Germany-based time:matters, the time-critical logistics specialist, is automating the tracking process for its shipments.
Information on a shipment’s status, which until now had to be compiled manually, will soon be automatically generated.
Selected courier partners are linked directly with time:matters’ booking system, meaning all relevant information can be exchanged automatically.
This, said the Lufthansa-owned company which operates independently of the parent group, will do away with the need for additional communication between time:matters and its sub-contractors.
Peter Karstens, chief executive of Stadtbote, a time-matters courier sub-contractor, said: “Orders are now sent to our system directly via an interface. This enables us to work much more quickly and efficiently.”
Couriers receive all the key information on a shipment directly from time:matters. They can also enter details of the delivery process directly into the system.
This information is compiled by the courier in a web app (an app that can be accessed using a web browser) and can then be immediately sent to the customer.
This mobile front end is already being used by 100 courier partners for tracking entries. Linking the system to a flight database enables a quick response to flight delays and cancellations.
Automated tracking simplifies and speeds up the shipment process. Automatically obtaining tracking information has already increased to 80%, corresponding to some 350,000 tracking points per year.
Christian Mörtl, chief operating officer of time:matters, said: “Above all, as a further step in digitising the logistics chain, process automation represents a major gain for our customers: They receive information that is more reliable more quickly than before and are always kept up-to-date on the current status of their shipment.”
