Indian postal department (DoP) to use RFID for logistics posts

If all goes well, the postal department (DoP) will be the first organisation to use the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for its express parcels and logistics posts. “We want to be the pioneer in the express industry to use the RFID technology,” John Samuel, general manager, business development and marketing directorate, said. To realise its dream, the department proposes to make huge investments in the cutting-edge technology. The department has already put forward a proposal of Rs 12,000 crore to the planning commission during the 11th Five Year Plan for its consideration. “Our aim is to provide high quality services and meet the business needs of our customers along with increasing the customer base. The department plans to allocate Rs 6,000 crore towards upgrading its technology,” Samuel added. He noted that the department plans to invest in technologies such as RFID and web-based customer response system. Leading post offices worldwide, including the US Postal Service, Royal Mail and Deutsche Post, have reformed themselves by investing in cutting edge technology. “The postal department with over 1.55 lakh post offices across India, is in the process of setting up a national data centre that would directly connect over 1,300 post offices nationwide,” a senior business development official said. “Computerisation of all the post offices will streamline the operations of the department. In addition, the department hopes to wipe out its budgetary deficit of around Rs 1,200 crore,” he added. The official said that the investment for the technological upgrade will be allocated out of the “planned fund.”