Leading pallet network, UPN has announced the launch of its first mobile application, to provide full track & trace facilities to customers and depots. The new application was developed in-house by UPN’s development team and it gives customers full visibility of each palletised freight consignment. Using smartphones, users can track the progress from collection to delivery in real time.
The UPN mobile application is available free on www.upnmobile.co.uk and operates on iPad, iPhone as well as leading Android and Windows smartphones.
Martyn Chapman, Chairman at UPN, explains the importance of the development, “Our business was founded on technology and our continued goal is to develop and implement new technology that delivers clear benefits to UPN customers and depots. Our real-time signature capture system delivers an electronic signature with two seconds of delivery. Following the successful implementation of our new depot barcode scanning system, we have been able to track freight very precisely. This new application is a natural progression, as today’s consumers do not want to spend time chasing suppliers to ask for information that could be provided in a simpler way. Now, customers can input freight using our web based customer input system and track its progress from collection to delivery using mobile devices. Everyone saves time and money and it delivers a fantastic customer experience. Depots were involved in the development and testing process and the feedback has been very positive.”
Martyn continues, “With nearly 60 per cent of our web traffic coming from iPad users, it was important that we could offer them a solution, as well as those using Android or Windows based mobile devices. The system is incredibly easy to use because it was developed using the latest HTML 5 technology. We can add further functionality quickly and easily, whilst users do not need to spend time and effort downloading software or updates and avoid data charges.”
Using the application, users simply enter the consignment number and postcode on their mobile device, which instantly provides an interactive report showing the progress of their consignment through the network. The system remembers the job details, so users can check progress later on, without having to re-key any consignment details. UPN mobile users can also check for scanned paperwork within 24 hours of delivery. The application integrates with Google Maps with Street View, so users can check the delivery destination at map and street level. Within the application, users also have direct access to consignment information and contact details for the sending depot. UPN is planning to incorporate consignment entry and credit card payment facilities in future versions and Martyn explains why, “We want to make ourselves available to anyone, anywhere and at any time. With the best tools in place, we will prove the most attractive option for online traders and their customers that are seeking out high quality next day delivery services at affordable prices on small consignments for UK or European destinations.”
Gary Flockhart, UPN’s IT Manager outlines the project in more detail, “The challenge was to provide something simple, effective and highly intuitive. Customers are internet savvy today and use their mobiles more and more, so we had to give them an enjoyable experience. It runs on a huge variety of devices, including iPad, iPhone, Android and Windows mobile devices. Office-based workers still have full access to our existing web based track & trace system, which provides more detailed reporting facilities.” Gary continues, “We have just recruited another two developers to our team and will continue to add new functionality to the UPN mobile system, as well as optimising the application for new mobile platforms. Our aim was to give depots and customers a better mobile experience than any other logistics provider and we have been successful in achieving that goal.”
Established in 2001, UPN is a specialist in providing high quality next day delivery services for smaller consignments of palletised freight. Widely regarded as the technological leader in its field, UPN’s advanced real time and web based IT infrastructure has now set new standards for freight visibility and customer service. The new UPN mobile application is available for download at www.upnmobile.co.uk
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