Insight

Thinventory recently announced the launch of our PUDO+ (Pick Up Drop Off) offering. Driven by Thinventory’s unmatched reliability, innovation, and intelligence, PUDO+ is a smart, tactical extension of your field supply chain.  

With PUDO+, three powerful delivery options are available within the Thinventory ecosystem, PUDO+, Fixed Lockers and Flex Lockers. Each serves distinct needs and customers can blend these options for maximum efficiency. Understanding when to use each can give your business a crucial advantage. Below, I’ve outlined which delivery option to use and when to help you make the best strategic choices. 

PUDO+: Tactical flexibility for complex needs 

For operations leaders who need more than basic pickup and drop-off, PUDO+ extends Thinventory’s trusted network.  

When to use PUDO+: 

  • You’re dealing with oversized or oddly shaped parts that can’t fit in lockers. 
  • You need centralised inventory holding for longer-term replenishment of key parts. 
  • You need a manned handover for compliance (e.g. chip and pin machines). 

Benefits: 

  • Supports oversized or bulky items effortlessly. 
  • Enables real-time inventory visibility and intelligent routing. 
  • Engineers get what they need, when and where they need it with app-enabled access and minimal admin. 

Fixed Lockers: Reliable, dedicated access 

Fixed lockers are dedicated locker units that your business rents on an ongoing basis. Deliveries always go to the same place, making this a dependable option for repeat collections. 

When to use Fixed Lockers: 

  • Your engineers regularly operate from the same location or region. 
  • You want a consistent delivery point with no variation in access. 
  • You’re managing high-volume or repeatable jobs with predictable part needs. 

Benefits: 

  • Predictable operations with easy routing. 
  • High availability for frequently used locations. 
  • Security and control over deliveries and returns. 

Flex Lockers: Smart, Agile Convenience

Flex lockers are part of a shared locker network that supports dynamic deliveries. Items can be delivered to any available locker, depending on where they’re needed most. 

When to use Flex Lockers:

  • Your engineers cover changing routes or large service areas. 
  • You want to maximise convenience and minimise travel time to collect parts. 
  • You’re blending predictability with agility in your operations. 

Benefits: 

  • Wide coverage across a locker network. 
  • Engineers collect parts at the most convenient location. 
  • Reduces downtime and supports mobile workforces. 

Blended strategies for maximum impact 

The power of Thinventory lies not just in these individual options, but in how they work together. You can combine Fixed and Flex lockers with PUDO+ to build a highly responsive, cost-efficient, and scalable field service model. 

  • Fixed lockers for stable sites. 
  • Flex lockers for roaming engineers. 
  • PUDO+ for oversized items, strategic stock control, and complex deliveries. 

Strategic deployment for maximum efficiency 

Choosing between PUDO+ and lockers isn’t about picking one over the other, it’s about understanding your operational needs, delivery challenges, and customer expectations. Choosing the right method, or combination, comes down to your team’s workflow, geography, and service level commitments. With Thinventory, you don’t have to compromise. You get the tools to optimise every part of the journey from warehouse to field, while giving your engineers the fastest, smartest, most reliable access to what they need. 

Ready to transform your field service logistics? Contact Thinventory to discover how PUDO+ and locker solutions can elevate your operations.