Automating Package Delivery at Large Utility

A large utility company in the South was receiving 200-300 packages per day. Each package was manually logged transferring tracking number, recipient, date and carrier. Upon delivery by the Mail Center personnel the recipient would sign the log sheet acknowledging receipt. Afterward, the log sheet would be stored in a log book for subsequent research.

Issue: This manual process of logging and signature capture was cumbersome and prone to errors. Writing tracking numbers and recipient names was time-consuming and often yielded illegible or incorrect information. Research for delivery verification was tedious and slow usually requiring a callback to the inquirer. Often, they were unable to locate proof of delivery of the package in question. Storage and maintenance of the logbooks was becoming unwieldy.

The mail center manager researched automated tracking systems but could not justify the benefits of the systems against their cost. Additionally, many of the systems did not really improve productivity. It merely automated the process. Some systems were hard to learn requiring expensive integration, training and retraining of personnel.

Solution: The company selected Basik Solutions' BasikTrak™. BasikTrak™ was the most economical, efficient and easiest to use system of all.

First. They liked the price tag, distinctly the least expensive product on the market. Their research showed BasikTrak™ 25-65% less than comparably equipped systems.

Second. They liked the approach of streamlining processes of acceptance and delivery eliminating unneeded steps. Two and one-half man-hour logging process was now performed in less than 30 minutes. Recipients liked getting their packages and letters delivered earlier in the morning. Automating the log sheets allowed for faster responses to research calls questioning delivery of an item. The proof of delivery was now faxed or emailed to the caller while they were on the phone.

Third. Because of its streamlined processes, training required minimal effort. BasikTrak™ didn't have extra unneeded buttons and unused features. They were up and running in thirty minutes.

The utility company automated a manual process for minimal cost. By doing so they: 1. Eliminated errors inherent with a manual process, 2. Improved their delivery turnaround of packages and overnight letters, 3. Improved their image among the company as a forward-thinking technology driven group, 4. Improved customer service by quickly answering customer inquiries and 5. Eliminated the need for filing space for paper logs.