NetDespatch mobile web innovation keeps express parcels on track
19 September 2006

A complete range of secure services for managing express deliveries using GPRS enabled PDAs has been announced by NetDespatch. It is the first mobile service in the UK that manages both shipping and delivery requirements. The ‘Velocity Unwired’ services are part of an ongoing development partnership with Cognito. It can be used by drivers as a real-time Proof of Delivery (POD) and data entry system and by shippers to arrange and manage collections and deliveries away from the office.

The NetDespatch Velocity service is wholly web based and the 'Unwired' edition gives courier and parcel companies mobile wireless access to their central management systems using a choice of Cognito-powered mobile devices. Just like using the NetDespatch web services, users can quote, book, track and record PODs through on-screen displays with easy touch-screen activated forms. This allows drivers and field staff to request quotes, and book and track collections and deliveries, receive detailed job information, and update and capture POD signatures; all in real time ensuring that central systems are continually up-to- date.

For shippers using courier and express parcel services, the service enables staff to arrange and keep track of requests for collections and deliveries without having access to the Internet or even to a PC. By providing total mobile-office capability, personnel can rely less on back-office support, allowing them to do many day to day tasks themselves. This cuts operational costs and increases efficiency and accuracy by saving telephone calls and ensuring that information is accurate and timely.

For use in shipping management, the mobile service is aimed at engineers, sales staff, retailers and business managers who rely on urgent collections and deliveries of equipment, parts, goods and documents. Typical uses include maintenance services, retail merchandising, automotive parts and business administration.

NetDespatch provides a wide range of e-commerce applications for transport companies and their customers which are designed to be incorporated seamlessly into existing websites so companies can offer own-brand web booking, pre-labelling, systems integration and parcel tracking services. As well as replacing traditional PC implant systems, NetDespatch makes it cost-effective for any customer irrespective of daily volumes, to book online whether through systems integration, using the simple web forms, or through the new 'Unwired' PDA service.

"This innovative development with Cognito has yet again put us at the fore-front of innovation. It gives both carriers and their customers live access to NetDespatch web services so they can manage their businesses in real time, 24 hours a day from absolutely anywhere" says Becky Clark, CEO of NetDespatch.