Nightline Group to boost automation with Postea technology

Irish parcel carrier Nightline Group is increasing the automation of its network in partnership with logistics technology specialist Postea. The company delivering about 12m parcels a year at present says the investment will improve the speed, accuracy and quality of its services.

Nightline has begun using the QubeVu scanning system from the US-based technology firm, which automatically measures the size and weight of anything from postcards to parcels, as well as capturing a range of data including barcode and labeling information through optical character recognition (OCR) technology.

The system has already been implemented in Nightline’s Dublin depot to support the Group’s network of self-service parcel locker terminals, Parcel Motel.

The parcel terminal network has seen steadily increasing volumes since its launch in July 2012, according to Nightline.

John Tuohy, the Nightline Group chief executive, said the partnership with Postea will also benefit the technology company in providing industry feedback on the design and implementation of the QubeVu system.

“We have already won a number of awards for our own innovation and technology but we have always been open to ideas from other companies if they can help us offer clients even better standards of service,” said Tuohy.

“As we have grown, so too has the quantity of items which we are required to transport. However, we refuse to compromise on either the quality or accuracy of our service because they have been fundamental to our success.

“That is why this partnership with Postea represents so much potential for both firms. We are able to use cutting-edge equipment to support our efficiency and provide them with feedback from within a fast-moving industry on how best to develop systems for their own growth.”

QubeVu

The QubeVu system is available as an Industrial installation, a more flexible Workstation unit or as a Handheld scanning unit.

Other companies already using the QubeVu system according to Postea include Kerry Logistics, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Aramex and the US Postal Service. Recently the UK’s second largest postal operator, TNT Post UK, opted to introduce the QubeVu Workstation system throughout its UK sorting centres.

Postea, the company started up by Escher Group founder Michael J Murphy and former New Zealand Post CEO Elmar Toime in 2007, said it would be working with Nightline to explore ways in which its technology can assist in automating a parcel carrier’s operations.

The plan is to integrate the QubeVu system into Nightline’s hubs and depots, the firm said, providing Postea with best practice advice on implementation design.

Murphy, the Postea CEO, said the project with Nightline will be an opportunity for both businesses to derive great commercial benefit.

“We are very pleased to be able to work with Nightline. They have been tremendously successful, innovative and forward thinking in their market and we are confident that this relationship will give each of us the competitive edge needed to continue to offer end-customers the highest quality of service available,” he said.