Fortec’s commitment to keep at the forefront of technology is paying off as customers benefit from the complete rollout of a full portfolio of services for its Fortec Connect app.
As a pioneer that brought the technology of the parcels sector to the pallet distribution market, Fortec developed the app for use on android smartphones and tablets.
Designed to give customers a truly seamless service, Fortec Connect now offers a suite of services that improves operational efficiency and gives complete visibility of the network.
From offering real time PoD with signature on glass, multi-photo capability across all areas, to live delivery and collections updates and vehicle tracking in real-time, it smooths the running of every aspect of delivery.
Run sheets can be updated while a vehicle is out on the road, customers can see when each drop is complete and also view the progress of drivers in real time by viewing an online map. All deliveries and arrival times are GPS stamped.
Craig Johnson, Business Unit Director, Fortec Distribution Network, said: “We get excellent feedback from our members about Fortec Connect because it enables them to provide a truly transparent and responsive service to their customers.
“Customers know where their goods are at every stage of the journey, enabling them to measure KPIs and manage the expectations of their own customers in turn. Fortec Connect gives a clear competitive advantage both to our members and their customers.
“We are delighted that the full range of services available via Fortec Connect is making our network even more attractive – indeed we know it is one of the reasons that potential members cite for wanting to join our expanding network.”
Fortec has more than 80 members across the UK who together are responsible for shipping more than 1.2 million pallets a year. With its purpose-built headquarters and hub at Watford Gap, Northamptonshire, and a secondary hub at Warrington, Cheshire, it has, through its members, 1,000 employees.
Offering timed, next-day, and 48-hour deliveries in the UK, as well as a premium European service, the network is part of the global logistics giant Geodis, the fourth-largest logistics provider in Europe.
Innovative and forward-looking, Fortec consistently leads the sector in use of IT, introducing the best elements of the B2C parcels industry into B2B. An early adopter of signature capture, it developed an app, Fortec Connect, and has consistently expanded the services available.
These now include TrackIT, where members can track their own consignments, MapIT where they plan routes on an interactive map, ReportIT, a messaging service for members, and most recently CheckIT where members can track consignments that they have passed onto other members for final delivery.
The system flags up any delays or problems, allowing members to alert their own customers in a timely manner and to resolve issues as soon as possible. Equally, if a Fortec member encounters a problem such as no-one being available at a delivery address, the app enables photographic evidence to be put on record and time-stamped.
