trans-o-flex introduces QR code shipment tracking system

European parcel and express delivery company trans-o-flex has introduced a new QR code system for the tracking of deliveries in Germany. The international subsidiary of Austrian Post said the two-dimensional codes familiar to users of smartphones can contain more information than conventional barcodes.

The company said the new QR code system is tied in with an overall effort at trans-o-flex to improve the amount of data about shipments that is sent electronically ahead of time.

The new system also helps with the delivery of specialist shipments, including transport of hazardous goods, where relatively large amounts of data are involved in shipment regarding customs paperwork and shipping conditions.

Oliver Rupp, the trans-o-flex chief executive, said: “This innovation means shipping with trans-o-flex is even easier and safer. All the notification information that is needed for a trans-o-flex shipment can be digitised within the QR code.”

“This must be the future standard as more and more mail clients transmit their shipment data in advance, so we can capture data from every consignment automatically.”

Faster

trans-o-flex says it now receives more than 92% of all transfer orders electronically, but some of those orders have discrepancies when the items are actually picked up.

“This can happen if customers have sent the shipping information to trans-o-flex already, but then they have large-minute urgent orders to go out that they then give to the trans-o-flex collection vehicle,” explained Rupp.

“Because the QR codes can store all the necessary information, it would save callbacks, manual intervention and deliver the items faster.”

The company’s software will automatically print address labels with the new QR code integrated within them, although customers will require a software update.

Only where customers use their own shipping systems will they need to ensure the right QR code is applied to their shipments, the company said.

There will be some transition time for all customers to move to the new system, so shipping labels will include conventional barcodes as well, but trans-o-flex said it has now completed the necessary changes to its scanning processes and technical systems for the automatic processing of QR codes across Germany.

A number of benefits from the QR code system are expected to emerge by mid-2013, including the waiving of certain pre-notification requirements for shipments, the company said.