Carvers Building Supplies is continuing its roll-out of Podfather logistics software to “boost customer service and reduce administration.”
Part of a company-wide transformation project to improve internal processes and automate workflows at the Wolverhampton-based merchant, Podfather is now integrated with an upgraded ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, and plans are underway to further embed the delivery solution alongside a shipment application and e-commerce softwarre.
Using Podfather, which includes logistics planning, route optimisation, and proof of delivery (POD) functionality, Carvers states that it has already significantly reduced its reliance on paper, improved its customer experience, and is better managing its fleet.
Craig Whitlock, IT Manager at Carvers, explained: “Prior to Podfather, we were heavily reliant on paper and the knowledge and experience of individual drivers and members of the logistics team. When this worked it wasn’t a problem, but it doesn’t take much for pieces of paper to go missing or a crucial member of staff to be on holiday, and that’s when the cracks start to appear.
“Using Podfather, integrated with our other systems, we now have the foundations for future growth. We have automated delivery notifications so customers know when their delivery is due and can track its progress, and we digitally capture electronic Proof of Delivery information which can be shared in real-time with the customer and back-office teams.
Craig added: “These alone have had a massive impact on our operation; we have seen a huge decrease in admin and, more importantly, fewer phone calls from customers.”
Carvers Building Supplies was Wolverhampton’s first builders’ merchant, established in 1896. Now with over 15,000 products in stock, the fifth-generation, family-run business operates its own fleet of 30 vehicles – including vans, flat bed and arctic lorries – and makes around 100 deliveries per day servicing Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas of Birmingham, Dudley, Stafford, Shrewsbury, Telford and Walsall.
The firm also uses Podfather’s app-led vehicle checks “to ensure its vehicles are well maintained and legally compliant.” Fully configurable, the app guides drivers through a series of checks, designed to ensure vehicles are safe and ready for use whilst providing early notification of potential issues.
Craig concluded: “Not only does Podfather support us with our day-to-day transport operations, it has also proved extremely useful when onboarding new team members. It’s so easy to use that a new driver or member of the back-office team can be up and running in no time at all. Also, whenever I have had any queries or feedback, the support from Podfather has always been excellent.”
