Introduction
How AI-powered automation transformed efficiency and accuracy for Bannister Transport
The Client
Bannister Transport, established in 1965, is a specialist in temperature-controlled distribution, headquartered in the Vale of Evesham. This strategic location enables efficient national coverage across the UK. The company is committed to eco-friendly logistics, employing cutting-edge technologies to ensure precise temperature management while minimising environmental impact. Initiatives include the use of electric vehicles and energy-efficient warehousing, aligning with forward-thinking practices. Bannister Transport’s dedication to sustainability sets a new standard in the industry, contributing to a greener and more efficient future in temperature-sensitive logistics.
The Challenge
Bannister’s delivery tracking process relied heavily on manual data entry. Drivers completed Proof of Delivery (POD) notes for every job, recording key details such as job numbers, delivery dates, and locations. Each week, approximately 200 PODs had to be manually entered into the system—a labour-intensive process that was slow, error-prone, and a drain on staff resources.
The inefficiencies caused:
• Delays in processing deliveries
• Increased risk of human error in data entry
• A reliance on manual verification, consuming valuable time
Bannister recognised the need for an automated solution to improve efficiency and accuracy while freeing up employees for higher-value tasks.
The Solution
To eliminate the inefficiencies of manual data entry, Emerge Digital developed an AI-powered solution leveraging Azure AI and computer vision. Now, instead of manually inputting POD notes, drivers scan their documents, which are automatically emailed to the AI system. The AI processes the scanned documents, extracts key data such as job numbers and delivery dates, and assigns a confidence score based on text recognition accuracy.
If the confidence score meets the threshold, the data is entered into Bannister’s system automatically. If not, it is flagged for manual review. Over time, the AI model continuously improves by learning from flagged entries, increasing its accuracy and reducing the need for human intervention.
"Emerge Digital’s AI solution has transformed our POD processing. What was once a slow, manual task is now automated, saving our team hours of work each week. The accuracy and efficiency improvements mean we can process deliveries faster, with fewer errors. Most importantly, this innovation allows our staff to focus on more valuable aspects of our business. We couldn’t be happier with the results."
Tom Owens, Managing Director - Bannister Transport
The Outcome
The AI solution has transformed Bannister’s operations, eliminating the need for manual data entry while improving accuracy and efficiency. Deliveries are now processed faster, with significantly fewer errors, ensuring that customers receive real-time updates without delays. Employees previously tasked with repetitive data entry have been redeployed to higher-value roles, contributing to business growth rather than being tied up in administrative work.
Key benefits include:
• A faster and more reliable data processing workflow
• A drastic reduction in human errors, improving overall data integrity
• A cost-effective solution, running at just £60 per month
• A self-learning AI model that continuously improves its recognition capabilities
As the AI solution continues to evolve, Bannister is seeing ongoing operational improvements, reinforcing their commitment to efficiency and service excellence.
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