Hermes Invests in New Technology from Zebra

Hermes, a consumer delivery specialist, invested in state-of-the-art handheld scanners in what represents one of the largest mobile implementation projects in Europe. The company will equip its local courier network and myHermes ParcelShops with more than 20,000 TC75 mobile computers from Zebra Technologies, in a move designed to heighten the overall customer experience it provides on behalf of the UK’s leading retailers.

These new enterprise-grade handheld devices and the software that powers them will provide greater visibility during the delivery process as the company moves toward its goal of 100% first-time delivery success. The 4G TC75 devices have a 10-hour battery life, a built-in camera to capture high-quality photos and boast improved GPS functionality. This allows geo-fencing technology to provide pin-point accuracy for delivery, which means parcels are satellite-tracked to the customer’s doorstep.

The TC75 devices will support the ETA time window-service, which, when implemented later this year will give retailers the opportunity to enhance the online shopping experience by giving their customers a four-hour time window for their parcel delivery or collection, removing the need for them to “wait in all day.” Hermes will reduce the window to two hours by the end of 2016.

The rollout of the handheld devices to Hermes’ local couriers will start in the spring and will be completed in late summer, while the growing network of 4,500 myHermes ParcelShops across the UK will also be equipped with the devices ahead of the 2016 peak season.

“Our aim is to achieve 100% first-time delivery success as well as industry-leading customer choice and convenience.” said Carole Woodhead, CEO, Hermes. “This substantial investment equips us with the capability to add premium features such as ETA to a standard product. This strengthens Hermes’ positioning in the UK delivery industry as the market leader in innovating and changing the face of standard delivery at standard prices.”

“The TC75 enterprise mobile computer, designed for parcel and direct delivery services, will help Hermes achieve its goal to provide both retailers and consumers greater visibility into the delivery process,” aadded Ashley Ford, VP and GM, EMEA, Zebra Technologies. “The enterprise asset intelligence Hermes will gain from this solution will result in new insights and ultimately, an outstanding experience for its customers.”