5 of the best electronic proof of delivery software providers for the UK

Feeling overwhelmed by the number of electronic proof of delivery providers out there? You are not alone, but there is plenty of information online for those looking to put together a business case for a new software initiative. Here we provide an overview of some of the best electronic proof of delivery providers with a strong history of service in the UK, looking at their main features, length of time in the market and main use cases. 

Descartes

Descartes is one of the leading suppliers of proof-of-delivery (POD) software in the UK used in sectors such as construction materials, retail, wholesale and food distribution. Its electronic POD functionality forms part of a larger routing, telematics and customer communication suite, giving organisations the tools to manage every step of the delivery journey in one integrated system. 

These wider integrations available through the Descartes Global Logistics Network™ covers over 160 countries and are among the key reasons many larger companies opt for this provider’s solutions over some of the regional competition. They also publish a range of useful resources that guide the buyer through the decision process. 

  • Main features: Integrated route planning and optimisation, driver mobile app for electronic POD, real-time delivery tracking, customer notifications, photo and signature capture, analytics and reporting

  • Main areas of operations: global logistics network, serving construction, retail, food and drink, wholesale and 3rd-party logistics (3PLs) providers.

  • Founded: 1981

 

Microlise

Microlise is a UK headquartered fleet technology company delivering one of the most comprehensive transport management and ePOD platforms on the market. Its solution supports high volume, time critical operations and helps transport teams manage everything from pre-departure checks to final delivery confirmation and performance insights.

  • Main features: Electronic proof of delivery with barcode scanning, configurable workflows and checklists, driver messaging, real time vehicle tracking, customer ETA updates, performance dashboards

  • Main areas of operations: UK, Europe and global fleets across retail, grocery, food manufacturing, transport and logistics

  • Founded: 1982

Podfather

Podfather is an Edinburgh based ePOD and route planning specialist known for helping organisations replace manual planning and paper workflows with a streamlined digital process. It is particularly popular with fleets operating complex multi-drop routes or working in sectors where real time visibility and strict delivery confirmation are critical, such as construction, aggregates and food service.

  • Main features: Cloud based route planning and optimisation, electronic proof of delivery with signatures, photos and timestamps, real time driver tracking, digital vehicle checks, configurable forms and reporting

  • Main areas of operations: Primarily UK and Ireland with growing international use across logistics, construction, food and drink, healthcare and the public sector

  • Founded: 2000

Aptean Routing and Scheduling Paragon Edition with fleXipod

Paragon, now part of Aptean, is a long-standing name in the UK routing and scheduling space. Its fleXipod module offers a flexible ePOD solution that connects with the Paragon planning engine, helping fleets manage efficient routes while ensuring accurate delivery data capture at the kerbside. It has applications in home delivery sectors such as furniture, bedding and white goods where customer experience is a priority.

  • Main features: Advanced routing and scheduling, mobile ePOD via fleXipod with signatures, photos and notes, real time job status updates, integration with wider transport and warehouse systems, delivery performance reporting

  • Main areas of operations: UK and international operations across home delivery, furniture, retail, 3PL and field service

  • Founded: 1991

Trakm8

Trakm8 is a UK based telematics and connected vehicle solutions provider that offers ePOD through its Insight platform. By combining telematics, proof of delivery functions and optional camera integrations, it gives transport leaders a complete view of vehicle safety, driver behaviour and delivery performance. This makes it a strong option for fleets focused on operational efficiency as well as risk reduction.

  • Main features: Telematics and driver behaviour monitoring, integrated ePOD with signature and photo capture, support for on site surveys and digital forms, optional in vehicle cameras, real time dashboards and alerts

  • Main areas of operations: UK and Europe across parcel delivery, utilities, field service, transport and logistics, insurance and leasing

  • Founded: 2002

Final thoughts

Choosing the right electronic proof of delivery provider depends on fleet size, the complexity of your operation and your integration needs. Descartes, Microlise, Podfather, Aptean Paragon with fleXipod and Trakm8 each offer strong UK experience, mature mobile apps and dependable reporting capabilities. For any organisation aiming to reduce manual paperwork, improve delivery accuracy and provide customers with reliable real time updates, these five platforms represent some of the best ePOD solutions available today.

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