Sternfenster Streamlines Window Deliveries with Podfather Software.

Sternfenster, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, has boosted customer service whilst reducing its environmental impact using logistics software from Podfather. Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) features have eliminated hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper from the delivery process and have reduced the back-office admin resource by around 5,000-man hours a year.

“Prior to Podfather we relied on paper pick lists, manifests and delivery notes,” commented Scott Pedge, Transport Manager at Sternfenster. “This resulted in up to 600 sheets of paper per day, and took half a day to produce, allocate to drivers, and process on their return to base. We did have early stages of digitisation, with on-board computers linked to our bespoke scanning solution, but this was not integrated to other parts of the production, delivery, invoice process.”

Serving hundreds of customers, ranging from one-man operators to its network of approved installers, Sternfenster makes between 400 and 500 deliveries in an average week. From its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lincoln, its fleet of 18-tonne truck and trailer units cover most of England operating from Exeter to Margate, and Portsmouth to Leeds.

Using Podfather, which includes logistics planning, route optimisation and proof of delivery (POD) functionality, Sternfenster has virtually eliminated paper from its delivery operation. Windows and doors are scanned onto each truck, in accordance with the daily schedule, and the driver, having first completed a routine of Podfather guided vehicle checks, simply logs into the app to access details of the first delivery.

Live tracking gives customers and back-office staff real-time visibility of progress as it unfolds, and, once on-site, the driver unloads, scanning each unit off the truck, as per the Podfather schedule. In addition to the scanned information the driver also captures date and time stamped photographs and signatures as further evidence of delivery. The automation has boosted customer service with real-time visibility and reporting, resulting in fewer customer queries.

“One of the most important factors when selecting a partner was the ability to work with our existing systems and processes,” Scott Pedge continued. “Podfather were about the only company willing to have this conversation and, since day one, has supported us as we have rolled the solution out across our operation.”

Brent Tromp, Customer Operations Manager at Sternfenster, added

“Not only has Podfather reduced our reliance on paper and routine admin tasks, it has really improved our customer experience. Using Podfather, customers can access live information about when their delivery is due – for trades this is crucial as they know who needs to be onsite and when.

“The real-time sharing of updates also reduces the need for customers to call us. However, if they do, we have everything we need to answer any query thanks to Podfather and all in just a couple of clicks,” he continued. “Not only does this further reduce our back-office resource it has also impacted on the number and value of credit notes we issue. Before Podfather, investigating misplaced delivery items or disputes was a time-consuming process. Now, with improved traceability, resolving these issues is faster and more efficient, both for the customer and us.”

Established in 1974, Sternfenster quickly became one of the UK’s leading trade fabricators of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors. Now celebrating 50 years of business, Sternfenster has over 180 employees, operating from an 137,000 square-metre production facility in Lincoln. Under the guidance of original founder’s sons, Sternfenster continues to deliver high-quality products, nationally, but with the values of a family-run business.