Photo Proof, Real-Time Updates & Full Control
In today’s fast-paced delivery landscape, more businesses are choosing to manage deliveries using their own fleet of drivers. While this gives you more control over timing and customer experience, it also comes with challenges — especially when it comes to verifying that a delivery has actually happened.
What happens when a customer says, “I didn’t receive my parcel,” but your driver insists it was delivered? How do you provide solid proof without relying on manual paperwork or follow-up calls?
That’s where the Mobile Proof of Delivery (POD) feature in 8Stock WMS makes a difference — giving your drivers the ability to capture photo proof, update delivery status instantly, and sync everything directly with your warehouse system.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- What Mobile POD is and how it works with 8Stock,
- A real-life delivery flow using the system,
- Key benefits of using it with your own delivery drivers,
- And how it gives you a competitive edge over using third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
What Is Mobile POD in 8Stock and Why It Matters
Mobile POD is one of the powerful last-mile features built into 8Stock’s Warehouse Management System (WMS). It allows drivers to confirm deliveries in real time using a mobile device — typically a smartphone or tablet.
Instead of relying on manual paperwork or verbal confirmations, drivers use the 8Stock mobile interface to:
- Take a photo of the parcel at delivery,
- Mark delivery status (e.g., Delivered, Attempted, Failed),
- Automatically capture timestamp,
- And sync the data with your 8Stock WMS in real time.
With everything logged in one place — from inventory picking to final delivery — you get complete traceability and proof for every order.
How Mobile POD Works Inside the 8Stock Ecosystem
Let’s walk through a real delivery using 8Stock:
✅ Step 1: Order Picked and Assigned
An order is created and picked in the warehouse. Using 8Stock, you can manually assign the delivery to one of your in-house drivers.
✅ Step 2: Driver Views Tasks in Mobile App
Your driver opens the 8Stock mobile POD screen. They can view the list of deliveries, addresses, contact numbers, and specific instructions — all pulled from the WMS.
✅ Step 3: Photo Proof at Delivery
Upon delivery, the driver uses the 8Stock mobile app to take a photo of the parcel — at the customer’s doorstep, in-hand, or at a designated location.
They then update the status to “Delivered,” with optional notes. 8Stock automatically logs:
- Photo proof,
- Delivery time,
- Driver ID.
✅ Step 4: Instant Sync to 8Stock Dashboard
As soon as it’s updated, the information is synced back to the central system. Your warehouse, admin, and customer service teams can immediately see the completed delivery.
This seamless connection between your delivery process and warehouse system is what sets 8Stock apart — every action is tracked, from shelf to doorstep.
Key Benefits of 8Stock’s Mobile POD for Own Drivers
📸 1. Photo Proof Prevents Disputes
One of the most common delivery problems is when customers claim they didn’t receive their order. With photo proof captured directly in 8Stock, there’s no need to argue or check CCTV footage — you have visual confirmation backed by time and GPS data.
“Example: A customer calls and says they never received their parcel. Your staff opens 8Stock, views the photo taken at delivery, and resolves the issue within minutes.“
🕒 2. Real-Time Status Updates in Your WMS
Instead of waiting for drivers to return or follow up via messaging apps, your team sees the delivery status in real-time within the 8Stock dashboard.
This helps your team:
- Update customers accurately,
- Trigger follow-up processes like billing or feedback collection,
- And monitor delivery operations without manual tracking.
“Example: Your admin team checks 8Stock and sees that 12 of 15 deliveries are completed before 2 PM. All without needing to call a single driver.“
📊 3. Integrated Driver Performance Insights
Because all POD data flows into 8Stock, you can generate internal reports to review:
- Delivery times by driver,
- Failed delivery attempts,
- Delivery completion rate per route.
You can use this to improve route planning, reduce delivery costs, and even introduce performance bonuses or retraining.
“Example: You notice Driver A consistently delivers late in Area X. 8Stock reveals traffic patterns that help you reassign that route.“
📄 4. Zero Paper, Fully Synced with Inventory Movement
With 8Stock, there’s no need to reconcile paper forms with your delivery and inventory data.
Mobile POD integrates with your WMS to:
- Auto-complete the order delivery step,
- Trigger stock deduction upon proof,
- Record everything for audit and customer service.
It’s a clean, modern, and traceable approach to warehouse and last-mile management.
✅ 5. Happier Customers, Smoother Experience
Because 8Stock syncs status updates and delivery proof in real time, your support team can notify customers, send receipts, and close tickets faster.
This reduces complaints and increases trust — especially when you’re delivering sensitive or high-value items.
“Example: A pharmacy receives their supplies on time. No calls needed, no disputes.“
Why 8Stock + Mobile POD Beats Using 3PL Alone
Many businesses rely on third-party logistics (3PL) companies. While convenient, 3PLs often limit your visibility once the goods leave the warehouse.
Here’s why running your own drivers with 8Stock’s Mobile POD gives you the upper hand:
🔐 1. Full Control of the Delivery Experience
Your brand reputation doesn’t end when the parcel leaves the warehouse. Using 8Stock, you manage every step — from inventory picking to doorstep handoff — all tracked and recorded.
With 3PL, you often don’t know if the item is delivered until hours later, if at all.
📷 2. Live Proof, Not Batch Reports
3PLs typically provide batch delivery reports or end-of-day summaries. With 8Stock, you see what’s happening as it happens — with real photos.
This helps with:
- Urgent order tracking,
- Immediate customer support,
- And more accurate internal planning.
💰 3. Cost-Saving in the Long Run
Managing your own drivers with a tool like 8Stock becomes more cost-effective over time, especially when scaled.
You avoid per-delivery charges from 3PL, gain better delivery reliability, and keep everything in-house — with no gaps in your warehouse-to-door visibility.
🧩 4. Tailored to Your Business, Not Generic Services
Need to collect payment on delivery? Require drivers to snap a photo of a return item too? Want to customise delivery statuses?
With 8Stock, you’re in charge of the delivery workflow — not bound by a 3PL’s limited options.
Who Should Use Mobile POD with 8Stock?
If you handle your own delivery — even with a single driver or a few motorcycles — 8Stock’s Mobile POD helps simplify the entire process. It’s especially useful for:
- SMEs distributing FMCG items
- Retailers offering in-house delivery
- Medical suppliers managing scheduled routes
- Brands that want delivery proof without complexity
Even if you already use 3PL for some orders, combining it with your own driver + 8Stock system gives you the best of both worlds.
Small Feature, Big Impact: Final Thoughts
Mobile POD may seem like a simple delivery tool. But when fully integrated with the warehouse operation, it becomes a powerful part of your warehouse-to-door strategy.
With 8Stock, you don’t just pack and ship. You deliver:
- Faster updates
- Photo proof accountability
- Complete visibility
- Customer confidence
And all of this — without printing a single delivery note.
See It in Action — Book a Demo
Want to see how 8Stock’s Mobile POD can improve your delivery operations?
👉 Request a free demo today and discover how easy it is to take control of your own deliveries — with photo proof, real-time updates, and full system integration.