Hermes link up with Blackbay
Hermes has struck a deal with Blackbay to use its Delivery Connect software – becoming a key component of a new integrated mobility solution.
Hermes has struck a deal with Blackbay to use its Delivery Connect software – becoming a key component of a new integrated mobility solution.
The solution will allow Hermes to enhance its customer services by improving the productivity and efficiency of its ‘lifestyle’ (self employed) couriers.
As part of the project, Blackbay worked closely with AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) manufacturer, Intermec, and managed services provider The Barcode Warehouse, who will be responsible for the provisioning and overall support of the mobility solution.
“This project is a key element of Hermes’ strategic plan that will significantly increase the level of service and choice we deliver to our customers,” said Carole Woodhead, CEO of Hermes in the UK. “It ensures we possess a full track and trace facility and creates invaluable management information and exception reporting. This in turn will enable us to deliver even higher levels of service and better serve the delivery needs of high street, catalogue and Internet retailers.”
The Delivery Connect software will run on Intermec CN3 hand held terminals which will be issued to up to 7,500 Hermes lifestyle couriers.
Hermes conducted trials as part of a competitive tender with two market leading vendors and chose Blackbay, The Barcode Warehouse and Intermec offering as it was a proven, reliable and scalable solution that performed well during the trial.
“The flexibility of Delivery Connect allowed us to tailor our software to meet the specific needs of Hermes’ lifestyle couriers and the requirements of its customers. Hermes was looking to replace its existing paper based system with a mobility solution that would provide real-time visibility on the status of deliveries and collections via the myHermes web portal for its clients, which include Next Directory, QVC and Lands’ End,” explained Larry Klimczyk, Blackbay’s managing director.
Delivery Connect delivers electronic job management and electronic manifesting in the field which also enables intelligent routing, barcode scanning and proof of delivery (POD) via electronic data capture.
“Working closely with Blackbay we were able to ensure that its software combined with the Intermec CN3 will provide a proven feature rich solution that meets Hermes’ unique mobility needs. Our continuing relationship with Blackbay has helped us to develop our role as a leading hardware provider and to meet the growing demands for mobility solutions,” commented Patrick J. Byrne, Intermec president and CEO.
“We are delighted that the integrated Blackbay and Intermec mobility solution was chosen by Hermes. Having previously worked with both vendors, we’re confident that Delivery Connect and the CN3 will deliver the mobility solution required. Our managed service capability will also ensure that Hermes has a mobility solution that meets today’s business requirements and those of tomorrow,” concluded Ross Lee, chairman, The Barcode Warehouse.
