All Systems Go at UK Pallets
As well as preparing for and achieving the ISO and OHSAS accreditations, another major focus recently for UK Pallets has been the development and implementation of a robust and user-friendly I.T. System, UK Pallets On-Line, which joins seamlessly all aspects of its operations.
Graeme Wilson explains: "We now have an end to end system that manages freight from the point of collection, into and through the hub, out to the delivery members and on to the end delivery point."
UK Pallets On-Line is a web-based system developed in house by UK Pallets, which allows direct installation of the required applications straight onto a customer's computer. For regular and or high volume customers UK Pallets provide a thermal label printer so they can manifest all consignments and label them at the point of despatch. Occasional users can also get the benefits of the system and print their own paper labels prior to the arrival of the collection driver, who will then verify and scan the pallet before loading it onto his vehicle.
Back at the hub, UK Pallets has invested heavily in building and installing "Checking Tunnels" for both in-bound and out-bound freight, so all pallets entering the depot can be scanned and receipted.
After all consignments have been inspected and the details uploaded, the next phase is to off-load and allocate them to a member location. Before this, a very important Health and Safety check is that fork truck-mounted weigh scales automatically weigh all pallets. UK Pallets has now developed its system and adapted its operations internally to incorporate permanent fixing scanners at the front of the forklift. These are automatically activated as the forklift approaches the pallet, and read the barcode label as the truck's scales weigh the freight.
The tracking information and pallet weight are displayed on a screen mounted alongside the forklift operator, and the data is automatically transmitted to "UK Pallets Online" via the wireless infrastructure at the Fradley hub.
Graeme Wilson, Commercial Director, UK Pallets, is confident about the future: “Even in this somewhat uncertain economic climate, these are really exciting times for us. With the backing of our parent company UK Mail, we have continued to invest in our network and facilities, and plan further developments and enhancements in the short term.
“Competition for members and customers alike has never been greater, but what sets us apart from other networks is the culture and desire evident throughout this business and the people involved in it. Our efforts are firmly focused on quality and customer service, and we are justifiably proud of our network and our members, who week after week report and prove delivery service levels and systems compliance levels in excess of 99%, which enables us to stand out from our competitors.”