Sternfenster slashes thousands of admin hours after installing Podfather logistics software

Sternfenster makes between 400 and 500 deliveries in an average week to hundreds of customers, ranging from one-man operators to its network of approved installers.

Its fleet of 18-tonne truck and trailer units, operating from its manufacturing facility in Lincoln, cover most of England, from Exeter to Margate, and Portsmouth to Leeds.

The company installed Podfather in a bid to achieve greater efficiencies.

Scott Pedge, Sternfenster transport manager, said: “Prior to Podfather we relied on paper pick lists, manifests and delivery notes.

“This resulted in up to 600 sheets of paper per day, and took half a day to produce, allocate to drivers, and process on their return to base.

“We did have early stages of digitisation, with on-board computers linked to our bespoke scanning solution, but this was not integrated to other parts of the production, delivery, invoice process.”

The system, which includes logistics planning, route optimisation and proof of delivery (POD) functionality, has virtually eliminated paper from the company’s delivery operation. Windows and doors are scanned onto each truck, in accordance with the daily schedule. The driver completes a routine of Podfather guided vehicle checks, then logs into the app to access details of the first delivery. 

Live tracking gives customers and back office staff real-time visibility of progress as it unfolds, and, once on-site, the driver unloads, scanning each unit off the truck, as per the Podfather schedule.

In addition to the scanned information the driver also captures date and time stamped photographs and signatures as further evidence of delivery.

The company said the automation has boosted customer service with real-time visibility and reporting, resulting in fewer customer queries. 

“One of the most important factors when selecting a partner was the ability to work with our existing systems and processes,” Pedge said. “Podfather were about the only company willing to have this conversation and, since day one, has supported us as we have rolled the solution out across our operation.”

 Brent Tromp, Sternfenster customer operations manager, added: “Not only has Podfather reduced our reliance on paper and routine admin tasks, it has really improved our customer experience.

“Using Podfather, customers can access live information about when their delivery is due - for trades this is crucial as they know who needs to be onsite and when. 

“The real-time sharing of updates also reduces the need for customers to call us. However, if they do, we have everything we need to answer any query thanks to Podfather and all in just a couple of clicks.

“Not only does this further reduce our back-office resource it has also impacted on the number and value of credit notes we issue.

“Before Podfather, investigating misplaced delivery items or disputes was a time-consuming process.

“Now, with improved traceability, resolving these issues is faster and more efficient, both for the customer and us.”