PODStar from Touchstar Technologies

At its simplest level it’s an Electronic Proof of Delivery System (EPOD)

Using a smart phone or mobile computer, your van or HGV driver can obtain an electronic signature from your client which confirms receipt of the goods or service delivered.

If further evidence is required, the driver can take a confirmatory photograph or scan a barcode which the PODStar system will automatically attach to the client record.

SPEEDY INVOICING

The proof of delivery information is immediately transmitted in real time to your back office system. This allows you to produce invoices for completed jobs, maximising cash flow. for your business.

PODStar can be fully integrated into your existing back office systems or act as a stand alone independent system with its own invoicing module.

JOB PLANNING & SCHEDULING

With our highly flexible entry screens powered by a web based back-office system we can cater for almost any delivery scenario. Once the jobs are entered on to the system they can be allocated to vehicles in the most logical order, using our planning tool, eliminating paperwork and saving time..

Advanced job provision can be pre-created with the input of minimal data (e.g. number of pallets required) or full product-level data. Subsequent delivery discrepancies are input in a similar way e.g. full load rejection, pallet-level rejection or product-level rejection …. all recorded with accompanying reasons.

All jobs can be viewed as individual jobs or via a "Run List" screen. The Run List consolidates multiple jobs and displays them as single run per row. Managers can "drill down" that view individual job details for runs that are late or have other issues.

To view more detail on the "Run List" feature click here

A single screen view pulls together core data on planned jobs, run list summaries and run details. Changes to runs and run specifics can be made using easy ‘drag and drop’ methodology. All screens display pallet, weight and revenue information which allows for optimised run creation based on factors such as revenue potential and weight constraints. PODStar also provides a ‘toggle’ button that allows established and changed routes to be viewed from a map perspective, again simplifying the planning process.

Route Planning

Using real time job information, you are able to drag and drop the jobs on to the relevant vehicles and, using built-in checks, make sure you are not overloading the vehicle. Once a manifest has been created it is then sent out to the drivers or engineers remotely in the field. To further enhance the efficiency, we can display the route on a digital map saving fuel and time on the road.

VEHICLE & DRIVER TRACKING

You can track your driver and vehicle using the handheld device. The fleet manager effectively sees a real-time update of driver location on a digital map. As well as showing the fleet information we are also displaying job information within the same system – there is no need for separate tracking software.

We’re constantly adding new features to our PODStar system and the latest is a ‘Waiting Time’ analysis. Viewable on the Job List screen, this data illustrates when a driver has exceeded anticipated waiting time. You can set the time parameters and it’s perfect for highlighting scenarios where your driver has met his delivery slot but the client is unable to receive.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

Safety is of major concern for the modern fleet operator and the PODStar system assists in multiple ways;

Vehicle Reminders

PODStar lets you store key reminders, like tax, MOT, and service dates against your vehicles and be notified in advance of renewal dates whenever you log into the system ensuring your company is always fully compliant.

Vehicle Inspection APP

TouchStar’s APP allows drivers to complete vehicle checks using a mobile device, which then uploads reports directly to a back office system in real time. The device can also be used to take photographs of any damage or low tyre treads, record a driver’s digital signature and capture the date, time and GPS location at the time of the check to ensure the highest levels of accuracy, eliminating paperwork and avoiding fines. The software enables the driver to produce an on-device report which is extremely useful in the event of being stopped by the police or other officials.

DRIVER ADMINISTRATION

From their handheld device drivers can submit holiday requests, timesheets and expense details directly into PODStar. This is a great time and paper saving feature for both the driver and back office staff meaning no more lost receipts or holiday requests.

RETURNABLE ASSETS

A dedicated feature that allows PODStar customers to track and reconcile all assets in the field such as Cages, Trolleys, Dollys, Totes, Pallets etc. This is complimented by a dedicated report which PODStar customers can interrogate at will, minimising lost or stolen assets and saving money.

Dashboard & reports

Our Dashboard gives real time performance KPI information at your fingertips. It can be displayed on any device ranging from tablets and mobile phones to a large TV in the traffic office. The EPOD Dashboard can display real time ETA information for your jobs and notify you if a delivery is going to be late or on time.

If required, there are a standard set of reports in the system giving detailed information on jobs and driver performance. The system also has the ability to export all data fields allowing you to create your own bespoke reports quickly and efficiently.