September 2002

Panasonic has chosen Isotrak to provide a fleet management and electronic proof-of-delivery system in its UK dealer delivery operation. The system is being fitted throughout its delivery fleet.

Project manager Ross Farrell says the objectives are to improve fleet utilisation, reduce POD retrieval times and improve customer service. "This is all about improving the visibility of our logistics operation and providing an industry-leading service for dealers," he says.

Dealers will have direct Internet access to the system, and will be able to receive automatic updates on the progress of their delivery. They will be able to request a fax or email detailing what will be on their delivery that day, and approximately what time it will arrive, and to receive SMS or pager messages letting them know when their delivery is 10 miles away. This feature is handled by the use of GPS "geofences" around dealer sites, which trigger messages automatically when the vehicle crosses them.

The in-vehicle equipment will include one of Panasonic's own ruggedised handheld terminals, the CFP1. Once the driver has captured a proof of delivery signature on this, it will be transmitted back to base for display online.

 

Panasonic says one of the key factors in choosing Isotrak was the company's ability to deliver this system quickly using existing software.