Hong Kong Using Tech for Mail Service Improvements
Hongkong Post, the city’s renowned postal service, is making significant strides in keeping up with the rapid growth of e-commerce. The postal service leverages smart technology for improved efficiency and enhanced customer experience. According to Hong Kong government, these solutions would also consider workplace safety.
iPostal Kiosk Service, Revolutionising Postage
The iPostal Kiosk service is at the forefront of Hongkong Post’s tech-driven initiatives. With 23 kiosks strategically positioned across all 18 districts, this service offers a more convenient way of posting. The kiosk will offer postage for items weighing up to 2 kg, including tracked mail like SpeedPost, EC-Get, and registered mail. The days of limited operating hours are over for the locals, as these kiosks are available 24/7. The time expansion would allow customers to access these kiosks at any time of the day or week – at their convenience.
The kiosks come equipped with state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology. With this tech, users can eliminate the guesswork about postage fees and avoid overpaying. Now, users can place their mail items on the kiosk, and the 3D scanner automatically measures their size and weight. Subsequently, customers can select the desired service, make payments, and receive printed posting and postage labels. Lastly, placing the item into the drop box completes the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Introducing Robotics System – A Major Step Forward in Efficiency
Apart from this, Hongkong Post introduced its sorting robotics system for handling small parcels. This cutting-edge system optimises the mail-handling process by employing automation and AI. When a staff places a parcel on the conveyor belt, the system scans, measures, and records the data. The sorting robots then take over, efficiently transporting the packets to their designated unloading fittings.
The system’s efficiency prevails by picking robots to sort the mailbags into workstations based on recorded mail collection points. Once the mail bags are sorted, they will be sealed by staff and dispatched to various delivery points. Even more impressive is that the sorting robotics system takes care of itself. When low on power, the robots will automatically return to the charging station, resuming work once fully recharged.
Hongkong Post’s General Manager, Ivy Cheng, emphasises the impact of this advancement, stating that the operational efficiency could go up to 20% compared to the traditional process. She also added that the technology minimises repetitive tasks, contributing to a healthier and safer workplace for the employees. Hong Kong Post continues to focus on enhancing customer convenience beyond the sorting process. Sorted mail is efficiently delivered via their fleet of vehicles, with options for delivery address or self-service iPostal Stations.
The city boasts 155 iPostal Stations, with further expansion plans in the pipeline. Sending mail to an iPostal Station is now made straightforward. Senders need to include the recipient’s mobile phone number capable of receiving SMS messages and the code of the chosen iPostal Station. The recipient will then receive a passcode via SMS, allowing them to retrieve their parcel effortlessly.
Embracing the Future of Postage
Hongkong Post’s commitment to innovation does not stop there. The organisation is moving to its new headquarters adjacent to the Central Mail Centre in Kowloon Bay later this year. Hongkong Post actively redevelops the Air Mail Centre to increase capacity and meet local and cross-boundary e-commerce demand. These ambitious expansion plans reinforce Hong Kong Post’s pivotal role in the dynamic world of e-commerce and postal services.
Hongkong Post’s adoption of smart technology solutions demonstrates its dedication to efficiency, customer satisfaction, and workplace safety. With the iPostal Kiosk service and the sorting robotics system, the postal service continues to evolve, providing Hong Kong residents and businesses with a seamless postal experience.
Looking to Expand in Hong Kong?
The tech for mail service improvements is only one example of how innovation is highly regarded in the region. Naturally, Hong Kong is one of the easiest places in the world to do business.
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