Efforts to improve warehouse efficiency are typically focused on the activities that occur between receiving and shipping. Once goods leave the warehouse, they often vanish from the warehouse and supply chain management system as well.
But for companies that are responsible for delivery as well as operating their own distribution centers, proof-of-delivery software (POD) can provide a visibility into the final leg of the shipping process that can affect warehouse efficiency as well.
Proof of delivery (POD) applications provide a paperless way to improve delivery and collection accuracy by leveraging mobile computers and wireless communications. Delivery drivers can scan deliveries, accept signatures, update inventory, and log new customer orders on a mobile device, and that data can be immediately sent back to the enterprise systems for billing and inventory updates.
In a sense, POD extends warehouse management out to the delivery vehicle fleet. In the warehouse, that real-time delivery data provides a view into the last mile of the supply chain that can improve efficiency across the organization.
Data from the proof-of-delivery solution will provide a highly accurate view of inventory in motion, which can in turn help enable lean inventory management practices. For POD solutions that also include a mobile inventory and sales component, field staff can provide information on new orders and returns, so that the warehouse has a fairly accurate view of impending demand well in advance.
Pre-departure vehicle checks that are available as part of the POD solution can also help reduce shipping errors by providing a final check on the accuracy of the order. This can help reduce or eliminate mis-ships, chargebacks and returns before delivery.
Reverse logistics is a cumbersome and expensive process for many organizations. If a delivery is not accepted for some reason (an error, damage, etc.), the POD solution can log that information and it can be used to help the warehouse prepare to receive the goods back into inventory before the driver even arrives at the depot.
POD solutions can also help drivers make more stops in a day, which can increase warehouse throughput and inventory velocity.
They key to a successful proof of delivery solution is a reliable and rugged mobile computer. Honeywell’s Dolphin family of handheld computers and barcode scanners provide real-time connectivity enterprise systems, signature capture, magnetic stripe reader/payment features, and robust barcode scanning that can automate delivery processes and provide data that can be leveraged in the warehouse and across the enterprise.
By integrating proof of delivery with warehouse management, distributors and other companies can extend inventory visibility across the entire delivery chain. This end-to-end view of the process can help companies optimize both their delivery and warehouse operations by reducing shipping errors, confirming deliveries, updating inventory, and forecasting demand. Automating those processes with mobile computers, like the aforementioned Dolphin series from Honeywell, can eliminate paperwork and improve efficiency from the delivery truck back to the warehouse.
For more information on how Honeywell’s rugged mobile computers can enhance your delivery and warehouse operations, contact us.
