A digital pen provides an alternative way to capture signatures for proof of delivery and proof of collection, for delivery drivers.
It provides a different option to smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs and other data capture devices (DCD) used by delivery drivers. So what advantages does the pen bring to the logistics industry?
Here are ten reasons a logistics or haulage business should consider a digital pen.
1. Minor changes to existing driver processes
At the end of the day a delivery driver may sign a delivery or collection form, and/or ask a customer to do the same. Since a digital pen is a pen and paper based solution there is no change to existing pen and paper form based processes. A digital pen is used like a typical ink based pen by the driver and customer so form filling and signature capture will be no different. The only minor differences for the driver are they will have to carry a digital pen around rather than any old ink based pen, plus carry a mobile phone where forms are required to be instantly transmitted. Not only does this speed up training, it also helps new technology adoption.
2. Capture GPS coordinates
This feature captures the GPS coordinates when the form proof of delivery or proof of collection form is completed to show the exact location of the driver when the form was signed. It helps to act as proof that a delivery was made to the right location at the right time.
3. Scan barcodes
Scanning a barcode as part of a form filling in process can be used to show what items were delivered or collected. Again this helps to show colleagues or customers that the job task was completed correctly.
4. Simple to train contract & “foreign” drivers
Since a digital pen often replaces an existing pen and paper based process it iseasier to train personnel whose first language is not the same as the one the form is written in, if for example there is only a signature to be captured. There is no additional software screens or functions to learn unlike some data capture device or smart phone/PDA solutions.
5. Instant POD/POC confirmation
Proof of delivery and proof of collection can be almost real time with a digital pen enabling colleagues and clients to be automatically emailed or for completed forms to be viewed securely online.
6. Price per pen is low compared to other data capture devices
The purchase and replacement costs for a pen as opposed to a smart phone, PDA or other data capture device are very low making the solution low cost for expansion to new drivers or colleagues.
7. Lightweight, easy to carry & durable
A digital pen is lightweight, easy to carry and like a normal pen don’t break when dropped for example.
8. Long battery life & can be charged in car/cab
A battery will last for days on continuous use and much longer if only being used to capture signatures and other small pieces of information. A digital pen can also be charged in car/cab and is a solution that can also capture details electronically even when the ink runs dry. Plus replacement ink cartridges are available.
9. Store data if not sending immediately
Where data is not sent immediately the digital pen can store a large volume of data ready to be transmitted via a phone or docking station at a later time.
10. Full integration with back end office systems
Completed digital pen form information can be integrated with back end office solutions such as warehouse management systems, transport or finance systems allowing for a fully integrated back end office solution.