The speed of data circulation is a critical business driver and information systems play a vital role in decision-making processes, particularly for organisations that transport goods.

It is imperative that these companies are able to provide their customers with information about where exactly their merchandise is at any given time, states provider of goods and people identification solutions Zetes MD Alex Driesen.

Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) systems aim to keep the shipment-to-cash cycle as short as possible, while ensuring that the right goods are delivered to the right place, at the right time, in the original condition and in the most cost-effective way, he explains.

“Value is realised in being able to check each step of the delivery process, ensuring that all processes are not only effective, but also practical.”

Zetes has played a key role in the development of ePOD solutions, which were based on the accumulation of extensive knowledge and ongoing research and development into goods and people identification, as well as payment solutions.

“With more than 30 years’ industry experience, Zetes has moved beyond designing a simple transport solution; it has created a platform that allows warehouse management systems and transport management systems to be extended into the operational field with little need for addi- tional components,” notes Driesen.

He highlights that, while various organisations require different levels of security, an effective ePOD solution is a sum of many parts and should meet some basic functional needs, such as real- time operator control, validation of roadmaps, geopositioning, time-stamping, identification document scanning, image capture, and mobile messaging.

“Some of the more advanced systems can meet specific demands, such as mobile payments through credit or debit cards, biometric proof, and identification authentication. All these features speed up the regis- tration process and are designed to reduce costs,” Driesen points out.

The rapid evolution of transport and logistics, as well as parcel delivery markets, has necessitated equally rapid technology development, he adds.

“The most recent developments made by Zetes with ePOD solutions are the introduction of mobile payment functionalities, as well as advanced image-capture features allowing for volumetric scanning and ergonomic full document capture. These features have enabled the company to enhance its client processes by adding value and allowing clients to gain competitive advantage through improved quality of services,” says Driesen.

“Mobility projects vary in complexity, with the majority of clients requiring flexible solutions and costs according to their specific needs,” he explains. “We take an individual client’s financial and logistical needs into consideration as part of the customised solution that we offer them.”

Assisting clients with the management of costs prompted Zetes to develop and offer its solution in a cloud-computing model with a leasing model enabling payment for the software infrastructure and complete platform on a monthly basis.

“For companies working with any hubs or subsidiaries, the management of a fleet of terminals used in the frame of an ePOD solution can be an authen- tic challenge, which usually requires the mobilisation of huge internal resources; and it is here that Zetes TotalCare can assist, as it is a platform that facilitates centralised procurement and visibility on the devices,” states Driesen.

He further notes that organisations which have deployed ePOD solutions have realised the benefits of shortened shipment-to-cash cycles and real-time visibility, increased client service levels, experienced value-added services on top of pure delivery, and logged fewer claims and errors, and have reported improved workflow.

“Current and future ePOD clients in South Africa stand to benefit from Zetes’ extensive knowledge and experience in ePOD technology, with planned future developments set to further cement Zetes’ presence as a supplier of supply chain solutions,” Driesen adds.