2020 will see more companies changing their processes and undergoing digital transformation to reduce their environmental impact, according to business management consultant, Upstream Solutions.

In response, Upstream is rolling out a new Sign on Glass (SoG) technology that requires a tablet or mobile device to manage and store digital files in a company’s document management system via an integrated solution. This reduces both the need for excessive printing and associated costs when it comes to proof of delivery.

Upstream Solutions executive general manager solutions, Matt Coad said, “Paperwork typifies administration processes for most businesses, with filing cabinets full of receipts, invoices, delivery notifications, job and time sheets, and compliance and service documentation. If a good system isn’t in place, finding a particular document can be time consuming and nearly impossible at times.

“When it comes to proof of delivery processes, this usually includes multiple copies of documents, manually filling out paperwork and ensuring the right physical documents are given to the delivery drivers, customers and the office.

“This creates issues such as excess paper usage which has a negative environmental impact, time-intensive processes that reduce staff productivity, returning to the office to hand in physical documents is inefficient, and paper-based documents can easily get lost, destroyed or misfiled, making it difficult for disputes and can often impact cashflow.”

Providing greater flexibility for personnel in the field, accessing, processing and lodging documents has been made simple through digitisation. This can be used for deliveries and distribution, invoices and other transactional documents, service and maintenance job sheets, and logging compliance checks and requirements.

Previously the costs involved in having a digital proof of delivery solution were exorbitant due to additional device and tablet requirements, which made it unviable for many companies.

“Now with the maturity of SoG technology, the paperless digital POD solution can be deployed to existing devices. The solution can be pushed out onto any mobile device or tablet, saving businesses money by optimising current company resources instead of requiring new ones. It can be distributed across employees and provided to third-party contractors to make processes simpler by using one, centralised process and platform.

“The solution is customised to existing processes and enhanced through digitisation, the appropriate document is generated on the device, the digital transaction is completed and the document is stored in the system, able to be retrieved or viewed at any time.”