June/July 2003

Famac, a leading Northern Ireland-based parcels delivery company, has introduced a mobile data system to manage deliveries and collections across its operations, choosing the Logistics-EDGE solution from mobile data specialist RangeGate. The company's activities include work for customers such as Littlewoods, Grattan and Next.

Drivers have been issued with ruggedised Symbol SPT2846 handheld terminals running Microsoft Pocket PC 2002, while at the head office, the controlling Logistics-EDGE server runs on Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server. It is built round a Microsoft SQL Server database, and the code was developed using Microsoft's C++ .NET Visual Studio.

Staff can now manage the delivery and collection process remotely, as well as taking advantage of critical reports and key performance indicators that were not previously accessible.

Other objectives include improving traceability of parcels after they leave the depot, improving accuracy, enhancing customer service levels and reducing the incidence of goods lost in transit.

 

In order to encourage quick adoption of the system, the handheld terminal screens have been designed to be ergonomic and simple to use. Where possible, barcode scanning and finger-actuated on-screen buttons have been used to make data entry as simple as possible and improve system efficiency.