Autumn 2008

Royal Mail is in the process of rolling out a system that will provide real-time proof of delivery and signature capture on the majority of its tracked products, including Special Delivery and 'Recorded Signed For' services.

The recipient's signature will be captured on a handheld device and then sent back to base via GPRS wireless technology. Royal Mail says customers will be able to confirm delivery and view the signature within fifteen minutes.

The project is being led by CSC, an IT services company that already manages Royal Mail's desktop computers, servers, mainframes and IT processes. CSC in turn has been working with BlackBay, a specialist in mobile solutions for postal and logistics applications, and the system is built round BlackBay's Delivery Connect software.

Hardware is being provided by Intermec in the form of its CN3 handheld computers, which are being issue to postmen and postwomen. Altogether a massive total of 25,000 of these high-end ruggedised units will be issued, complete with Post Office red branding. They will be able to scan one- and two-dimensional barcodes, and will also have email connectivity.

 

Royal Mail started trials on handheld terminals late last year to test suitability and compatibility.