Simplify Proof Of Delivery With Mobile Technologies

For customers, the quality and craftsmanship of Medallion Cabinetry products may be readily apparent. But proof of delivery frequently was not. Although the company delivers truckloads of cabinets each week to retailers and home centers throughout the country, often delivery documents weren't entered into Medallion's computer system until as much as two weeks later. During the delay, Medallion did not have the information it needed to respond to customer queries or to resolve disputes. In addition, information from delivery documents was manually entered into the company's computer system, and human error simply compounded the impact of inaccurate information.

Medallion drivers were using preprinted orders, checking off items when they were loaded onto the truck and again when they were delivered. Even with this method of cross-checking in place, occasionally products were missed and orders were inaccurate. Medallion needed a way to clearly document delivery for its customers, while also making that information immediately available to staff at its home office. Working with systems integrator Emkat, a solution was developed that combined bar code technology with wireless mobile computers and printers.

Medallion now places a bar code on every cabinet to facilitate tracking at each step from truck loading, through transport, and to final delivery. All order information now is uploaded into Motorola (formerly Symbol) MC70 handheld computers with integrated bar code scanners. Drivers record all product movements, during both loading and unloading, by scanning the bar code of each cabinet. The custom software application developed by Emkat alerts the driver if orders are incomplete during the loading process or if incorrect items have been unloaded at the point of delivery.

Proof of delivery concerns also have been eliminated with the integrated Emkat solution. Customers now sign directly on the screen of the MC70 handheld to acknowledge delivery. The driver can then print a delivery receipt, complete with the customer's signature, using a Bluetooth wireless interface to a rugged RW 420 mobile printer from Zebra Technologies. At the same time, the handheld sends a wireless transmission to company headquarters to update the host computer system in real time.

In addition to the instant access to delivery information, the Emkat solution also eliminated human error stemming from inaccurate loading and delivery processes or miskeyed data. For Emkat, the relationship has developed into a lasting partnership and ongoing revenue, with Medallion returning to the integrator for supplies, additional equipment, and further software development. Emkat also is leveraging the knowledge learned from the Medallion project to continue its development of additional mobile applications for field environments.