Bison Transport is adding visibility and agility to its cross-docking operations, thanks to printable and scannable barcodes.
Since introducing Scanbot scanners to Samsung tablets, drivers can more easily track pallets and also keep customers better informed in real time, Bison Manager of Software Delivery Chris Friesen told Trucking Dive.
“We had the visibility, but it was entirely manual,” Friesen said. “The scanning and switching to the mobile handhelds allowed ... all that work to be done in the moment.”
The Winnipeg-headquartered carrier, with locations in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., built its own app for drivers around nine years ago and also turned to the German-based software development company to digitize paperwork and record-keeping, Friesen said.
Late last year, Bison introduced the Scanbot scanners based on the technology’s ease and costs. The carrier has equipped about 10 scanners with its workforce and expects to have nearly 40 in place when fully rolled out this year.
Privately held Bison employs over 4,000 drivers and staff and has 3,000 tractors, according to its website.
The scanned barcodes automate data entry and provide details on the order, customer and bill of lading. The carrier estimates that the changes will save the company 300 hours of time each month.
“From our drivers, it's nothing but five star reviews,” Friesen said.
