Matlock-based minerals company Longcliffe has invested in the latest logistics software to improve its order and delivery process across its multi-million-pound limestone business
Longcliffe produces over 1.4 million tonnes of high purity limestone and dolomitic products a year from its Derbyshire based quarries. It has an operating licence for 50 trucks and 50 trailers.
Prior to the Podfather implementation a paper ticket system, printed at the weighbridge, was used for all deliveries.
Using Podfather, which includes planning, route optimisation, and ePOD features, Longcliffe will eliminate paper from its order and delivery process, increasing transparency for customers from small construction sites and agricultural facilities, to major producers in the precast, sealant and construction markets.
Customers now receive an automated, configurable, ETA notification, by text or email, advising them when the goods have left the Longcliffe site and the expected delivery time. Additional notifications can also be sent at other stages of the delivery process if required.
Longcliffe’s customers can also live track their deliveries with an easy to use ‘follow the driver’ option which uses live information from drivers running the Podfather App.
Once goods are offloaded, Podfather’s electronic Proof of Delivery features mean the driver can capture date, time, and location stamped photographs and signatures.
Podfather also gives the option to include with the completed digital ticket a Google map to pinpoint where the goods were offloaded, which is useful in rural locations with limited address descriptions or large industrial sites.
Paul Boustead, Longcliffe group MD, said: “Investment in Podfather supports Longcliffe’s long-term goals to continually improve efficiency across all elements of the business.
“Fundamentally it will be a key driver for our business, ensuring we continue to be easy to work with, as we have identified this as something which will add value to our customers and our offering.
“From a sustainability point of view, introducing Podfather will also reduce the amount of paper that we use, as well as the amount of time spent in administration.”
He added: “Working with Podfather we hope to develop a long-term partnership that will realise benefits for our customers, our staff, our business, and our environment.
“We have some short-term goals and some longer-term objectives in the areas of efficiency, service, and impact, and we are confident that Podfather will support these to create meaningful outcomes.”
