GLS Netherlands has launched a new Track & Trace system enabling customers to retrieveshipping information nearly in real time on the internet including a digital signature of the
recipient.The new mobile data transfer makes processes more secure and transparent, GLS said in astatement.
GLS Netherlands has been offering customers a complete tracking service for years. At eachinterface during the shipping process, the individual parcel number is recorded by a scanner. Whenthese status messages are transferred to the IT system, customers can retrieve them online.
What is new is that the delivery data can now be transmitted directly from the delivery vehiclewhich was previously only possible after the driver returned to the depot late afternoon. Inaddition, recipients now write their signature on receipt of the parcel with a special pen on thedisplay of the hand scanner. Shortly afterwards, all the important information regarding the parcelhandover can be viewed in the GLS Track&Trace system and the recipient’s signature can bedownloaded as a digital delivery document.
Milo Kars, General Manager, GLS Netherlands, said: “The introduction of mobile data transferconsiderably accelerates the information of our customers.” Inquiries via phone are no longernecessary in most cases even when it comes to sensitive shipments. If a parcel delivery is notcarried out, the GLS customer can see the reason for it on the internet, for example in case thepostal address was not correct.
“The processes related to parcel delivery are simpler, more secure and transparent with the newtechnology,” Kars added. The recipient’s signature no longer needs to be captured on paper, scannedand put online. Drivers receive the necessary information automatically in the depot prior to thetour and they no longer have to print out and review long lists. “As an additional effect, we savea total of 1.2 million pages per year. This benefits the environment, which is in line with ourEuropean GLS Sustainability Initiative Think Green,” he added.
