News

CEVA Showfreight

10 Jun 2010

CEVA Showfreight puts ShowPad to the ultimate test

CEVA Showfreight is setting the standard for the use of PDA technology within the exhibition logistics industry with the launch of a unique system called ShowPad. The device has exceeded all expectations during May 2010 at two of Europe’s biggest logistically challenging exhibitions - The London International Wine Fair, ExCel, London and PLMA, RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam.

Phil Powell, CEVA Showfreight Managing Director explains, “It became very apparent when we first looked at this technology that the benefits were vast. Unfortunately the standard applications used for business and consumer logistics were far removed from our needs. We took the decision to develop our own system in 2007 and our customers are now reaping the efficiency and cost saving benefits. Gone are the days when forklift drivers raced backwards and forwards across halls to obtain paperwork for the next job. Piles of delivery tickets have ceased to exist. Instead we have real time updates and status reports on screen and in the hands of CEVA operators stood in-front of exhibitors on their stands.”

Jan Van Houwelingen, CEVA Showfreight General Manager Benelux says, “We took the decision to trial ShowPad at PLMA this year in order to put it through its paces in a controlled but highly pressurised environment. The organisers were amazed at the system’s capabilities especially the amount of real-time information which can be accessed via the hand held unit on the show’s 2,000 exhibitors and 3,600 stands.”

At The London Wine Fair ShowPad was credited for significant increase in the speed of delivery, efficiency and cost savings by the show organisers. CEVA staff were armed with 30 ShowPads throughout the show optimising the efficiency of handling freight for over 650 customers from 34 countries, 600 onsite customs procedures, the movement of 30 tonnes of wine and scheduling 100 full loads and over 1000 individual shipments.

Amanda Mansergh, Director of Operations for Brintex confirmed that “exhibitor feedback for ShowPad was tremendous and had made clear improvements to customer service as well as contributing to a tremendously smooth build and breakdown period”

Phil Powell adds, “We are currently in the final planning stages for Farnborough Air Show which opens on 19th July where ShowPad will be put to the ultimate test. All indications are it will pass with flying colours!”

ShowPad background information
Most of us have signed a PDA device to accept a delivery and it stands to reason that PDA technology is being applied to Exhibition Logistics services. Up to now the effectiveness of this technology has been limited and basic. CEVA has invested heavily in time and resources during the development of ShowPad to ensure every aspect of the logistics chain is seamlessly processed and time and efficiency are optimised.

CEVA has been careful to introduce the technology gradually to avoid any disruption and to fully test the technology before totally utilising it. All CEVA staff have undergone familiarisation training and been involved in the development of the software.

ShowPad also works to reduce fuel and emissions savings by eliminating the need for drivers to return to our help desk for documentation, orders and instructions. Each job is immediately transmitted to the driver via his ShowPad. The client signs the electronic ShowPad rather than a lifting ticket and an e-ticket is emailed rather than posted. This saves 1000’s of printed tickets and invoices and reduces CEVA’s carbon footprint accordingly. The ShowPad means less forklift journeys, increased safety, efficiency and a paperless system with clear environmental benefits.

ShowPad has been devised and developed in-house by the company to deliver a fast and efficient electronic system designed to meet the specialist logistics needs of organisers and exhibitors. ShowPad is a front end interface of the company’s online logistics management system ShowMate.