and Initial City Link will also take the system. The company is currently in talks with both Interlink and City Link, says O’Hara (pictured).
According to O’Hara, there are 4,000 couriers in the UK and he expects T@lecom to have 2,000 of its units in use in this sector by the end of this year.
The trials at Hellmann’s involved several drivers using O2’s XDA handheld device over the GPRS data network to pick up all their delivery and collection data for the day and provide instantaneous consignment status and proof of delivery (POD) status information between the driver and Hellmann’s Web Site Gateway.
Using the system, transmitted status information takes seconds to appear on the website from where it can be independently accessed by customers, a key benefit that Hellmann’s wanted to achieve.
Wireless Delivered is an advanced mobile data solution available to the transport and logistics industry. The real-time job control and signature capture system, enables the instant, cost-effective transfer of data and delivery information between any back office and field employee via a handheld device.
Hellmann’s needed an application with a high level of functionality to harness the potential of its website and maximise the efficiency of the link between its back office and drivers.
Steve Travis, director at Hellmann Overnight Logistics, explains: “We looked at the solutions available in the marketplace and were very impressed with the level of functionality that Wireless Delivered offered. There are lots of solutions out there claiming to offer fantastic benefits but it is another thing to actually deliver on those promises. This is why we opted for extensive live testing of Wireless Delivered at our depots across the UK so we could evaluate the difference the solution would make to our business.”
Travis continues: “During extensive tests the Wireless Delivered solution provided a significant improvement both in terms of the efficiency of our drivers and cost savings. The system also enables our customers to independently access the status of their deliveries at any time and the potential for future use of the systems satellite navigation and tracking facilities is a real plus point. We already had an effective website and Wireless Delivered is the final link in the chain.”
Hellmann’s is implementing Wireless Delivered across its UK fleet of drivers, replacing the current paper based system. By April 2004, 500 of Hellmann’s drivers across UK and Ireland will be using the system daily.
The system is currently being trialled in Germany.
T@lecom is one of several wireless solution providers that is participating in Logistics Link 2004, being held on February 3 and 4 at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey. For further information contact Richard Milbourn on 020 8661 1160 or visit www.logisticslink.co.uk
