Post Danmark expresses confidence in parcel terminals
Post Danmark has been continuing to expand its network of automated self-service parcel terminals this year, in response to good responses from customers. The Danish postal service began using KePol machines from Austrian supplier KEBA back in 2008, when a three-month pilot with 10 units led to the installation of a further 60 machines.
After another 60 units were installed in 2009, this year the company is set to install another 60 machines, using KEBA’s latest generation of the technology, bringing the total size of the Danish network up to 190.
Post Danmark said expanding its network of parcel machines – called Døgnposten in Denmark – was an important part of meeting modern customer needs in parcel delivery.
The machines provide a secure location where consumers can receive their parcels, particularly e-commerce purchases, when not at home to take delivery. Available around the clock, the terminals send a text message or email to parcel recipients when an item arrives, providing a code for those recipients to open the specific locker to retrieve their parcel.
Mette Juul, head of sales and process for private customers at Post Danmark, said: “Ease of use, simplicity and added value are the key features of every self-service system which is all combined in the parcel stations.
“The high customer satisfaction demonstrates that we have made the right decision in choosing parcel stations from KEBA.”
Adapting
Mail volumes at Post Danmark have fallen 45% over the past decade, and last year saw a 12% decline as the country sees a high level of digitisation of letter communications.
Post Danmark said earlier this year its parcel volumes are continuing to fall along with letter volumes, but since this was to a significant degree because of the weak Danish economy, it has confidence that parcels is potentially a growth area once consumer confidence returns.
KEBA said its machines fit with the strategy of a postal service like Post Danmark towards increasing self-service options for customers as digitisation affects the letter side of their businesses.
“Physical channels like the traditional post office will be adapted according to market developments,” it said of general market trends in Europe towards reduced letter volumes and increasing parcel volumes.
The Linz-based automation company installed 400 machines last year, which it said was more than any other manufacturer, and now has a total installation base of more than 3,000 of its KePol machines – with more than 2,400 in Deutsche Post’s extensive German network.
