Skillweb launches text and email alert tool

Skillweb has launched a text and email alert tool which can automatically update the consumer on the progress of a parcel including when a consignment is 30 minutes away. This two-way notification system offers post and parcels operators a means of better communicating to maximise the number of first time deliveries, said the company.

In recent trials text messaging has achieved over 50% reduction in missed deliveries and significant improvements in customer satisfaction.

Notify-it is a new module within Skillweb’s Houndit mobile computing solution that allows the automated sending of customised texts or emails to keep the consumer up to date with the progress of a delivery or collection. By using a route scheduling system combined with real-time feedback of job progress it is possible to calculate a courier’s estimated delivery time and communicate it directly to the consignee.

A message can be triggered at any stage of the parcel handling process to notify the consumer of a wide range of information including receipt by the carrier; the predicted delivery time; confirmation that a delivery has been left in a safe place; or that a courier is experiencing difficulties finding an address.

Each message can be configured to include a hyper link, which the consumer can use to view details about their delivery and communicate changes back to the carrier such as updated special instructions, notification they will not be in or confirmation of an alternate delivery date. This not only gives the consumer the opportunity to advise of potential issues, but also allows the carrier to improve operational efficiency by providing delivery updates to the courier in real-time using GPRS technology.

Notify-it can also help to overcome the challenge traditional SMS texting systems have when sending text alerts after a card or notice has been left at an address. Often there is a delay of more than 30 minutes from when a courier reports a failed delivery via a mobile device, meaning that the consumer doesn’t have time to react to a message before the courier is a significant distance away. With Notify-it text messages can be sent within seconds of a card being left, which significantly increasing the likelihood the consignee will receive the message in time to catch the courier in the local vicinity. This combined with the option to open up a communication path between consignee and courier improves your chances of first time delivery success.

Paul Ridden, managing director of Skillweb said: “Recent research found that 74% of shoppers agreed that they would like to be kept informed regarding the status of their delivery, up 30% from the previous year. Our approach uses an innovative and flexible mobile solution to enhance the consumer experience by providing important delivery data exactly when it is needed.

“With Notify-it the consumer is no longer ‘held hostage’ in their own home, afraid to take a shower or pop out for a pint of milk in case they miss a planned delivery. What is more, those working close by can simply return home upon receipt of the appropriate alert to receive a delivery without losing an entire day’s work.”