ChillNet

Information Technology

Technology

Langdons' investment in technology is a key factor in our ability to handle the demands of a diverse and competitive marketplace. We are constantly reviewing our IT and communication systems to gain the maximum benefit for our customers and ourselves. All depots are linked via our internal Wide Area Network and most office staff have a PC with access to our main business applications as well as internet access and email.

We use HP servers, all with redundant RAID; redundant network cards and redundant power supplies. We backup everyday using an LTO3 robotic tape loader backup drive. All of this equipment is on UPS battery backup with a failsafe standby generator. All of this is housed in our air conditioned data centre with redundant air conditioning and full environment monitoring that reports any problems via email and SMS. This gives us the robustness and speed demanded by a 24 hour operation.

Transport Management Software

Our main Transport software is Manpack3 - supplied by Mandata Limited which we use for the live planning of thousands of consignments a day across several depots. We were the very first customer to install this popular software and act as a reference site attracting numerous visits for prospective new customers of Mandata's.

Customer Service Software

In January 2002 we installed new Customer Service software, also supplied by Mandata Limited. This is fully integrated with our transport software and has enabled us to introduce a non-conformance system to track every leg of every job and automatically raise a customer service incident if a problem arises. These incidents (or CDRs) are automatically emailed to our customer or faxed if required. From this incident we can then follow the problem through, raising any documentation to notify involved parties, log all calls and remedial action then finally close the incident when it is resolved satisfactorily.

EDI & E-commerce

In August 2001 we purchased EDI software from Freeway Commerce in response to increased demand from customers wanting to place orders electronically. Orders received this way are automatically forwarded to the relevant department based on a variety of criteria such as sender, address, order type or product line. In addition to the traditional method of sending orders by fax we can also accept orders online via this this Website or by email attachment. In 2007 we significantly upgraded our EDI capabilities by investing in a powerful EDI converter provided by Softshare. The software consists of two parts - Softshare Delta which takes care of complex data mapping, allowing us to accept data from a much wider variety of sources, in different formats. Softshare ECS takes care of communications supporting a wide array of protocols, including SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS, POP3, FTP and File System

Web Ordering & Consignment Tracking

Following on from the success of making PODs visible online in 2000, we are increasingly making more facilities and information available on the web. Our Advanced Services web site is now available which offers order capture direct into our Transport software, order confirmation, consignment tracking, pallet labels, non-conformance reporting and more. In 2006 the site was enhanced with the visibility of PODs (replacing our original POD site) and Invoices. In development for 2007 is online visibility of Warehouse stock to suppliment our existing facility of automated weekly and daily stock reports in Excel format.

Warehouse Software

In August 2002 we replaced our Unix based warehouse software with new Windows based software Mandata Warehouse Premium. The software is making it easier to manage stock intakes and despatches, automate picking of product and also offers improved documentation. We have recently equipped our Bridgwater DC for radio based barcode scanners. We can now use a handheld scanner anywhere in the store, including the new freezer to improve the accuracy of funtions such as Put Away, Relocation, Picking & Despatch

Fleet Management & Vehicle Tracking

Day to day functions of our state of the art Workshop facility are run on Tranman software supplied by VT Software Solutions. We make extensive use of technology to interrogate computerised engine management systems, log trailer temperatures and track the location of our vehicles and trailers. Almost all our Fridge boxes are fitted with Seven Transcan temperature recorders which log front and rear compartment temperatures, fridge power, door openings and provide alarms. Attached to these are Seven Eye tracking devices which provide, not only the vehcile's location, but also live & historical temperature data enabling transport operators to deal with any temperature issues there and then.

POD & Tacho Scanning

In order to speed up the processing and retrieval of Customer delivery notes and other important documentation we have introduced high capacity Scanners and Mandata Document Management Software in addition to Barcode recognition technology. This enables us to quickly retrieve customer proof of delivery which can be re-printed, faxed or emailed direct from the software. We can offer customers direct access to their own documents via the Web. We also Scan driver Tachographs using TruControl software provided by TruTac. Tachos are scanned and sent electronically to a bureau for analysis of driving time & infringements. New vehcicles now come equipped with Digital Tachographs and this data is combimed with the Analogue tacho data to provide us with all the information required by the Working Time Directive.

Telecommunications

Drivers and key staff can be contacted at all times by mobile phone call or SMS text message. Most of our depots have digital ISDN 30 phone systems with Direct to desk dialling. We have also introduced more department direct numbers to make it easier to get hold of the right people without having to go through reception.

Ongoing Development

We are constantly looking at how we can use technolgy to improve the service we offer our customers and improve our efficiency. Currently on our radar is better use of vehicle tracking data to update the status of consignments in real time, greater use of mapping technology, In Cab computers, Electronic PODs and greater use EDI. If you require further information or wish to discuss any IT related requirements you may have please contact the IT Department on +44 (0)1278 454810.