In our previous blogs, we tackled various subjects surrounding RTI’s and packaging registration. We also discussed the many benefits and functionalities of TellApe. In our client cases, we aim to portray how to track and manage packaging and load carriers works in practice. In this blog however, we would like to delve a little deeper and give some clear examples of what the specific ways are in which TellApe can be used.
Balance management
The basic way to use TellApe to manage your assets, and coincidentally the reason it was designed, is to keep track of your packaging balances. These balances can be built up with suppliers, customers, external and internal warehouses or other parties. When companies don’t keep track of these balances, they are prone to losing these valuable assets and thus money. Some of our customers, like bakery’s Vermeulen & Den Otter and commodity trade D&F, use the app to track the balances of their multi-use packaging.
D&F uses the app to track the balances of their roll containers and transport crates at independent branches. Vermeulen & Den Otter delivered produced goods on Broban crates during the night, without proof of signature. Because nobody was there when you delivered the items, you can’t charge them when they end up losing packaging. TellApe allows them to view all the issued and returned packaging and track down where the packaging “leaks” are.
Location management
In addition to managing balances, you can also view and manage the packaging locations in TellApe. One of the other bakeries we work with, named Bakery Fuite, use TellApe to map their multi-use packaging returns. This way, they can make sure that they have enough packaging the next day. Is this not the case? Then they check the precise locations of the packaging in TellApe and call these customers to request their items back. In this way, the specific location of the packaging is essential.
Item specific RTI registering
One of TellApe’s functionalities is tracking specific RTI’s individually. This option was widely requested and is used frequently by businesses that work with really expensive packaging items. The functionality works by scanning barcodes on individual items when using them in a transaction. The data from the app can then tell you how often a single item is issued and returned, and how long a specific item has been out of your hands.
Our client Geesinknorba is one of the companies who benefit from this function. They use TellApe to manage individual waste containers, as these are valuable items that are often used and can also quickly show traces of this use. The data TellApe generates can be used so that the company knows when items need to be replaced. This allows Geesinknorba to purchase new items on time, and request items back from their customers in time.
Financial administration check
Another way to use the application and Cloud platform is by comparing the data generated by TellApe to the data in your financial administration. This way you can check your finances, based on what you have versus what you should have. One of the clients that uses TellApe for this function is Marley Spoon. They buy fruit and vegetables, and transport items to go along with the produce, which are then charged to Marley Spoon. Carriers for Marley Spoon collect these reusable transport items to return to the supplier after delivering the goods, but they do not know whether these suppliers will then send a credit note after receipt. Therefore, they record the packaging transactions in TellApe to check the financial administration and to check whether they have received the correct credit notes from suppliers.
Registering transactions
In the previous sections, we already spoke about registering transactions. This entails that whenever reusable packaging changes hands, the transactions are recorded in the app. The online portal then offers an overview of all the transactions made. Our customer Verdel does this to prove that customers have received their goods. On the one hand, Verdel scans the items upon delivery to prove that the customer has received them. This way they can also ask for it back later. On the other hand, they record the transactions in order to process them in the financial administration and make sure they match the sales orders.
Digitization of existing registration
Sometimes, companies already have an existing registration in which they manage their packaging. This registration, however, can still cause problems when it isn’t tracked and managed digitally. If all item transactions are made by using pen and paper, the overview is more prone to errors. Danish flower company Flora Nova are an example of a company that uses TellApe for this. They distribute items for the flower industry, and are the link between the producing side and the sales side. They were already registering their transactions, but wanted to have a digital overview. Now, they are using TellApe to be able to create a digital packaging registration.
How can TellApe help your company or industry?
The above ways to use TellApe can be applied in a wide array of branches and companies. The listed examples are meant to inspire and offer a clearer view of what TellApe can do. If you are curious or would like to learn more, feel free to get in touch. We would be happy to discuss the uses of TellApe and the possibilities for your company.
