Cognito iQ, the leading provider of cloud-based management solutions for the mobile workforce, has been selected by Argos to power the delivery intelligence for its Fast Track service, the first same day UK wide delivery service from a high street retailer. The Cognito iQ platform gives Argos the agility, flexibility and traceability to fulfil the same day service, which offers nationwide same-day home delivery, seven days a week, 364 days a year for a flat rate of £3.95.
Upon collection of delivery manifests, the Cognito iQ Mobile platform guides the drivers via their handsets enabling both customer home deliveries and delivery to other stores. With GPS integration, Argos drivers are guided through their delivery route, obtain electronic proof of delivery and receive real-time updates via messaging to inform them of any last minute changes.
From a customer perspective the service is fast, with four delivery windows throughout the day, and seamless with SMS updates informing them of accurate delivery times and any delays.
The information flow is real-time via the cloud and visible to Argos Call Centre via the Cognito iQ portal. With up to the minute information on deliveries, agents can provide customers with accurate information on where their parcels are, if they’ve been delivered, where the parcels have been left and who signed for them.
Andy Brown, Central Operations Director at Argos, said: “We are the only retailer able to offer same-day delivery nationwide and we’ve been delighted with the fantastic reception customers have given our new Fast Track services. Our selection of Cognito iQ to make Fast Track happen is a validation of the power of its platform and the faith we have in it to enable such a complex, mission critical service for our business.”
Cognito iQs cloud-based platform works across any mobile device and offers the flexibility Argos requires to evolve and rapidly scale the service when required. It is currently used by 650 delivery drivers and offers the potential to increase this number significantly to support busier periods.
“Fulfilment is the next big retail battleground, but it’s incredibly difficult to bring to life new delivery services for multi-channel businesses with such a broad product range as Argos,” comments Laurent Othacéhé, CEO of Cognito iQ. “We’re delighted that Argos is taking full advantage of our unrivalled technology expertise, understanding of the market and consumer needs, and ability to deliver. We look forward to continue helping Argos unleash innovations.”