India Post seeking modernisation partnerships
The Department of Posts (DoP) has given the go-ahead to a major modernisation project of India Post. The scheme has been setup with the aim of advancing customer service levels and improving operational efficiencies, whilst also giving the operator sufficient capability to provide new services.
Modernisation and transformation of the postal network forms a major part of the India Post 2012 plan – which could lead to an investment of more than Rs 1,000 crore (approximately $218m), according to sources in the country.
In a statement, the DoP said it is “faced with twin challenges of increasing competition and continuing advances in communication technology, especially in mobile telephony and the Internet”.
Furthermore, the body said that “in order to provide the best-in-class customer service, deliver new services and improve operational efficiencies, DoP has undertaken an end-to-end IT modernisation project to equip itself with requisite modern tools and technologies.”
Now a number of leading technology and IT companies are vying for key contracts, which cover differing areas of India Post’s business – including human resources, financial services, postal insurance, and mail operations. Expressions of interest have already been sent out, with a view to finalising partnerships next year.
Indian publication, Business Standard, cited “sources” as saying “TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, IBM, HP and Capgemini have shown interest to participate in the contract, which will be for a duration of two to three years”.
India Post boasts the largest postal network in the world – however of its 155,000 post offices, only 12,600 are computerised. The modernisation plan aims to computerise every branch in the country.
Earlier this year, the DoP highlighted plans transformation plans at the World Mail & Express Europe conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Alka Jha said: “India Post is poised to become a modern, computerised postal network.” She also revealed that there is a large focus on the development of in-house software, giving the SpeedNet software as an example.
The Post also plans to further innovate via its Centre of Postal Technology Excellence, it was revealed. All developments throughout the country will be conducted in-house via the Centre. “India Post has initiated a comprehensive transformation programme,” Jha explained.
Developments at India Post will be timely and relevant with the industry-leading post and technology conference, PosTech, taking place in New Delhi in March 2011.
The conference will addresses the key issues technology raises in the postal industry, how these can be tackled and the profitable solutions that can be implemented.
