TNT announced today it has taken a further step towards fully integrating its Indian road expresssubsidiary Speedage. The company is also reportedly eyeing a network of hubs across the
sub-continent.TNT Speedage has been successfully integrated into TNT’s global information technologysystem, called Global Link, the Dutch group said. As a result, customers using TNT’s domestic roadinfrastructure in India can now benefit from a 24-hour real-time track and trace facility of theirshipments. The IT upgrade is a major step towards the transformation of Speedage into afull-fledged express delivery services business completely integrated in TNT’s global network.
TNT said it now offers a common IT network for all its branches in India, including 168Speedage offices. The company has invested approximately EUR 4 million (INR 180 million) inhardware and IT network to achieve a complete Internet and computer sharing during the ITintegration process. All 168 Speedage locations are connected to TNT’s Bangalore data centre, usingMPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching Architecture), IVPN and dial up networks. This launch makesTNT India the first multinational express services company to provide a single platform to trackany consignment shipped through TNT – be it international or domestic, air or road.
“Providing a common IT platform was one of the most critical requirements to plan for aseamless integration of TNT and Speedage. Global Link along with other service quality enhancementshas helped us elevate Speedage from a semi-express company to a complete express distributioncompany. Reliable, fast, and accessible information is a critical success factor in our industryand we will continue to develop and invest in technology that will help us offer customersproactive and timely updates on their consignments. Our efforts are focused on becoming thepreferred choice when it comes to express distribution,” said Abhik Mitra, Managing Director, TNTIndia Pvt Ltd.
Global Link is backed by PC-based Customer Interface Technology (CIT) tools that enablecustomers to book consignments online, view consignment status and history, and access proof ofdelivery. TNT offers a secure online environment, which protects customers’ confidential shippinginformation.
Separately, The Hindu newspaper reported that TNT India plans to set up five mega hubs acrossthe country over the next few years. The hubs would be located at Nagpur, Delhi, Kolkata and onelocation each in the South and West (around Mumbai). Investment could be about EUR 2 million perfacility, the newspaper said.
“We are yet to zero in on exact locations. In South, we are looking at Bangalore or Salem. InMaharashtra, we are considering places near Mumbai, like Nasik, for instance,” Mitra told thenewspaper.
