The move has been made possible through the implementation of automated proof of delivery and signature capture software solution, which has already recorded more than 2m deliveries nationwide.

APC is using the mobilecourier system supplied by mobile data solution supplier Codegate.

Delivering up to 60,000 parcels each day, APC was previously using paper delivery manifests to record the time and location of parcel deliveries. 'The use of paper-based manifests created a large volume of paperwork and was open to human error,' said Quentin Abel, APC managing director. 'Our customers were asking for online tracking and proof of delivery and we had no way of immediately informing customers that items had been delivered.

'By selecting the best combination of advanced rugged mobile computer hardware and reliable PoD software, we now have a future-proof solution that enables us to deliver real-time track and trace.Codegate demonstrated unrivalled responsiveness during the trial phase and decision-making process and we were able to work closely with them to develop the mobilecourier solution so that it met our exact requirements.

'We needed to be able to collect and instantly transfer data from a wide range of logistical operations including despatch, point-to-point delivery and signature capture,' Abel concluded. 
 
The Codegate solution includes Intermec’s CN3 rugged mobile computers which will be issued to each of the 400 APC drivers in the Midlands, the South East and the South West regions. The CN3 was selected because it delivers integrated GPS for SatNav, GPRS for real-time communications, a colour touchscreen for signature capture and a camera for image capture providing proof of package damage or attempted delivery.