5 Reasons Mobile Computer Vision is Transforming the Last Mile

| Transportation & Logistics

mobile computer vision

The Last Mile of the delivery process, where parcels are sorted to reach their final destinations, is complex and challenging. Fortunately for Post and Parcel organizations, mobile computer vision technology allows them to scan barcodes with smart devices to complete all tasks in every area of the Last Mile enterprise, more affordably and effectively than ever before.

Here are five key reasons smart devices equipped with mobile computer vision solutions, such as the technology provided by Scandit, are transforming how Post and Parcel providers are “running” their Last Mile operations.

1. Significant Cost Savings
The upfront cost of a smart device is up to 3x less than that of a dedicated scanner. Adopting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy reduces the hardware cost to nil. Buying used smart devices in bulk can also reduce the price tag. Toss in factors such as easier training on familiar devices and avoiding long-term investment in static dedicated scanning hardware which quickly becomes obsolete, and you get a total cost of ownership (TCO) which is much lower over the lifespan of the device.

2. The Power of Augmented Reality
Smart devices can leverage mobile computer vision software to provide augmented reality (AR) feedback which superimposes information about parcels and packages. For example, a driver loading a delivery vehicle could hover their smartphone over items and have them highlighted in the most efficient order for loading. Augmented reality can also identify specific parcels for search and find, locate missing or incorrect items, or display the real-time status of parcels with strict delivery requirements, such as pharmaceuticals. This versatile utility makes augmented reality scanning, currently only offered by Scandit, valuable across the Last Mile enterprise, from loading dock to remote pickup and dropoff (PUDO) locations to the point of delivery.

3. Increase Efficiency and Reduce Errors
Smart devices enable associates and drivers to capture multiple packages in a single scan using multiscanning capabilities. This greatly increases the speed of identifying entire cartons, shelves or pallets of items. Eliminating the need for associates or drivers to individually scan every parcel in an assortment also reduces human error. In addition, locating individual parcels becomes easier. Sorting, loading, and search and find are just a few common Last Mile processes made more efficient and accurate via multiscanning.

4. Make PUDO Easy
Pickup and dropoff (PUDO) locations can be company field offices, as well as third-party partners such as gas stations, convenience stores or even storage lockers. Smart devices running mobile computer vision software allow Post and Parcel enterprises to effectively offer PUDO options in addition to direct delivery. Associates at corporate or third-party depots can quickly search and find customer packages, without need to install expensive dedicated scanning hardware. Mobile data capture also allows PUDO locations to serve as collection spots where undelivered parcels are processed and sorted.

5. The Proof is in the Scanning
Drivers carrying smart devices equipped with mobile computer vision and image recognition software no longer need dedicated scanners to record proof of delivery. They can rely on a smartphone to scan parcel barcodes at the point of delivery. In addition, drivers can leverage smartphones for capturing signatures, verifying ID, or taking a picture of a client or a package. Smart devices can also serve as affordable backups for dedicated scanners, eliminating the need for manually performing proof of delivery tasks in the event of scanning hardware failure.

To find out more about how Scandit enables Post and Parcel organizations to transform their Last Mile operations with mobile data capture built on proprietary computer vision, machine learning and augmented reality, download our new whitepaper, “Mobile Computer Vision in the Post and Parcel Industry.”