Royal Mail Becomes the First Delivery Company to Implement Wiliot’s Innovative Digital Tags
In a groundbreaking move, Royal Mail has made history as the first delivery service globally to implement Wiliot’s cutting-edge tracking technology. This initiative aims to modernise the company’s operations and improve efficiency across its network. By tagging an impressive 850,000 wheeled containers, Royal Mail is set to transform parcel tracking with Wiliot’s innovative digital tags, which resemble stickers.
Enhancing Parcel Tracking Through Innovative Technology
These state-of-the-art tags are equipped with miniature computers that transmit live data regarding the containers’ location, humidity, and temperature while they traverse the country. This advanced tracking system will provide Royal Mail with unparalleled insights into parcel journeys, enhancing reliability and optimising vehicle usage. By improving operational efficiency, this initiative plays a crucial role in Royal Mail’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2040.
Streamlining Operations for a Greener Future
Royal Mail is nearing the completion of tagging its vast fleet of wheeled containers, known as Yorks, which are integral to transporting parcels and letters nationwide. The company has ambitious plans to extend the use of these digital tags to individual parcels in the future, further enhancing its tracking capabilities.
Wiliot’s sticker-like tags employ Bluetooth technology to automatically communicate with nearby devices as they move through the network, eliminating the need for manual scanning and providing real-time data on their status. The tags also monitor essential environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, allowing for better management of sensitive items during transit.
Digital Transformation at Royal Mail
This technology implementation is a key component of Royal Mail’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy, designed to modernise its network in response to the rising demand for higher parcel volumes and the increasing expectation for next-day delivery services. By harnessing Wiliot’s ‘ambient technology,’ the tiny computers are powered by surrounding radio waves, enabling continuous feedback to a cloud-based AI data platform.
As parcels move through Royal Mail’s extensive network, which includes 37 mail centres, two automated parcel hubs, and 1,200 delivery offices, the digital tags create a live digital map of their journeys. This capability equips Royal Mail with essential insights, enabling the company to swiftly identify and resolve potential issues while optimising its operational efficiency.
Future Plans for Individual Parcel Tracking
Looking ahead, Royal Mail aims to tag individual parcels, which will allow for even more precise monitoring and granular data collection on CO2 emissions per parcel. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.
Nathan Preston, Tech Director for Strategy, Innovation & Data at Royal Mail, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Data-led modernisation is essential to improving our operations and ensuring we remain customer-focused. As the first postal company globally to implement Wiliot’s innovative technology, we see immense potential in increasing reliability and reducing our carbon footprint.”
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Preston further explained that the implementation of Wiliot’s technology would enable Royal Mail to spot and resolve any operational issues swiftly, thereby enhancing overall reliability. By optimising vehicle loads, the company aims to avoid unnecessary journeys, significantly reducing its carbon emissions in the process.
Tal Tamir, CEO of Wiliot, acknowledged the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Royal Mail’s rich heritage and its central role in digital transformation are significant. Our platform provides complete visibility across the supply chain, equipping organisations of all sizes with the tools necessary to deliver faster, safer, and more environmentally sustainable services.”
Conclusion
Royal Mail’s pioneering initiative to incorporate Wiliot’s digital tags into its operations marks a significant step forward in the logistics industry. This innovative tracking solution not only promises to enhance operational efficiency and parcel reliability but also underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability. As Royal Mail continues to embrace technology, it sets a precedent for the future of delivery services, demonstrating that modernisation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
