How Yamato Optimized Scanning for Delivery and Transportation

Yamato Transport, a leading Japanese logistics company, has utilized the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK in two of its driver applications. 

The first is an application for smartphones, which is used by subcontracted delivery partners when delivering packages. As a result, it enabled stress-free scanning and improved delivery operations efficiency. 

Scandit has also been implemented on Yamato’s Nekore app. This is used to manage parcel loading and unloading on delivery vehicles.

In the field of delivery, the destination and route are determined based on the package information linked to the barcode. Barcode scanning is an essential task for delivery personnel to decide their next action. The speed of reading and the accuracy are important, due to the demand for short processing times. The ideal is to have accuracy comparable to laser scanners, and I feel that the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK has performance at that level.

Yoshihiro Hatano, Executive Officer,
System General Manager of Transportation and Delivery Operations,
Yamato Transport

Challenge

In June 2020, Yamato launched EAZY, a delivery service for e-commerce businesses. The service allows customers to choose from various receiving methods, including face-to-face, contactless and delivery box options. 

It has been adopted by e-commerce stores, such as Amazon and Mercari, with delivery partners responsible for the deliveries.

Delivery partners at the depot need to quickly receive and load packages onto trucks or carts to meet the time slots specified by customers. 

They are required to scan the waybill at different times. This includes:

• When taking out packages at the delivery depot
• Handing them over to recipients
• Bringing back undelivered packages.

Instead of using dedicated devices, delivery partners need to use their smartphones for scanning. The app can be downloaded and installed after the driver contracts with Yamato. It is available in general app stores.

Scanning performance needs

There was one challenge with using a smartphone app. The waybills attached to packages sometimes have poorly printed barcodes. Some may be blurred or missing lines. The previous app versions required multiple scans or had slow scanning speeds.

Yamato also uses the Nekore app on smartphones distributed by the company, instead of dedicated scanning devices, for managing the transport trucks traveling between its 70 terminals. 

The driver displays a QR code when a transport truck arrives at a terminal. The code displays information like the departure and destination on the screen of a smart device. 

The terminal staff scans the on-screen code to manage the entry and exit. One of the problems here was the ability to handle reflective glare on-screen. It found there were more errors when reading QR codes displayed on-screen compared to ones that are printed on paper. 

The company decided the scanning performance of the smartphones needed to be equivalent to that of dedicated devices. 

Solution

Yamato implemented the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK on the “Delivery App” used by EAZY delivery partners. This has enabled high-precision and high-speed barcode reading for drivers. 

The introduction of the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK made it possible to handle scanning operations smoothly and reliably in such delivery scenarios.

Scandit was also installed on the Nekore app. It was able to scan QR codes even if a smartphone screen was reflecting light or scratched.

Results

Here are the effects of implementing the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK in the “Delivery App” and “Nekore,” as described by Mr. Yoshihiro Hatano from Yamato Transport:

Enhanced scanning capability

The “Delivery App” now facilitates smooth scanning of barcodes, even those that are faint or partially damaged. It also handles uninterrupted scanning in low-light conditions or at night. This has been instrumental in maintaining delivery operations in environments.

Efficiency and error reduction

A single delivery partner may scan up to 300 times daily. The Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK has significantly reduced the number of scanning errors and enhanced delivery process efficiency. This means delivery partners can complete their tasks more quickly and with less frustration.

Reliable QR code reading with Nekore

For Nekore, the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK has enabled smooth and reliable reading of QR codes on smartphone screens. Originally these were prone to errors due to light glare or scratches. This reliability supports the management of transport trucks’ entry and exit at terminals, contributing to the logistical efficiency of inter-site transportation.

Overall, Yamato Transport’s implementation of the Scandit across the “Delivery App” and Nekore has significantly contributed to the comfort and efficiency of both the delivery partners and terminal workers. 

The initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to adapt to the diversifying work practices within the logistics industry. This includes the shift towards using smartphones, and potentially new devices like smart glasses, for data capture.

Looking ahead

The logistics industry faces challenges including labor shortages due to declining population and increasing small parcel deliveries. So the versatility and high performance of scanning solutions like the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK are becoming increasingly critical. 

Yamato anticipates further diversification in the roles of sales drivers, terminal workers, and delivery partners. It sees a growing need for various devices tailored to workers’ needs.

Mr. Hatano envisions a future where automated systems could increase the frequency of scanning operations, emphasizing the ongoing need for high scanning accuracy and performance. 

Yamato aims to continue improving the app and minimize the time drivers spend on indirect tasks. Creating a more efficient and focused work environment so drivers can focus more on delivery and collection.