A tablet with MobiControl from SOTI. © SOTI

The parcel service DPD Germany relies on SOTI MobiControl to manage its mobile devices in the DACH region, thereby improving its own operational efficiency both inside and outside the company.

By using the enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution SOTI MobiControl, DPD is able to manage, update and localize 12,000 devices with its own software, which are used daily by employees both for deliveries and in the 78 depots. DPD Germany employees use Honeywell mobile devices to scan parcels arriving at and leaving the depot and to sign for the end customer that they have accepted the parcel. The devices are also used for navigation and route optimization.

Central management, communication and information for the end customer

For DPD Germany, the central management of well over ten thousand devices was a key reason for choosing SOTI MobiControl. The EMM solution gives the parcel service provider a centralized view of all devices in all depots. At the same time, it is possible to control and, if necessary, enforce updates, which leads to faster provision of updates and increases security. In addition, the lockdown mode protects the devices and data against misuse by drivers. This is because the user can only use the apps and functions approved by the IT administrator.

The seamless and scalable technology of SOTI MobiControl is also used for communication between the depot and the parcel delivery staff. DPD Deutschland GmbH has connected its own communication platform to SOTI so that the drivers receive notifications from the depot. For example, they can be informed about current traffic conditions or receive links to online training courses for better customer service.

Time and cost savings with SOTI

With the use of SOTI MobiControl, the previous "triangular solution" for resetting or repairing mobile devices could be solved. With the transparent platform, where each depot has its own folder, the device can be moved to the appropriate folder and sent directly to the depot for resetting to factory settings, for example, which saves a lot of costs. Previously, the device had to be sent to Honeywell's repair center in the Czech Republic. New devices can now be sent directly to the relevant depot with the correct configuration and settings. This extends the life cycle of the devices and saves time for both the IT department and the employees who use the devices.

"SOTI MobiControl has given us complete transparency in our fleet management," says Rudolf Pöcking, Operations, Local Traffic and Development. "But the most important thing is that we can now manage the devices centrally and install updates - from anywhere and at any time. Marcel Schwinn, Application Manager responsible for IT at DPD Germany, adds: "Before MobiControl, we didn't have enough insight into our mobile devices, which led to operational inconsistencies and delays in updates."

"We are delighted that our solution is helping DPD Deutschland GmbH to optimize its own processes and make them more efficient, which in turn leads to better customer service," adds Stefan Mennecke, Regional Director Central Europe at SOTI. "Even though around 80 percent of the devices used are located outside the company, they can be managed, controlled and updated centrally, and users can be helped remotely by DPD IT support if necessary."