UK delivery company, Yodel, integrates Augmented Reality barcode scanning into its driver app

Yodel delivers millions of parcels every week across the UK. As part of its digital strategy, Yodel has a transformation programme to change the hand-held terminals (HHTs) its delivery drivers use, and replace them with smart devices using a mobile app. Yodel has selected Scandit to provide the barcode scanning software for the driver and courier app. The reason being, that with so many self-employed couriers out on the road, Yodel needed the scanning app to be hardware agnostic and work on all models of smartphone in order to support the company’s bring-your-own device (BYOD) policy. Scandit states that its software supports over 20,000 smart device models.

Yodel has 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.

Yodel’s Chief Digital Officer, Adam Gerrard, said user satisfaction with the app’s scanning was high from the very first release of the app with the Scandit scanning software installed. He explained: “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.”

Tania Pinkerton, a courier for Yodel, said: “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.”

To drive further productivity gains, Yodel plans to use Scandit’s MatrixScan and augmented reality features in both this app and a new app for service centres. MatrixScan 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.

Samuel Mueller, Scandit CEO, commented: “We love working with an organisation that embraces innovation and the business benefits to be gained from computer vision technology. We look forward to continuing to support Yodel to further digitalise and future-proof their business.”