Delivery company, Yodel, has integrated barcode scanning software from Scandit, an enterprise technology platform for mobile computer vision and augmented reality (AR), into its newly developed driver and courier app. 

Yodel delivers millions of parcels every week across the UK. Yodel has a transformation programme to change the hand-held terminals (HHTs) and replace them with smart devices using a mobile app. Yodel selected Scandit to provide the barcode scanning software after it out-performed all other software options in testing.  Yodel developed its app for Android and iOS devices so that delivery drivers can use their own smartphones or any future company-provided devices. Colleagues can process deliveries while out on the road and confirm proof of delivery in real-time with a quick barcode scan.

“The app has been deployed rapidly to more than 600 users, on time, with no issues, and has transformed our on-the-road courier experience. We’ve been delighted with our partnership with Scandit in terms of product quality, technical support and their roadmap for future innovation. This support has been critical to the success of the programme, which will continue in 2020,” said Adam Gerrard, Chief Digital Officer at Yodel.

“It’s great being able to scan and walk, instead of having to scan at the door. The app allows us to scan as soon as you get near the barcode – no more having to zoom in and out or making sure the parcel is out of any light - it’s even scanning broken barcodes. I seem to be faster delivering, as this technology is speeding me up,” said Tania Pinkerton, a courier for Yodel.

Yodel plans to use Scandit’s MatrixScan and augmented reality (AR) features in both this app and a new app for service centres. This provides the ability to scan multiple items in one go and view instructions and information as an AR-overlay, with Yodel expecting this to help speed up loading at depots and reduce the time taken to find packages in vans. 

About Yodel

UK independent parcel carrier, Yodel, handles over 145 million parcels every year and has a relationship with 85 per cent of the UK's top retailers. The company is headquartered in Hatfield and has over 50 locations across the UK, including three central sorts and over 47 service centres. Drop & Collect (trading as CollectPlus) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yodel, and is the UK’s largest independent store-based parcel delivery and returns service. With over 7,000 parcel points across the UK, it offers a simple and convenient way for shoppers to collect their online purchases and return unwanted items. 

About Scandit

Scandit enables enterprises and consumers to change the way they interact with everyday objects and augment the physical world with real-time data captured by scanning barcodes and recognizing text, objects, and other visual identifiers using smartphones, tablets, wearables, drones, and robots. Scandit’s mobile data capture platform is built on proprietary computer vision, augmented reality, and machine learning technologies. Companies in industries such as retail, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare can use Scandit’s technology to create and power mobile apps for crucial enterprise workflows like search and find, shipping and receiving, inventory management, and proof of delivery.