What "Tracking" Should Actually Mean
Live GPS position available to you, not just internally. Automatic status updates at pickup, in transit and delivery. Electronic proof of delivery with signature, photograph, timestamp and geolocation. A portal you can check without emailing anyone.
The Test
At 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, can you find out where a shipment is without contacting a human? If not, you don't have tracking. You have a phone number.
Why It Matters More in Medical
A late parcel is an inconvenience. A late specimen is a repeat draw, a delayed result, and sometimes a delayed treatment decision. Knowing at 10:15 that a pickup is running late lets you call the bench. Finding out at 4 p.m. lets you apologize.
What to Ask for
| Ask | Good answer |
|---|---|
| Can we see live position? | Yes, in a portal, without calling |
| What triggers a status update? | Pickup, in transit, delivery — automatically |
| What's on the POD? | Signature, photo, timestamp, geolocation |
| How fast does POD reach us? | Automatically on receipt |
| Can we pull history ourselves? | Yes, and export it |