VSC Solutions

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Date:      31/10/08
Article:   Barwick (UK) adopts VSc electronic proof of delivery solution

Barwick is a leading distributor of Quality Bathroom Brands providing a range of services to Bathroom Specialists, Plumbers and Builders Merchants across the UK. Barwick is constantly looking for ways to improve its business processes to gain greater efficiencies and provide better service to its customers in a highly competitive market. In 2008 Barwick decided to implement the ePOD from VSc solution, extending the use of their existing supply chain execution software to electronic order and delivery confirmation.

Barwick‘s key drivers were to:

        •Take cost out of the distribution operation by automating existing manual process

        •Reduce stock loss on the road

        •Automate and monitor damages and returns

        •Reduce claims through accurate proof of delivery
Every day all Barwick routes are planned in the VSc Supply Chain execution software and automatically downloaded to the driver PDA‘s. Upon arrival at the depot, drivers log into the relevant route, select the first drop and can then use the built-in satellite navigation software to guide them to the customer‘s address. On arrival they are informed if there is a payment to collect, reminding them not to forget to check for a signature and correct date, if payment is by cheque.

They are also informed of any special instructions, such as who they should see, what entrance to use, etc. A drop may be for one or many deliveries, and the driver can process each delivery individually using the PDA, or alternatively process the entire drop. Each product is scanned off or confirmed using a tick box on the PDA. If there are any shortages or damages, or if the customer decides any items are not required, then all of this information is recorded during the ePOD process.

The driver can also photograph damaged product that the customer accepts or rejects. The PDA displays a summary of what has been ordered, despatched and delivered/collected, against which the customer signs and prints their name. The delivery notification together with any exceptions is automatically updated on the VSc Supply Chain execution system from the PDA using GPRS connectivity.

The driver can then progress to the next drop. On returning to base the driver docks the PDA in the office cradle and all of the delivery information is transmitted to the Supply Chain system. Those orders that have been processed without exception are automatically confirmed for invoice. Those orders that have exceptions are automatically updated with actual delivery quantities and then reported for manual review.

Barwick benefits from the VSc ePOD solution in the following ways:

        •Automation of driver start and end of day briefing/debrief, reducing unproductive time spent in                the depot.

        •Accurate recording of what was actually delivered and the time of the delivery thereby improving               the service to the customer.

        •Immediate generation of an undisputable electronic proof of delivery note reducing claims and               debtor days.

        •Reduction in mistakes when collecting payments and improving payment collection rates.

        •Reduction in fraudulent claims for damaged or missing goods.

        •Less time taken to get to drops through the use of satellite navigation.

        •Modernisation of the delivery process, improving delivery precision and ‘perceived‘ customer                service.

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