Dimension Data dovetails Web-based freight solution for Berco

Berco Express, SA`s second largest courier express company, has completed implementation of a sophisticated Web-based freight forwarding and warehousing application that allows customers to buy courier services online and track their parcels at any stage of the courier process.

The solution was developed by Dovetail Business Solutions, a partner of global technology services company Dimension Data, using XML technology and tools from Software AG (SAG) - the German-based author of Adabas and Natural. The e-commerce Web site integrates seamlessly with Berco`s Freightware application.

Gavin Cox, managing director at Berco Express, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, says FreightWare was installed about four years ago and is the foundation of the new Web-based application that provides customers with a fully automated courier service.

"FreightWare is our core technology and the platform we use to launch and run Internet applications. The new e-commerce Web site provides customers with easy access to information and allows them to track and trace shipments, retrieve information, ensure proof-of-delivery (POD) and delivers valuable management information.

"Customers have the ability to make decisions that can result in a reduction in courier spend without having to resort to using other courier companies that may offer cheaper rates, but whose service may be questionable," says Cox.

Dovetail designed the Web application on a Unix operating system, which offers a stable environment with rapid throughput at peak business times. Key to the site`s success is Software AG`s use of XML technology.

"The future is XML (eXtensible Markup Language) which is simple, open and an absolute must in the networked information society," says Tony Smith, manager of the Software AG business unit at Dimension Data Integration Services. "It is easy to read by both humans and `machines`, making it a potential solution for simplifying the exchange of electronic documents over the Internet."

"The courier industry is undergoing a steep growth curve and I believe we are well-positioned to meet the challenges that lie ahead," comments Cox, who adds that Berco is meeting these challenges through the sophisticated technology installed by Dovetail.

"We have perfected our domestic line of business, turning over R14 million a month, targeting the corporate time-sensitive, high value courier airfreight business. We are now expanding globally following the recent conclusion of a joint venture with a global courier company facilitating access to an international network," says Cox.

Through the use of Software AG technology, Berco Express is able to address the needs of this competitive market which demands flat rate pricing on a 24x7 basis.

The business model developed by Dovetail includes providing an online courier service, BeDirect. BeDirect has been split into three sections to address a wide market, from the man in the street to large volume distributor.

The first section, called BeDirect Now!, is a service whereby customers need not register but simply access the Web site and electronically arrange for goods to be collected, delivered and paid for in a secure environment.

Additionally, a customer relationship management service, BeDirect@Home, offers value adds in the form a calendar facility whereby customers who register to use the site can select to be notified of important dates, alerting them via e-mail or SMS that they may wish to have a parcel sent.

The last service, BeDirect@ Work, is designed for large e-commerce organisations and distributors that require mass distribution. The users are given real-time reports where all relevant details are viewed on one screen and range from POD to detailed management information.

In addition to Berco Express, FreightWare has been installed at a number of companies in SA, such as UPS Logistics Group SA, Unitrans Freight, Dawn Wing Couriers, Imperilog Group, Value Group, Shurlok, and DNA.

Tony Davis, managing director at Dovetail Business Solutions, says he is expanding his company`s market share in SA as well as breaking into the international market. Moves are afoot to begin a joint effort with Dimension Data in UK and Europe where Software AG holds in excess of 68% market share.