Hermes Germany launches real-time package tracking service
Package delivery company Hermes Germany has launched a new real-time tracking facility allowing customers to find out where there shipments via their computers or mobile devices. The company said it has invested EUR 15n in new scanning systems to support the new service, which aims to provide more transparency in shipping and allow customers more accurate forward planning in receiving their packages.
Hamburg-based Hermes Germany said that along with its first-ever tracking service available in real-time, its investments in IT should also lead to more Internet-based functionalities in future.
Hermes has invested in new mobile scanning systems connected via wireless and cellular networks to send in data as packages pass through its network, as part of a 10-year deal signed last year with telecoms firm Vodaphone.
Customers can access their tracking information via the myhermes.de website or through one of the Hermes smartphone applications.
Frank Iden, the Hermes Logistics Group chief executive, said up-to-the-minute information on the status of shipments was nearly as important to customers as fast delivery times at the moment.
He said of the new service: “With a total of 18,000 new scanner devices operating as mobile computers, information on shipment status is available everywhere at all times.”
Online and mobile
Hermes Germany, which is owned by mail order and catelog retail company Otto Group, has been steadily expanding mobile access to its services, and along with iPhone and iPad applications, has now launched a new application for Android-based smartphones.
In the medium-term, the company said it wants mobile access to all of its services, from parcel preparation to payment.
“The continued development of online services ensures our future competitive advantage in the logistics market,” said Iden.
“We have set ourselves the goal of becoming the online package service provider in this industry. Accordingly, we will gradually bring our entire business model onto online and mobile platforms.”
As it continues to push for more business-to-consumer business, Hermes Germany launched a new delivery service focusing on small packages last autumn, with the fast-growing online retail sector particularly in mind.
The company delivers more than 266m items a year in Germany, with a work force of more than 3,000 employees and 12,500 contractors, turning over more than EUR 840m a year.
