Yodel transforms its courier experience

Delivery company, Yodel has replaced its hand-held  terminals (HHTs) with smart devices using a  newly developed driver and courier mobile app.

Yodel has integrated barcode scanning software from Scandit, the enterprise technology platform for mobile computer vision and augmented reality (AR), into its app as part of its digital strategy.

With so many self-employed couriers out on the road, Yodel needed the scanning app to work on all models of smartphone to support its bring-your-own device (BYOD) policy – Scandit software supports over 20,000 smart device models.

Yodel developed its app for Android and iOS devices so that delivery drivers can use their own smartphones or any future company-provided devices. Colleagues can process deliveries while out on the road and confirm proof of delivery in real-time with a quick barcode scan.

Yodel’s Chief Digital Officer, Adam Gerrard, said user satisfaction with the app’s scanning was high from the very first release of the app with the Scandit scanning software installed.

He explained: “The app has been deployed rapidly to more than 600 users, on time, with no issues, and has transformed our on-the-road courier experience. We’ve been delighted with our partnership with Scandit in terms of product quality, technical support and their roadmap for future innovation. This support has been critical to the success of the programme, which will continue in 2020.”

Tania Pinkerton, courier for Yodel: “It’s great being able to scan and walk, instead of having to scan at the door. The app allows us to scan as soon as you get near the barcode – no more having to zoom in and out or making sure the parcel is out of any light – it’s even scanning broken barcodes. I seem to be faster delivering, as this technology is speeding me up.”

To drive further productivity gains, Yodel plans to use Scandit’s MatrixScan and augmented reality (AR) features in both this app and a new app for service centres. This provides the ability to scan multiple items in one go and view instructions and information as an AR-overlay, with Yodel expecting this to help speed up loading at depots and reduce the time taken to find packages in vans.

Samuel Mueller, Scandit CEO, commented: “We love working with an organisation that embraces innovation and the business benefits to be gained from computer vision technology. We look forward to continuing to support Yodel to further digitalise and future-proof its business.”