Jan/Feb 2004

After trying the Transmart mobile logistics suite in one of its delivery vans, kitchen and bathroom specialist Mark Two Distribution is now extending the system through its fleet. Transmart is a new system supplied by Three X Communication, the GE group subsidiary.

Mark Two delivers equipment bought by consumers from do-it-yourself retailers such as MFI and Wickes, as well as providing a delivery service to smaller independent retailers. It has chosen a range of Transmart components for its fleet, including consignment tracking, electronic proof of delivery, consignment updates (in which items can be added to orders at the very last minute), and fuel purchase and consumption tracking.

Steve Yates, the Company's IT manager, says the system simplifies the driver's job. Until now, he says, extensive driver training was required to ensure that staff could follow all procedures correctly. "This software takes away the focus from the need to have product knowledge," he says. "Our drivers just scan a barcode and know whether something can be delivered or not."

He says Transmart "will quickly pay for itself" by reducing overheads, as well as helping the company deliver within the time windows required by just-in-time operations and specified in service level agreements.