Swiss Post to modernise mail delivery process
Swiss Post is to roll-out automatic sequencing across its letter delivery business, after a trial period was deemed successful. The implementation of the new technology will allow the majority of mail to be pre-sorted automatically right down to individual house letterbox level.
Between autumn 2010 and spring this year, Swiss Post trialled various postal delivery optimisation schemes. The company said automatic letter sequencing proved “particularly successful”.
Now the new system will be introduced across the country over the next two years, primarily being used in towns with heavy population density.
The company will purchase 15 new systems, and will additionally convert its existing sorting systems and logistics centres. It will invest around CHF 28m (EUR 23.3m) in total.
A Swiss Post spokesperson said: “Letter delivery is facing increasing competition from other communication channels. The developments in electronic communications channels in particular are creating more pressure to improve internal processes.
“The introduction of automatic sequencing gives Swiss Post more freedom to meet customers’ requirements for a cost-effective, modern and high-quality service. This measure will have no effect on delivery cut-off times, which will stay the same.”
Swiss Post confirmed the new system will result in the equivalent of 270 jobs being lost. However, the operator said no compulsory redundancies will be made. Due to a staggered roll out, jobs will be shed through natural staff turnover.
