In 2013 we launched the E-Pod system in Asphalt. Since then it is acknowledged that for a variety of reasons we have encountered both system and technical difficulties with our E-Pod system. Together this has created a period of frustration for our employees, hauliers & customers without whom we would not have an Asphalt business.

During the last few weeks a group of key stakeholders have conducted a review of the E-Pod system to challenge whether it is the right thing for the business to continue or cease the E-Pod roll out. As a result of this review we have determined there is significant value and benefit by having a fully functioning E-Pod system in the Asphalt business.

E-Pod remains a core business platform for CEMEX aimed at enhancing CEMEX’s place in the Asphalt market by:

• Enabling improved load planning by providing us with vehicle tracking
• Reducing customer and haulier queries by eliminating lost POD’s
• Reducing query management and capturing additional charges automatically by status messaging and Haulier payments
• Automating accurate and timely payments to our Hauliers

Whilst many issues are now resolved we accept there are issues that still remain.  Therefore, throughout September and October a member of the E-Pod Project Team will visit each of our Asphalt sites as part of our commitment to clear the remaining issues. The plan is to focus by region/cluster of plants and work our way around the UK.

By the start of November we will stop the manual ticket option and move fully to E-Pod with the project team and local super users providing remote support at this time.

Asphalt Director, Garry Gregory, commented: “Despite introducing E-Pod in 2013 as yet we do not have a fully functioning, robust & reliable solution in place. The challenge is for everybody to get behind the transition and give it a final push over the line. A fully working E-Pod solution will mean we are using modern technology to be more efficient whilst giving customer service benefits – these will translate into improved OCF and improved working capital”.