Speed and reliability of delivery is a universally important topic for the fastener, fixing and distribution sector, as well as the broader construction market. Now, US giant Home Depot has applied its not inconsiderable muscle to developing a new real time delivery tracker for big and bulky materials, aimed at its Pro customers.
The retailer notes studies that construction professionals can spend 35% of their time (14+ hours a week) on non-productive activities, including waiting for critical project deliveries.
The soon-to-be-live feature on the Home Depot’s app and homesite will provide minute-by-minute updates on deliveries, including visibility into the truck route and remaining stops. Customers will be able to see when their large items will arrive and plan with greater precision, instead of losing valuable work time due to unpredictable delivery windows.
It’s the kind of technology that is already being enjoyed in other sectors – including grocery delivery apps – providing greater information for customers.
Real-time GPS data is beamed directly from the delivery truck, pinpointing the truck's location on a live map, offering customers a transparent, up-to-the-minute view of their order's progress toward its final destination.
"Last-mile logistics for large, flatbed deliveries have been a persistent blind spot for retailers delivering building materials to Pros," said Dee Walk, senior vice president of enterprise delivery experience. "The Home Depot is focused on removing friction at every step of the customer experience, and we know that every minute counts on a busy job site. With the new real time delivery tracker, we're pleased to pioneer a new level of transparency with technology that will give our Pro customers peace of mind, and free them up to focus on their business and the job at hand."
Last year, Home Depot reported market share growth in its home market.
