Direct Freight Improves Logistics Operations, Driver Communications with Peacock Bros.
Peacock Bros., one of the largest providers of supply chain solutions across the ANZ region, has announced that the company worked with Direct Freight to enhance its logistics operations through the deployment of 1,400 mobile devices to help improve delivery accuracy, efficiency and provide greater connectivity with drivers.
Direct Freight is a leading provider of road freight transport services in Australia, employing approximately 2,500 people. The company is one of the most technologically advanced carriers in Australia, with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service.
“At Direct Freight, we understand that the movement of goods is only the beginning of the process. We give our customers the ability to access information on every shipment and have developed software that allows them to obtain information to initiate their own dispatch orders and trace their shipments online. We understand the need for continuous improvements to our technology and systems so that our staff have the capability to react to customer demands quickly,” said Stephen Catania, Commercial Director for Direct Freight.
To provide greater visibility of their goods through the supply chain and meet customer demand, Direct Freight recently engaged Peacock Bros. to deploy a large-scale mobile device and software system upgrade across the business. The road freight leader had previously been relying on a fleet of mobile devices that was no longer fit for purpose due to increasing rates of failure. Additionally, the previous system relied on outdated communication methods with drivers still having to rely on legacy two-way radio for on-the-road communications.
Following a thorough investigation of all available technology solutions on the market, Direct Freight decided to deploy 1,400 Honeywell CT60 XP Handheld-Computers. The rugged CT60 XP was the ideal choice for Direct Freight as it is suited for organisations that require anywhere, anytime connectivity and fast data capture for maximum uptime and productivity. The devices are used by Direct Freight to scan goods being loaded onto and off delivery trucks, as well as being signed on delivery at end points to ensure the tracking of parcels is undertaken accurately.
"Peacock Bros. has a long working history with Direct Freight, having been technology partners for over 20 years. When their organisation required a mobility device upgrade, we undertook a thorough assessment of all solutions available to help develop a best-of-breed system to enhance driver operations as well as transport and logistics functions," said Ryan McGrath, Group Managing Director at Peacock Bros. “
Built on the Mobility Edge platform, the Honeywell CT60 XP features an integrated, scalable approach based on common software and hardware for future migration protection without sacrificing enterprise security, reliability, performance, or management features. This was an important factor for Direct Freight given the scale of the device deployment, as they wanted to ensure their Android based mobility investment would be supported into the future.
Carefully managing sensitive customer data is also a key consideration for Direct Freight. As a result, the company chose to work with Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) specialists at SOTI to manage its fleet of mobile devices.
"Through a single, easy-to-use interface, SOTI's industry leading EMM solution, SOTI MobiControl, allows Direct Freight to have full control over its fleet of mobile devices while securing confidential company data – something that is particularly useful when a business’ workforce is so mobile and always on the move," said Michael Dyson, VP of Sales, APAC at SOTI.
In addition to providing greater levels of product visibility and accuracy through the delivery process, the Peacock Bros. mobility solution also helps Direct Freight improve its driver operations. With enhanced GPS tracking and communication capabilities provided through the Honeywell CT60 XP, driver routing has been overhauled to enhance delivery times. Given that driver communications now occur through VoIP on the mobile device, trucks no longer require expensive two-way radio fit outs and maintenance, which provides tangible cost savings to Direct Freight.
"Through our advanced unified mobility solution, we have full visibility of driver activity and can reroute them in real-time to avoid accidents or delays. On the road communications and management is key to ensuring driver safety, as well as the fast and accurate delivery of goods to customers. All of which are primary goals for our business," said Stephen Catania, Commercial Director for Direct Freight.