Account Management
Account Management
Our Account Managers are pallet experts and will provide your team with the peace of mind to get on with their own jobs. As pallet experts we ensure your account is always up to date and managed with precision. If for any reason your dedicated account manager is away, we have numerous other pallet managers to jump onto your account. Effective pallet management requires continued focus, and that’s what our experts do 5 days a week.
You will experience numerous benefits to your business once PPM start managing your pallets for you.
Data Entry
Docket Processing
We leverage OCR technology to efficiently capture supplier dockets. The data gathered is imported into our reconciliation software ready for processing. Images of these dockets are also stored electronically if needed for proof of delivery.
Our system can process dockets sent via email directly into the OCR to ensure they are entered as quickly as possible without waiting on physical dockets to be sent through the post.
We handle all scheduled activities required before the hire company end-of-month such as supplier exports.
Invoice Reconciliation
Review and Address Exceptions
CHEP and Loscam are received directly into our reconciliation software. Transactions on the invoice that do not match your records are highlighted for action. Such actions are:
- Rejections to prevent unauthorised transfers.
- Corrections to date or quantity.
- Reinstatements of rejected pallets back onto your account.
We follow up CHEP and Loscam to ensure the required amendments are made on your next invoice.
All discrepancies which require further action (usually reinstatements) are monitored through our Service Desk.
Suspended Pallets and Escrow
Often overlooked and misunderstood components of pallet control are the impacts of suspended pallets and escrow to your bottom line. At PPM we understand the gravity and importance to monitor your invoices for any suspended pallets or escrow applied and to action as soon as possible to recover your costs and pallets.
Reporting
Standard Monthly Reports
Our team provide an account health check report to identify key performance indicators for the current period and three months prior. The equipment controllers’ comments and five-star rating let you know where your team can best direct their efforts to further improve your pallet account and reduce costs. The report shows your variance figure (position) whilst considering IOUs, unprocessed transfers, corrections, and rejections. Your variance is the single most important number in understanding your account position.
Stocktakes
Conducting a physical count or pallet audit and comparing it to your on-hire balance is the only way to ensure your account is correct. We welcome the opportunity to perform these counts or can work with your team to ensure count timing is in line with the hiring company at the end of the month.
Customer Service Desk
Our Customer Service Desk adds an additional layer of service to your business. Our service staff handle customer inquiries and issues promptly and effectively and provide that extra level of support and efficiency. We have an SLA and escalation process to see the timely resolution of all queries.
Case Studies
Managing Driver Compliance for a major third-party logistis provider
Challenges
A National Transport 3PL was steadily losing pallets and could not identify the gap due to managing both the Warehouse and Transport operation under one pallet account.
Objectives
There were two main objectives: firstly, to report positions for both accounts, and secondly, to identify gaps and report back to the client.
First Steps
We organized and set up a new account, providing training to ensure the client's team was onboard.
Findings
By reporting on each account's position, we were able to pinpoint which operation was the source of the loss. It was the Transport account where we found poor driver compliance.
Solutions
By reporting on each account's position, we were able to pinpoint which operation was the source of the loss. It was the Transport account where we found poor driver compliance.
To fix the loss, we assisted by:
- Debriefing the run sheets (instead of the client) to provide daily feedback directly to drivers.
- Capturing errors whilst debriefing to look for trends over time.
- Reporting compliance issues with the operation regularly.
- Identifying previous losses and submitting claims.
- Attending toolbox/training sessions onsite with drivers and provided training materials including a short video.
- Establishing a clear process to communicate to drivers and the operation.