April 2000

Parcelforce Worldwide is installing 5,000 mobile computers from Intermec Technologies in its collection and delivery vehicle fleet under a deal believed to be costing around £10 million. The organisation is working with IBM on the project, which includes real-time tracking of consignments. It says the system will improve both operational efficiency and communications.

Parcelforce will use the Intermec PEN*KEY 6110 computers to make precise records of the movement of every parcel handled, noting which driver delivered it, who signed for it, at what time and where. Customers will sign for deliveries on the Intermec terminal"s touch screen computer as proof of delivery. The Intermec unit has been designed specifically for applications such as package tracking, field service and transport where communication is required from the point of delivery or service repair.

The terminals incorporate an integral GSM digital telephone, complete with Short Message Service (SMS) facilities, and this will allow information to be relayed back to what is termed a central repository for transactional information, making possible real-time tracking of collections and deliveries.

According to Steve Newson, collection and delivery management project manager for Parcelforce Worldwide: "We are confident that Parcelforce Worldwide now offers a level of service that no other parcel carrier can match. This new computer effectively provides us and our customers with a window through which we can gain the full picture of all deliveries."