Deutsche Post DHL is buying 55,000 Honeywell Dolphin 99EX mobile computers to improve parceldelivery services in Germany.
The devices will enable approximately 60,000 employees to track and trace millions of DHLparcels delivered each day across Germany, including more than seven million parcels during thepeak holiday season, Honeywell announced. The contract value and rollout timescale were notdisclosed.
More than 2,500 users from Deutsche Post DHL’s parcels division tested 11 different devicesbefore choosing the Dolphin 99EX for offering the best combination of ergonomics, robustness,capacity, performance and ease of use. The device’s long battery life and ability to quicklyphotograph items to prove condition at the point of delivery were further factors, according to themanufacturer.
“We wanted a rugged, easy-to-use device and a complete solution that offered a lower totalcost of ownership for the next seven years,” said Claudia Allmann, project manager for handscanneroperations integration at Deutsche Post DHL. “The performance of the Dolphin 99EX mobile computerand the service level and support provided by the Honeywell team stood out as best in class andthey ensured that we have a state-of-the-art solution.”
Honeywell’s Remote MasterMind device management software will help to keep Deutsche Post’sdrivers fully operational. The software makes an IT administrator’s job easier with the ability tomanage all of the company’s mobile devices from a central system. Ensuring that each device hasupdated software and is properly configured reduces errors and prevents device downtime that canslow the driver.
Initially the software is being used to manage all 55,000 devices across all of the company’smail division depots. The company plans to further streamline the maintenance and upgrading ofdevices by adding software distribution and device support via Remote MasterMind in the future.
“Honeywell continues to maintain its strong track record in equipping leading post and parcelcompanies like Deutsche Post DHL with the technology and hardware that allows them to process,track and deliver more efficiently,” said John Waldron, president of Honeywell Scanning &Mobility. “This is a major deployment that furthers our global mission of making workers moreproductive, especially in the parcel delivery industry.”
The Dolphin 99EX is equipped with custom features for Deutsche Post, including Deutsche PostDHL branding in the device housing and a keypad with unique legend graphics and colours. Inaddition, the Dolphin 99EX mobile computer has an IP67-rating for protection when exposed to dust,water or multiple drops to concrete, up to 16 hours battery life, and Honeywell’s advancedAdaptus(TM) Imaging Technology 6.0 software, which allows workers to quickly read and decode linearand 2D bar codes and capture photos for proof of delivery and condition.
