Online System Logistics with More Transparency in Local Transport

Partners in the General Cargo Network Online System Logistics (OSL) have been documenting deliveries with real-time GPS data since the beginning of the year – for more transparency in local transport shipments. OSL compares this new achievement to video evidence in football.

(Paderborn) Shipment tracking is standard at OSL, just like the transmission of shipment status, with shipment scanning being crucial. Now, the shipment status is additionally supplemented with GPS data; this option is expected to be available for pickup orders soon.

While “delivered” is an undisputed status, any deviations must specify the reason, e.g., “recipient not found” or “time constraints on delivery route.” With the newly recorded GPS data, it can be clearly established when and where an OSL partner delivered a shipment or attempted delivery. “It’s like video evidence in football – we can prove afterwards that a vehicle was actually on site,” says Marcella Rennecke, Head of Quality and Environmental Management at OSL. Based on this precise data, the automated “reporting processes” are now even more meaningful: If a delivery was unsuccessful, the partner automatically receives a notification along with the GPS-accurate status message that they need to take action – depending on the reason, this could mean re-delivering the shipment, checking completeness, or contacting the customer.

Clear and Traceable

The new GPS system is easy to use: The “Shipment Status” screen now shows the “GPS location” with the location coordinates alongside the date and time. The technical requirements for precise location tracking were already in place, namely scanners for capturing shipments and telematics in vehicles or appropriately equipped driver handhelds that support the transmission of GPS data. All OSL partners who already have this technology only needed to expand their interface to the OSL system. In the next step, OSL partners can enable this function for their customers so that they are also informed about the status of their shipments at any time. It is, of course, ensured that all requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation are adhered to.

Photo: © Online System Logistics