White goods retailer AO is working with an address mapping company to make its delivery service more accurate.
The technology, which is used by the UK’s emergency services, from what3words divides the world into a grid of 3m squares. Each one can be identified by a unique combination of three words.
AO’s customers will be able to use the what3words app to find their address and then share it with drivers, allowing them to specify the exact location they want to have the parcel delivered to.
AO initially began piloting the technology in March in Leeds and Avonmouth. It will soon be available across the country.
Dave Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “It can be difficult for our drivers to find certain addresses, due to duplicated road names, the UK’s many unnumbered houses and single postcodes covering extensive rural areas.
“Our new partnership with what3words means we can always deliver to exactly the right location and guarantee our customers the excellent AO experience, regardless of where they live.”
Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words, said: “I grew up in a rural part of Hertfordshire, and constantly felt the frustrations of poor addressing. I’d have to flag down delivery drivers who drove past our house, and as we shared a postcode with our neighbours, spent my childhood running their parcels over to them. It’s great to see AO, who are often delivering large appliances and need incredibly accurate drop-off locations, roll out what3words.”
