In the last few years the company has been trying to move away from the traditional hand-written, paper-based system to record proof-of-delivery to customers. When cars are delivered to dealers, customers now sign for them on an XDA PDA screen instead of on the traditional three-part proof of delivery paper document.

 

However, many customers still like to have a printed confirmation of their receipt so a mobile printing solution was needed to allow this.

Brother recommended its MPrint MW-140BT, the smallest mobile printer in the world, for use in conjunction with the XDA PDAs. Compact and lightweight, the Brother machines offer the perfect ‘on-the-road’ solution for Walon’s fleet of drivers.

 

During the course of a two-year partnership with Brother, Walon has customized the MPrint solution for its own needs – devising a protective case and an in-vehicle carrying case for the product. In addition, an in-truck cradle has been developed to keep the device charged and connected to the O2 network.

Colin Williams, IT Manager at Walon, said: “A major factor in choosing the MW-140BT was its Bluetooth capability. It’s also very convenient in that it is very easy to replace paper cartridges.  The printer not only prints a receipt for the cars delivered but can also provide the driver with a set of local directions which can be used to locate the destination. This is very valuable when training new staff or drivers from Europe. The MW-140BT has proved to be a perfect partner for the XDA PDA.”

 

“With the MPrint, drivers can now give customers the receipt they want with the minimum of hassle – while still retaining the convenience of the PDA solution.”

 

He added: “We are now considering expanding use of the MPrint into our car inspections when collecting used cars. This is where we check vehicles’ condition before returning them to a technical centre for refurbishment. We think the MPrint would be ideal for recording what’s been done in the inspection process – replacing the current, paper-based system.”