UPS unveils range of enhanced technology tools

Logistics major UPS has unveiled several enhancements to its technology tools for SA customers. Speaking at the launch in Durban last week, SA sales manager Jasen Smallbone said they would streamline the process of creating shipments online and enhance customers’ ability to track multiple shipments at once. “Our global network is enhanced by internet-based technology that allows shippers to better manage their shipments and have maximum visibility as their parcels move through our system,” he told FTW. “By continually expanding our technology offering, we help customers save time and money, and expand to new markets.” The easy-to-use UPS Internet Shipping, which requires no software downloads, lets SA customers create shipments online from any computer connected to the Internet. Accessible through www.ups.com, it is a streamlined screen layout with a step-by-step structure that allows shippers to enter all shipment details on a single page and print a shipping label. “It is designed to save time and ensure that all the required fields are properly filled in,” Smallbone added. “Also, a range of additional options – from e-mail notifications to delivery confirmation – provides shippers with the package-tracking tools they need to be informed about their shipments.” If a company has a large staff with single or multiple locations, UPS CampusShip can help organise and manage shipping activities for these larger groups. Staff from multiple departments or locations can access all the functionality of UPS Internet Shipping through their personal workstations, with permissions and access set by a designated administrator. “This central management of users provides consolidated control and complete visibility of shipping activities,” Smallbone said, “helping to control overall costs and improve efficiency.” For maximum shipment visibility for higher-volume shippers, SA customers will now be able to use Quantum View Manage. This is a secure and customisable web-based application that provides a complete, up-to-date view of shipment status information for all of a shipper’s outbound, inbound and third-party billed shipments. Said Smallbone: “The application saves time by providing a visibility solution for small package and freight shipments inbound and outbound, eliminating the need to switch from one system to another and to track packages one at a time. “Quantum View Manage also lets customers view and download complete shipping information, and create customised tracking summaries and reports to see the information most important to their business processes. Additionally, because it provides an instant overview of shipment statuses, Quantum View Manage also helps businesses better serve their end customers by providing maximum visibility for their parcels.” A final enhancement is the SA version of www.ups. com now hosting a number of additional features. According to Smallbone, among these are the ability to register for a MyUPS ID that serves as an entry point to many online service offerings – creating a shipment or tracking packages. INSERT ‘Quantum View Manage helps businesses better serve their end customers by providing maximum visibility for their parcels. CAPTION Jasen Smallbone … ‘Enhancing customers’ ability to track multiple shipments at once.’