DHL launches Collect & Return in Europe
DHL Express has launched its Collect & Return solution across Europe. The service has been designed specifically for the high technology sector, providing a full end-to-end visibility of transport flows between multiple parties by way of a single dedicated eCom platform.
DHL Collect & Return manages the entire cycle, from the collection of damaged or faulty goods, handling of the international transportation to a designated repair location and returns them back to the end consumer.
An integral part to the solution is the specialist and reusable packaging options for laptops and smaller handheld items such as GPS devices, the company said.
At the core of DHL Collect & Return is a web based DHL proprietary application – the Express Logistics Platform (ELP) – ensuring visibility across multiple legs for different users: the customer’s call centre will access ELP to arrange the booking; the designated repair vendor has access to anticipate inward shipments and plan engineering workflows; and DHL Express will access to manage courier movements and prepare the paperwork for reverse flows.
Goods can be tracked across all legs by using an RMA number, defined at the time of booking. Service levels can even be adjusted if this becomes necessary during the repair process.
The new ELP tool offers a bespoke online dashboard that can provide: clarity of goods’ movement within the collect and return process; a tool that minimises training; broad coverage allowing goods to be tracked across 12 European countries.
The development of DHL Collect & Return was strongly supported by leaders in the technology industry. Companies were looking to shorten the turnaround times for customers across Europe needing a repair and return service.
Gerhard Haeberlein, director customer support and service at Panasonic Computer Products Europe said: “Panasonic always strives to offer the best service for our customers. Through DHL Collect & Return we can provide our wide European customer base with a rapid turnaround time for repairs and a world class service within agreed service levels. By using a trusted logistics expert like DHL, we can be sure that we receive customer’s electrical items safely, and most importantly, on time.”
John Pearson, CEO DHL Express, Europe added: “DHL Collect & Return provides a seamless solution for high tech companies offering a pan-European after-sales commitment for their own customers.
“Transit time options provide even more flexibility and the user-friendly web interface ensures transparent and consistent shipment tracking. Customers appreciate our ability to connect many parties in the value chain who are located at various sites in different countries”.
DHL Collect & Return is currently available in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Finland, and Italy.
