App speeds 'last mile' payments

DB Schenker has previewed a new app that promises to speed payments for smaller delivery companies and their truck drivers servicing remote customers

Logistics giant DB Schenker recently unveiled a new logistics app in Sydney before German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Federal Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull, at the headquarters of NICTA, Australia’s Information Communications Technology (ICT) Research Centre of Excellence.

Jointly developed by DB Schenker and NICTA, the PanDA app – the name stemming from 'Pickup and Delivery Assistant' – promises to streamline both paperwork and payments for 'last mile' delivery companies servicing remote customers. The app affords accurate parcel tracking and electronic 'proof of delivery' (POD), the latter then automatically triggering payment for the service.

The new app, due to be released in early 2015, was shown by Ron Koehler, CEO of DB Schenker in Australia, to Chancellor Merkel on a visit to NICTA following the recent G20 conference in Brisbane.

NICTA is a government- and university-funded body that is a leader in information and communication technologies research in this country.

Mr Koehler said it was a privilege to unveil the app to the German Chancellor.

"DB Schenker, as one of the world’s biggest logistics providers, has had a presence in Australia for more than 50 years, so it was a great opportunity for us to present to the Chancellor during her visit this important joint collaboration that will ultimately assist so many Australians," he said.

The reliance on paper-based POD for far-flung customers has traditionally resulted in extensive delays in payment for supply chain companies, but DB Schenker says PanDA will automatically confirm delivery and trigger payment within 24 hours.

"Our mobile app is specifically designed for truck drivers, providing low-cost connectivity, via the cloud, to assist them in the pickup, delivery and payment processes," said Mr Koehler.

"It will allow the driver or transport company to enter travel details, GPS coordinates and vehicle identifiers at any time during the transport process to indicate any delays, which may be caused by traffic conditions, road closures or mechanical breakdowns.

"On arrival at the destination the driver scans a bar/QR code, including Proof-Of-Delivery signature or printed name. We replace the burden of processing the paper from the truck driver’s home office with our app. After delivery has been made, we can fast-track electronic payment to the driver’s account.

"The app will make an enormous difference to the efficiencies and cost savings as well giving the end-customers peace of mind that their parcel is about to arrive."

Pictured: DB Schenker Australia CEO, Ron Koehler (right), with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the Federal Minister for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull. Source: NICTA

App speeds 'last mile' payments

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