You’ve got deliveries to make. Customers to keep happy. And a business to run. That’s why your proof of delivery (POD) system should pull its weight better. But unfortunately, not all POD tools are built in the same way.
Some capture blurry photos. Others can back up your entire delivery process with timestamps, signatures, and geolocation data that can hold up in court.
Let’s break down what really matters when choosing the right proof of delivery software. First, we’ll discuss why POD tools are actually such a big deal.
Proof of delivery matters
Proof of delivery is one of those silent aspects your business needs, and one you probably didn’t even think about until you’re in trouble and need it.
POD tools protect your business when customers claim they never received their parcel. And it can help you fix a wrong delivery if a parcel accidentally ends up in the wrong hands.
It gives your drivers accountability, and can protect them when things go sideways through no fault of theirs. It also gives your customers peace of mind.
Think of it as your receipt, your safety net, and your customer service tool, all in one.
Proof of delivery: What to look for
Here’s where things get interesting. Just because a software says it has POD features, doesn’t mean it has the right features for you.
As a quick cheat guide, these are the must-haves to look out for:
- Photo with timestamp and location: To see exactly where and when a delivery was made.
- Signature collection (digital, of course): Still the standard in many industries.
- Driver notes or barcode scans: For extra context or verification.
- Live tracking with automatic updates: So customers aren’t calling you every five minutes.
- Easy access and exportable records: You’ll need this when someone complains weeks later.
If your POD software of choice ticks these boxes, the battle is nearly won already.
Your business is covered for most instances: a parcel delivered at the wrong address, a driver slip-up, or a customer who needs confirmation about a missing parcel.
Locate2u’s proof of delivery software
Instead of just offering proof of delivery as a feature, Locate2u builds the whole delivery experience around it.
That means:
- Drivers can take photos, get signatures, and add notes on the go.
- Customers can track deliveries and get confirmation once it’s done.
- Everything is logged and stored with GPS and time data automatically.
- Also, records are easily accessible if you need to resolve a crisis later on.
It’s built for businesses that want speed and accountability.
What bad proof of delivery looks like
Here’s the stuff that should make you run:
- Apps that only allow one method (photo or signature, not both).
- Tools that don’t store the data properly or lose it after a few weeks.
- No customer communication or no real-time tracking prior to delivery.
If this is what you’re currently dealing with, it’s more of a liability than anything else!
Final word on proof of delivery software
Delivery is stressful enough. Don’t let a weak proof of delivery system or tool create even more headaches.
Get something that protects your drivers, keeps your customers informed, and has your back when things go sideways.
Because when someone says “I never got it,” you’ll want more than just a shrug. You’ll want actual data, saved and stored, at your fingertips.
About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
