Bpost equips 93,000 parcel containers with live trackers to optimize its logistics flows
Bpost vybavil 93 000 kontejnerů pro zásilky v Belgii sledovacími zařízeními v reálném čase, které umožní propojení s jednotlivými zásilkami a lepší sledování během celého přepravního procesu. Díky lokalizačnímu systému je možné efektivněji řídit a optimalizovat logistické toky, což vedlo k výraznému snížení potřeby nových kontejnerů o 85 %, a projekt získal mezinárodní ocenění nominací na Transport Innovation of the Year. Systém zlepšuje řízení kapacit, pomáhá řešit špičky a umožňuje rychlejší intervenci při lokálních nedostatcích kontejnerů.
Bpost has equipped its 93,000 parcel containers in Belgium with live-tracking devices. Thanks to a localisation system, the company now knows at all times where each container is located and which parcels it contains. This enables Bpost to evaluate and adjust its logistics flows more quickly and improve the tracking of individual parcels. The initiative has also received international recognition, with a nomination at the Postal & Parcel Technology International Awards in London for ‘Transport Innovation of the Year’.
In Bpost’s logistics network, which processes more than half a million parcels every day, roll containers play an important role. The metal carts are used to transport parcels quickly and efficiently within and between distribution and sorting centres. With 93,000 units – each capable of holding up to 30 parcels – the containers represent important assets for the company. It is therefore essential that they are managed efficiently and intelligently.
To manage them even more effectively and efficiently, Bpost has now equipped all its containers with live-tracking tags. The tag can also be linked to each individual parcel in the network. In time, this will enable Bpost to know where each parcel is located and which container it is in throughout the entire shipping process. This allows the company to make its internal parcel tracking smarter, more accurate and more customer-friendly.
85% fewer new containers
Thanks to the tracking system, Bpost knows at all times how many containers are available and where they are located within the network. This allows them to be used more efficiently, reducing the number of containers required. Since the start of the project, Bpost has been able to reduce the purchase of new containers – and therefore the associated budget – by 85%, without any impact on operations. As a result, the investment has already paid for itself since the solution was rolled out.
Did you know that Bpost’s 93,000 parcel containers are equivalent to:
- 15 football pitches if they were all placed side by side;
- a distance of 100 kilometres if they were lined up end to end;
- the equivalent capacity of more than 1,000 trucks.
The location data from the containers also helps to organise transport flows more effectively and optimise service quality, particularly during peak periods such as the end-of-year season. In December, Bpost sees volumes rise to more than 800,000 parcels per day, making the containers particularly valuable. Thanks to the tracking system, the company can now, among other things, intervene more quickly when a local shortage or surplus of containers is likely to occur.
The project and its impact have also received international recognition. Bpost’s container-tracking project has been nominated for ‘Transport Innovation of the Year’ at the Postal & Parcel Technology International Awards in London. The awards ceremony will take place on 23 September.
