Scandit’s barcode technology to replace 15‘000 Hermes devices

Scandit, a Zurich based startup, developed the best-in-class barcode scanning technology for mobile devices to enable capturing and decoding of text, objects, and other visual identifiers using wearables, drones, robots, or stationary cameras. Using their smartphone, the courier scans items, records an electronic signature, verifies an ID and takes a picture of where a package has been left – all done quickly and intuitively. The Scandit solution delivers very high levels of scanning performance, even under difficult conditions such as in bad lighting or when labels are damaged.

In 2018, Hermes, UK’s leading consumer delivery company, handling more than 245 million parcels each year, deployed 4,000 smartphones loaded with the Scandit-powered application in time for peak season. Working with either a Hermes-provided mobile or their own phone, couriers’ working lives improved while streamlined workflows are driving operational efficiency improvements. Hermes has now decided to replace and retire more than 15,000 old barcode scanners of its legacy devices with smartphones loaded with Scandit’s Barcode SDK technology to guarantees fast, accurate barcode scanning.

The new Scandit technology provides a mobile platform for the rapid roll-out of future service innovations. During the three-year device migration period, Hermes UK couriers will also begin using additional Scandit software features including MatrixScan and Augmented Reality (AR) overlays to drive greater efficiencies in the delivery process. This means couriers will be able to scan multiple barcodes at once to search and find a specific parcel from within their van quickly and accurately. This innovative solution also enables couriers to view real-time information, such as parcel information or driver instructions, overlaid on the device screen using AR to help further streamline the last-mile delivery process.

(Press release/ran)