Increased efficiency also means a reduction in costs. Not only does ePOD mean savings on paper, but it also removes the cost of data input. This allows back-office staff, who would usually spend time manually inputting data, to focus on analysing it instead to improve future deliveries and find other operational cost savings.

Information about a delivery is shared with all stakeholders in real-time using ePOD software. This creates more certainty, as evidence in the form of a photograph, signature, time stamp or GPS coordinates is available to all parties immediately. As a result, any disputes that might arise around a particular order can be quickly resolved. Having all the documentation uploaded immediately in one place also helps when it comes to auditing, as ePOD lowers the chances that paper documents could go missing or be forgotten. Finally, it gives greater transparency around the delivery process, helping to track KPIs such as the number of perfect orders fulfilled (i.e., complete orders delivered to the right place at the right time with the correct documentation). Electronic proof of delivery can help by highlighting any issues that might occur regularly – for example delays that always happen on the same part of a route. This data can be fed into other optimisation tools, such as route planning software, to be considered for future deliveries.

Many ePOD apps also include functionality that can enhance security during a delivery. For example, requiring a PIN code, which is shared with the receiver ahead of the delivery, instead of a regular signature. This isn’t known by the driver or any other third parties, so cannot be forged like a signature. This is most commonly used by retailers. And in some cases, customers can include their own security certificate which will be used to create the digital signature file. In case the signature file is manipulated at a later stage, it can be detected.

Electronic proof of delivery software provides a much more streamlined way for consignees to receive all the documentation relating to their order in PDF format, making it easier for them to update their own records. By signing the forms digitally, it removes the need to organise physical paperwork. And, as highlighted above, the additional security elements that many ePOD apps offer can help to build trust between the customer and all other stakeholders involved in the delivery as it is certain that the goods can only be received by them.

The efficiencies gained by automation and digitisation of operations can help to lower operational costs by around 3-5 %. Greater efficiency also helps with customer retention and can enable organisations to service more clients without a reduction in quality.