Hikyaku vs PODStar
Hikyaku
hikyaku.orgPODStar
touchstar.co.ukSide by side
| Figure | Hikyaku | PODStar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Proof of Delivery Software | 7.7 (#10) | 7.8 (#8) |
| Hosting | Hikyaku is open source and can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise, including self-hosting on an operator’s own infrastructure. | TouchStar describes its ePOD applications as SaaS accessed over the internet and says its cloud infrastructure uses Microsoft Azure. |
| Intended users | The product is presented for delivery and courier teams, with workflows for clients, dispatchers, drivers, and recipients. | TouchStar describes use cases including general and third-party logistics, removals, food, construction and healthcare deliveries. |
| Product | Hikyaku is an open source logistics operating system for transport teams, combining package tracking, fleet coordination, warehouse operations, and route optimization. | PODStar is TouchStar’s electronic proof of delivery software for parcel, general logistics and multi-sector delivery operations. |
| Proof of delivery | Drivers can record delivery photos, and the photos appear on the recipient tracking page and in the dashboard. | Drivers can capture signatures, photos or barcode scans on mobile devices to confirm deliveries and attach proof to client records. |
Plans
In their own words
Hikyaku
Hikyaku is an open-source logistics operating system for delivery and courier teams, covering dispatch, package tracking, fleet coordination, warehouse operations and route planning. Dispatchers can assign parcels manually or plan around delivery windows, then send routes to the driver app. The dispatch view shows driver locations and delivery statuses live; recipients can follow a parcel on a public page without an account. Drivers can scan packages, navigate routes and record photos or signatures. Delivery photos appear in the dashboard and recipient page. Fleet tools include vehicle capacity and skills, maintenance records, and limits for working time, driving time, distance and stops. Hikyaku supports permission-aware access and two-factor authentication. It can run in the cloud or on an operator’s own infrastructure. It also connects n8n workflows through OAuth, moving orders, status changes and proof-of-delivery events between systems. The free self-hosted plan is free; a cloud trial is offered to enterprises, with no price stated. Hikyaku is available on Android, web, through its API and as self-hosted software.
PODStar
PODStar is TouchStar’s electronic proof-of-delivery software for parcel, logistics and multi-sector delivery operations. Drivers use Android smartphones or rugged devices to capture signatures, photos, barcode scans, geolocation and delivery data in real time. These records create an audit trail, attach to client records and support dispute investigation. Drivers can continue offline, with data synchronizing when connectivity returns. Operations features include job scheduling, route planning, driver and vehicle tracking, vehicle inspections, invoicing and driver administration. Customers can use a self-service portal for orders, proof and delivery status. The SaaS service runs over the internet on Microsoft Azure, without local installation or hardware maintenance. Integrations connect ERP, warehouse, transport-management and accounting systems through middleware or a published API. TouchStar lists implementation, training, go-live support, a 24/7 UK helpdesk and hardware support. Pricing is by quote; no public plan limits are stated.