Hermes UK opts for Scandit smartphone barcode scanning tech
Parcel delivery firm, Hermes UK, is implementing mobile barcode scanning and augmented reality (AR) technology from Scandit.
Over the next three years, it will be working towards replacing more than 15,000 dedicated barcode scanners with smartphones loaded with a Scandit-powered Android app. Couriers will be able to scan items, record an electronic signature, verify an ID and take a picture of where a package has been left.
During the migration period, they will also begin using additional Scandit software features, MatrixScan and augmented reality (AR) overlays. This means they will scan multiple barcodes at once to search for and find a specific item quickly and view parcel/customer information overlaid on the device screen. Hermes is currently implementing the use of MatrixScan-AR overlays for code identification.
“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,” says Chris Ashworth, CIO at Hermes UK. “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.”
“The project with Scandit has gone incredibly smoothly so far,” he adds. “We’ve been able to add new mobile handsets and retire old barcode scanners gradually, ensuring that there is no disruption to our operations. We look forward to working closely with them to implement more functionalities such as AR and MatrixScan once this stage of our digital transformation is complete.”