PDM App (mobile app)

PDM App is currently compatible with Apple iOS version 7 and above and Android devices running Android version 8 and above.
However, we do recommend using an Android device if you have the choice.

We are testing new devices often to check their performance with PDM App. Following the thorough testing programme, these are the Android devices we have certified so far:

• Motorola Moto g30
• Motorola Moto g14
• Google Pixel 6
• Zebra TC26

We will be adding further devices to this list as our testing programme continues.

This is for several reasons:

• The iPhone has a smaller screen than most Android devices which can make the on-screen
  signature tool a little difficult to use.
• iPad tablet devices do not always have GPS (generally GPS is not available on WiFi-only
  models). This means that the courier tracking and "exact location recording" are not so
  accurate.
• On iOS devices (iPhone/iPad) the courier tracking gets paused when the user switches to
  another app (for example, the user may switch to the Maps app for directions to the next
  delivery). This is because iOS pauses all operations in an app when another app is being
  used for performance reasons.
• Due to the open architecture of Android we are able to add new features and updates more
  quickly to the Android mobile app. Some new features that we are currently working on may
  not be included in the iOS version due to incompatibility issues.

When choosing a device we recommend the following device specifications:

• Built-in GPS: This is required for accurate courier tracking
• Built-in WiFi: This is required if you do not have a mobile data contract
• Built-in rear-facing high-resolution camera with auto-focus: This is required for using the
  barcode scanner
• A mobile data contract (1Gb per month should be more than enough as the app does not use
  much data)
• Unlimited texts contract: A good idea if you are going to use the device for sending out the
  automated delivery notifications to customers
• A large screen
• Good battery life.

PDM App should work on any phone or tablet running Android version 7 and above.

The short answer is No.

PDM App can be used on devices that only have a WiFi connection as the app only needs to
have access to the internet when you login. After you have logged in, the app will cache all changes
you make whilst there is no internet connection available. When you next connect to
a WiFi network, the app will sync all data in the cache with PDM Web.

The disadvantage of not using a mobile data connection is that the courier tracking will not be 'live'
- you will have to wait until the device is next connected to WiFi in order to view the tracking data
in PDM Web.

Average usage is around 500Mb per month. However, if using the map screen in the app or an
external map app for directions and navigation this amount may be higher.

A key feature of PDM is the ability to track your couriers/delivery drivers in real-time as they perform the day's deliveries.

Courier tracking is made possible through PDM App for Android or iOS (Apple) devices. When a courier is logged into PDM App, "Location Services" provided by the device's operating system are used to record the position of the device every three minutes and then sends this information back to PDM Web.

Please follow the relevant link below for further details on how to get the best out of this feature.

See Also:  Tracking Couriers Using Android Devices Tracking Couriers Using iOS Devices

To reliably track delivery routes, PDM App requires the "always" location permission on your device. This ensures the app can log location data even when the app is running in the background, such as when the screen is off or another app is in use.

While Apple's permission request may suggest constant tracking, PDM only tracks your location when the app is in use. The app does not track your location when it is closed or when you log out. From time to time, PDM will simply check that users have granted the correct permissions to ensure accurate route tracking.

See Also:  Managing Location and Tracking Permissions in PDM App

Yes. All updates are cached in the mobile devices' memory and synchronised with the PDM Web
database as soon as an Internet data connection is available.

Changes made in PDM App
If PDM App has an internet connection, updates to Tasks will synchronise with the cloud database immediately. Other changes, including location tracking, will sync every 5 minutes.

If there is no internet connection, then the changes will sync within 5 minutes of a connection being established, provided that PDM App is running and open on the main screen of your mobile device. If the app is running in the background (if the screen is locked or in use by another app, for example) it will only sync with PDM Web within 5 minutes of PDM App being open again on the screen.

Once the data has been synchronised with the cloud database, the changes will generally be available for other users to view within a minute.

Changes made in PDM Web
Changes made in PDM Web will generally synchronise and be viewable to PDM App users within a minute.

Locate the delivery task in PDM Web, right-click on it and use the "Reassign task" option.

Alternatively, to switch a delivery task to another route within PDM App, just log into PDM App, and go to My Routes.
Tap the task you'd like to reassign and tap 'Change' - select the 'Move to another route' option. Or to remove it from that route, select 'Remove route.'

If you wish to have all data associated with your company's PDM account please contact our support team using the Contact Us menu at the top of this page.

If you wish to have your account deleted but your company will continue to use PDM, please contact your manager within your company with your request.