Sept/Oct 2003

The Wireless Delivered real-time job control and signature capture application from Talecom now has an integrated vehicle location and satellite navigation option. This can be added to both the Express same-day application and the Runsheet solution for overnight deliveries.

With Wireless Delivered, data and delivery information (including electronic signature capture for POD) is transferred immediately between the PDA device in the field and the back office. The application includes text-to-speech and voice activation functions and instant messaging.

The navigation tool is simple to activate: the courier simply presses a button to select the job, and the navigation screen is displayed. It calculates the driver's best possible route from his current location, using the postcode that was logged into the application when the courier accepted the job. Directions are then displayed on the PDA, which is placed in a hands-free attachment on the dashboard, and via voice instructions.

"The postcode logging is a unique function in the navigation marketplace," says Talecom's chief executive Jan O'Hara. "The driver doesn't have to type in the address or postcode manually. Instead, the PDA uses information from the courier company's back office.

 

"It increases efficiency between the back office and its couriers, resulting in time savings on delivery routes."

Wireless Delivered currently operates over the O2 network, but Talecom is negotiating with other network providers to extend its appeal. O'Hara is also planning to expand its customer base beyond the courier sector.