Hermes drivers will be able to verify deliveries using smartphones through a new barcode scanner app.
The company will replace 15000 dedicated barcode scanners with smartphones running a dedicated Android app provided by computer vision company Scandit.
The app will allow couriers to scan items, record electronic signatures, verify ID and take pictures of where a package has been left.
In the future, Hermes will be able to add new services on the platform, including the ability to scan multiple barcodes at once to find a specific item quickly and also to use augmented reality to view customer information on the device’s screen.
Chris Ashworth, CIO from Hermes UK, said: “A key component of our digital transformation strategy, known as Digital Futures, is to replace dedicated barcode scanners with smartphones that provide couriers with real-time data to improve the customer experience.
“Enabling couriers to carry a smartphone not only helps us to improve operational efficiency, but also improves the working lives of couriers who can now use their own phone, or a Hermes provided phone, rather than having to carry a barcode scanner.”
Ashworth added: “The project with Scandit has gone incredibly smoothly so far. We’ve been able to add new mobile handsets and retire old barcode scanners gradually, ensuring that there is no disruption to our operations.”
Samuel Mueller, CEO and co-founder of Scandit, said: “The customer experience doesn’t end once a shopper has clicked the ‘buy now’ button.
“Third-party couriers like Hermes are an extension of brands; as such, any delivery problems can undo all the work done by a retailer in nurturing the customer relationship. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to strengthen that relationship further. We’re proud to be helping Hermes UK do just this for its retail partners.”
In February, Hermes announced it was seeking developers for a tech hub in Leeds.
