Findings from The New Delivery Paradigm by Accenture
AI, Robotics and AR Tech in Postal and Delivery Companies
An article dated Oct 26 2017 on Business Wire describes the role of Augmented Reality in the post and parcel industry, including driverless vehicles and robots making deliveries. The findings are from a new report called ‘The New Delivery Paradigm’ by Accenture, which analysed delivery / purchasing trends, business practices, and 25 delivery companies across the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Key points from the article include:
- Over $500 million of annual value could be generated in an average postal organisation through investment in advanced tech
- Becoming digital could include use of AI, digital warehouses, augmented workforce, smart collectors, connected vehicles, etc. (Brody Buhler, leader of Accenture’s global post and parcel practice)
- The following have the potential to become a digital business: sales transformation, online loyalty programs, digital marketing, and 24-hour customer service chatbots
- Business models that could be developed include: sharing platforms, digital identifications, B2C subscriptions, payment systems, drone deliveries, and on-demand deliveries
- AI and robotics are already enabling new opportunities for postal organisations, e.g. the US Postal Service is utilising AI to weigh, price, collect mail, and answer questions at collection points
- AR and support applications are aiding the workforce in innovative ways, e.g. pick-by-vision has the effect of improving productivity, and reducing errors and paperwork
- In order to be successful, organisations must consider the following: digital customer interactions, digital in core operations, and new digital delivery models