Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is courier management software?
Courier management software is designed to streamline the operations of courier and delivery services. It facilitates the booking, tracking, and managing of deliveries efficiently, ensuring timely dispatch and receipt. By automating various processes, it helps in reducing manual errors, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
What is mailroom management?
Mailroom management involves the organised handling and monitoring of inbound and outbound mail in a business setting. It ensures that all mail and packages are correctly sorted, tracked, and delivered to the right recipients in a timely manner, thereby maintaining an efficient flow of communication within and outside the organisation.
How does the Metafour booking portal enhance client communication?
Our booking portal provides user-friendly tools and enhanced communications, enabling a seamless booking experience and real-time updates on delivery status. It acts as a bridge between your business and your clients, ensuring that they have all the necessary information and tools at their disposal whenever they need it.
How does rate shopping help my customers find the best shipping rates?
Our rate shopping feature allows customers to compare shipping options and rates across various carriers right at the point of booking. By presenting a comparison of services and prices, it helps customers choose the best service at the most competitive price, thus ensuring satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.
What carriers are integrated with our systems and software?
We integrate with over 40 global, regional, and local carriers, thus automating the booking and tracking processes. This wide range of integration reduces the likelihood of double-entry errors, making the delivery process smoother and more reliable, and providing a more extensive network of carrier options for your delivery needs.
What kind of insights can I gain from visual reporting?
Our visual reporting provides powerful insights into your delivery operations. By analysing various metrics and data, we help in making informed business decisions. Our fully integrated report builder allows for a deeper understanding of operational performance, identifying areas for improvement, and tracking the progress of delivery tasks.
Is Metafour suitable for my business size and sector?
Yes. Metafour supports courier and delivery operations of all sizes, from independent operators to large multi-depot networks, as well as mailrooms for corporate and public sector organisations across sameday, overnight, international, e-commerce, manufacturing, and public sector use cases.
How is Metafour different from building my own system or using a generic logistics platform?
Generic platforms lack courier-specific workflows like rate shopping and proof of delivery, and building in-house means ongoing development costs. Metafour has been purpose-built for courier and mailroom operations for over 40 years, so the functionality is already there, tested, and supported.
Pricing
How much is courier software?
The cost of courier software can vary significantly based on the features, customisations, and the vendor providing the software. It’s advisable to contact us directly for specific pricing information. We can provide a quote based on your particular needs and the scale of your operations.
How is Metafour's pricing structured?
Pricing is based on your operation’s scale and requirements, such as user numbers, transaction volumes, and which modules you need, rather than a fixed package. We provide a detailed quote following a short consultation.
Is there a long-term contract or can I scale my plan as my business grows?
Metafour scales with you, so you can add users, depots, or modules as you grow. Contract terms and scalability are agreed during your consultation.
Is Metafour better value than competing courier software?
It depends on the features and support level you need, which is why we recommend a tailored comparison. Carrier integrations, white-label branding, and UK-based support are included as standard, where some competitors charge extra.
Integration & Automation
Will I be given training or a training manual?
Yes, our in-house team offers both on-site and remote training, along with comprehensive manuals to help you set up and use the system efficiently.
Can I make tailored changes to my system?
Absolutely! Our software is versatile, and we work with you to create custom workflows, streamlining your processes and reducing operational costs.
Can I export data to my accounts package?
Yes, we support data exports to major accounts packages like Xero, QuickBooks, and others. Custom exports can also be created upon request.
Can I use my own branding?
Yes, our white-label system allows you to add your logo, images, colours, and fonts, customising shipping labels, invoices, and reports to maintain brand consistency.
Does Metafour offer an API for custom integrations?
Yes. API access lets you connect Metafour to your own systems or third-party tools beyond our standard integrations.
Can Metafour integrate with my ERP or warehouse management system?
Yes. Metafour can integrate with ERP and warehouse management systems to keep stock, order, and delivery data aligned and reduce duplicate entry.
Does Metafour integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify?
Yes. Orders from major e-commerce platforms can flow directly into Metafour for booking and dispatch without manual re-entry. Contact us if your platform isn’t listed.
Hardware
Do I need to purchase any hardware or equipment?
No additional hardware is required, just a computer and internet connection. For mobile access, download our driver app on a smartphone from Google Play or Apple App stores.
Support
What about support?
We offer core support hours from 09:00 – 17:30 GMT, Monday through Friday, via helpdesk, email, or phone. Additional out-of-hours support is available at an extra cost.
Is your support outsourced?
No, our in-house team is ready to assist with any queries you may have.
The carrier integration I need isn’t on your list. What can we do?
We continually add new carrier integrations. Please contact our team to discuss the specific carrier integration you need.
Data & Security
What certifications does Metafour have for security?
We boast certifications like ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials, ensuring a secure and reliable system for managing your courier and mailroom needs. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to maintaining high security standards, protecting sensitive data, and providing a secure environment for your delivery management operations.
How is my data protected on Metafour's cloud-based system?
Your data in our cloud-based system is hosted and managed on high-level, secure web servers. This setup ensures robust protection against unauthorised access and data breaches. The cloud infrastructure provides a secure environment, with regular backups and stringent data security measures to keep your information safe and accessible.
Is my data safe?
Your data’s security is paramount. We hold ISO27001, Cyber Essentials certifications, and are GDPR compliant, ensuring a secure and reliable system.
Where is my data hosted and stored?
Our cloud infrastructure runs on secure, high-level web servers, with data residency options confirmed during onboarding to meet your regulatory requirements.
What uptime or service level commitments does Metafour offer?
Uptime and service level commitments are confirmed as part of your contract, reflecting your operational requirements.
What happens to my data if there is a system failure? Do you have disaster recovery in place?
Yes. We run regular backups and disaster recovery measures so your data can be restored with minimal disruption.
Is Metafour compliant for public sector procurement?
Yes. Metafour is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023, alongside ISO27001, ISO22301, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR certifications.


