The change in purchasing behavior is not only driving order volumes to enormous heights - it is also having a significant impact on all associated processes. Daily shipment volumes in the millions, which parcel depots in Germany are now faced with, simply cannot be handled quickly and without errors using conventional resources. Just think of the search for a specific item in the distribution center, which in many cases is still done on foot and is often made more difficult by the fact that the items are similar in appearance and size.

Video management systems make it possible to determine and document the whereabouts and condition of the goods with just a few clicks. This is made possible by a barcode attached to the goods: This is scanned at various nodes in the distribution center and linked to sorting and video information, creating a seamless movement path throughout the entire parcel depot. The key to the recorded information is the parcel label number, which is simply entered on the PC and provides information about the position and nature of the consignment.

However, if the number is not or only partially known, it can also be determined using other criteria such as date, time, scan location or even a wildcard search. Thanks to the automated image display, even very complex processes at a handling location can be recorded extremely quickly and easily. Even fluctuations in belt speed or manual parcel handling are not disruptive factors for the application. Incidentally, this results in clearly documented transfers of liability, which in turn strengthens the evidence in the event of any recourse claims.

Another advantage of such systems: Incorrectly delivered shipments can also be avoided. This is because these not only cause unnecessary exchange and communication costs, but usually also entail financial risks and damage to the company's image and have an impact on both customer satisfaction and loyalty. By using a digital video solution specially tailored to logistics and the resulting monitoring of the entire transport route of a shipment within the parcel depot, the company can react to deviations from predefined routes and other irregularities in no time at all - minimizing the risk of incorrect deliveries. This in turn creates better structured processes, saves time and paves the way for easier implementation of services such as same-day and over-night delivery.

Last mile

The last part of the delivery process - the so-called "last mile" - is a particularly big challenge for courier, express and parcel services (CEP services). This is because recipients are often not at home when the parcel arrives - a problem that is exacerbated by growing shipment volumes. Such unsuccessful delivery attempts account for no less than 50 percent of the total costs of shipment deliveries and therefore represent the largest cost factor. Another difficulty for CEP services is that customers today simply expect to be offered several time slots and different delivery channels for the delivery of goods - a service that cannot be set up without additional financial outlay. In order to keep such (additional) costs as low as possible, shipping service providers need to bundle their shipments intelligently and thus ensure that routes can be completed efficiently and quickly.