Geodis acquires IBM's global logistics operations
Geodis buys IBM’s internal global logistics operations becoming the group’s sole logistics provider.
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Correos Spain invests EUR 15.6 million in new hardware and new centre
Correos is investing 15.6m Euros in a new data centre to house new computer equipment. The centre will form part of ongoing plans aimed at modernising its approach to handling mail.
The 15.6 million investment signals a new era for Correos which has already purchased PDAs for delivery workers and a further 2 million on RFID technology for quality control andto improve automation. IRIS-6 and SGIE, respectively manage all the processes involved in transactions at postal offices and postal centers, as well as the management and treatment of items in the 1,900 sorting offices – right up to final delivery.
Correos has chosen to sign a contract with IBM, worth 10.6 million Euro.
Read MoreUSPS uses transportation modeling to reduce transportation costs
ILOG announced that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has realized over USD 5 million in annual savings through a strategic transportation management initiative. Developed by USPS and IBM using ILOG CPLEX(R) optimization software, the Highway Corridor Analytic Program (HCAP) uses advanced technology to analyze USPS highway transportation scenarios and identify cost saving opportunities. The HCAP model examines routing and scheduling options to minimize costs while meeting business goals – leading to a savings of over USD 10 million in the two years since the model was deployed in 2006.
The USPS transportation network is large and complex – including responsibility for shipping over 200 billion pieces of mail per year through a system of transportation networks – and accommodates many different levels of services to its customers. The USPS network must consider different classes of mail, including Priority, First Class, and Standard, as well as different types of mail, such as letters, flats, and parcels. These complexities of various mail sizes, weights, and classes, coupled with the large scale of the USPS network, create a challenging environment in which to plan and manage transportation.
Read MorePostal Service's EMS team captures gold
The Cayman Islands Postal Service’s (CIPS) Express Mail Service (EMS) team continues to perform at the highest level, capturing a Gold Level Certificate in the process.
The team, comprising Hoyt Ramoon, Joshua Rivers, Debbie-Ann Christie, Ammarica Jordon and Jared Ebanks, was awarded a gold level achievement in 2005 and 2006 and reached the top 20 in 2007.
According to IBM, the Cayman Islands on-time delivery measurement is 98 percent. The Gold Level certificate recognizes the team effort, from front counter to all those who handle the mail. However, it is the EMS group’s dedication that makes the difference in quality of delivery.
EMS is an international postal express service for both documents and merchandise, which aims to globally provide a high quality, competitive express mail product at an affordable price. In most countries, EMS is the only practical means of providing private customers with universal access to international express services.
The CIPS introduced the service in the 1980s. Initially available only to the United Kingdom, several years later the programme expanded worldwide. Today, EMS reaches over 140 countries and is managed by the EMS Cooperative.
The Express Mail Service is available at all 15 post offices on the three islands.
Read MoreMicrocom, IBM to automate license-plate renewals in Canada
Microcom Corp. and IBM have announced plans to let drivers renew their license-plate registrations at self-service kiosks throughout the province of Ontario, Canada.
James Larson, president and chief executive of Microcom, says the project will put drivers in the fast lane.
“The kiosks streamline the renewal process and help drivers avoid the agony of standing in long, slow-moving lines,” he said.
IBM sought Microcom’s help to engineer a solution that helps them automatically validate and issue serial-numbered registration stickers at ServiceOntario kiosks. The machines, deployed in about 70 locations throughout the province, are touted for being part of the largest self-service kiosk network of its kind in North America.
Microcom designed and manufactured a media printer/dispenser equipped with a laser barcode scanner for the terminals. Once a customer enters required information, the barcode-reader authenticates a registration sticker and dispenses it to the user.
The Ministry of Transportation is looking to leverage self-service technology in response to growth.
“They simply are looking to find smart and efficient ways to help tackle the increase in customer volume, while at the same time decrease costs,” Larson said.
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