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LogisticsPOD

Proof of Delivery (POD)

Quick answer

Confirmation that goods were delivered and received: signature, photo, timestamp and any reservations.

Key takeaways

  • ePOD (electronic POD) - terminal signature, photo, GPS
  • Paper POD - signed note, scanned later
  • POD with reservations - receipt with recorded objections

What POD is

Proof of Delivery (POD) is confirmation that a shipment reached the recipient and was accepted. It includes the receipt signature, date/time, who received it and any reservations (missing or damaged parcel).

POD forms

  • ePOD (electronic POD) - terminal signature, photo, GPS
  • Paper POD - signed note, scanned later
  • POD with reservations - receipt with recorded objections

Why it matters

POD closes the delivery loop: without it, 'I didn't receive it' or 'received damaged' disputes are hard to resolve. It's also the basis for firm invoicing and complaint handling.

How CRMconnect helps

CRMconnect captures ePOD in the field (signature, photo, GPS, timestamp), links it to the order and ASN, and exposes it in the portal and via EDI, providing indisputable delivery proof and reducing disputes.

Real-world example

A distributor lost disputes over contested deliveries, with no clear proof. With CRMconnect ePOD (signature + photo + GPS), each delivery has attached proof, and unfounded complaints fell significantly.

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Frequently asked

What is ePOD?+

Electronic proof of delivery: a signature on terminal/phone, a photo of the parcel at handover, GPS coordinates and a timestamp - far more robust and searchable than paper POD.

Does POD affect invoicing?+

Yes. Delivery confirmed by POD can trigger firm invoicing and marks the point from which payment terms start, removing disputes over receipt of goods.

Where CRMconnect fits

Software WMS Software OMS Software EDI

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Related terms

Logistics

Track & trace

Real-time tracking of an order or shipment's status and location, from pickup to delivery.

Logistics

ASN / DESADV (Advance Shipping Notice)

EDI shipping notice sent before goods physically arrive at the retailer - describes pallet, batch, quantity.

Logistics

Last-mile

The final delivery stage - from local DC to end customer. The most expensive segment.

Technology

Web EDI (web EDI portal)

A web interface where a partner with no EDI system of its own can receive and send EDI documents from the browser.