UPS customers plug into ‘smart technology’

LAUNCHED WITH much fanfare earlier this year, UPS SCS South Africa’s new ‘smart technology’ is now up and running and adding value to customers’ businesses, says director Paul Horsfall. “UPS invests $1bn every year in technology – and any investment is solely aimed at making the life of our customers easier and helping them expand globally and reap the advantages of global trade.” Key to UPS technology is the DIAD, the smart label and UPS WorldShip, says Horsfall. “The DIAD is a driver-handheld wireless device that registers information on pick-up and delivery and transmits it to UPS systems so that customers can track the packages online. “The UPS smart label, to the untrained eye, is a mass of indecipherable bars, dots and squiggles, but to the UPS system it means everything. It tells the system where to send a package, how fast it needs to get there, and where it came from. And no matter which way it’s scanned, the code can still be read to ensure the package gets to the right person. Customers can print and apply the labels themselves, saving time and ensuring accurate delivery details are entered clearly.” The smart label is generated by UPS WorldShip, one of the most widely deployed transportation software applications in the world, says Horsfall. “Installed by more than 550 000 customers worldwide, this shipping software simplifies and streamlines shipping operations, giving customers better control of all shipping activities for enhanced productivity and greater customer service.” The Internet is a significant driver of two market trends, Horsfall explains – globalisation and personalisation. “UPS is capitalising on these trends, growing its business globally by building personalised – what UPS calls ‘one-to-one’ – relationships with its customers. The goal is to treat each customer, each package, and each transaction as if it were the only one we have. Online technology gives UPS agility, allowing the company to respond to customers’ needs easily and quickly,” he said.