The new system will be fully integrated with Delivery Connect, Blackbay’s on-board job dispatch, management and proof of delivery application and will be installed on over 25,000 GPS-enabled Intermec CN3 Windows Mobile-based handheld computers.
Royal Mail’s agreement with Intermec was announced in August 2008 while the deal with Blackbay was announced in September 2008.
Royal Mail hopes that the software will enable drivers to take the most efficient route to their next destination. Delivery information such as the postcode or full address of the destination is uploaded to CoPilot Live. The driver then selects the ‘Navigate’ option on the mobile computer and route mapping, turn directions and full voice guidance are provided.
When the driver reaches his or her destination the screen on the Intermec CN3 returns to Delivery Connect, enabling the driver to collect signatures as proof of delivery.
Ray Vaughan, IT director, operations of Royal Mail, said: “By integrating CoPilot Live with Delivery Connect, the Royal Mail aims to increase efficiency and the customer experience through the use of the latest mobile technology.”
The company says that this deployment is the largest single implementation of CoPilot Live navigation to date. Other companies using the software include Tesco.com, Severn Trent Water and United Fleet Distribution.
“We are delighted that CoPilot Live navigation has been selected as a partner in one of the largest and most prestigious corporate mobility deployments in history. It’s a great example of how CoPilot Live Professional’s flexible SDK allows companies to easily and effectively integrate navigation into their mobility strategy, without the additional capital investment associated with dedicated or in-dash systems,” said Dan Popkin, vice president, sales at ALK Technologies.
