GLS Germany has introduced a new pin code service enabling a simple identity confirmation of therecipient when the parcel is delivered.
The new ‘IdentPin’ service is a simplified version of the GLS Ident service that was launched inJanuary 2009 requiring an extensive data check. Through the pin code service, the shipper cancontrol how individual the legitimacy proof should be.
“The IdentPin service is therefore for customers who want a legitimacy test, but do not needcomprehensive data verification,” said Klaus Conrad, Managing Director of GLS Germany. “The newservice is particularly interesting for telecommunications service providers and pharmaceuticalshippers.”
In practice, the shipper decides on a four-digit pin code for the parcel which can be eithernumeric or alpha-numeric and forwards it to the recipient. The code is saved automatically via theGLS customer system in the 2D-Matrix-code in an encrypted form and is assigned automatically to theparcel number when generating the parcel label.
When scanned for delivery, the code needs to be entered to the hand scanner of the driver beforethe recipient confirms the receipt of the parcel via a signature. If a wrong code is entered threetimes in a row, the delivery process is interrupted and the driver takes the package backagain.
“The pin code can consist of a random number combination that the recipient can transfer topersons belonging to the household,” Conrad explained. “For a more individual legitimacy proof anda personal delivery, the pin code can also be composed of four last digits of the identity cardnumber.”
In addition, it is also possible to check the date of birth. In this case, the recipient mustidentify himself or herself and delivery can be made only to that particular person. An alternativedelivery, even to a spouse or to an authorised person, is not possible. The driver compares thedata from the hand scanner with the identity card and if these do not match, an error code is sent,the delivery interrupted and the driver will not hand over the parcel.
The new code system has been tested since October 2009 in a pilot phase in the metropolitan areaof Berlin for a shipper from the mobile phone industry and is now available for all GLS customers. “ The service is simple and safe. Even in the test phase, it has proven itself and has thereforebeen extended all over Germany,” Conrad concluded.
