USA LOGISTICS OF PARCEL SERVICE

Table of Content Expectation Logistics Various Parcel Services in USA Parcel Tracking Systems Introduction to Proof of Delivery System (PoD) The actual flow of information in the parcel tracking systems Conclusion

Expectation Information about US Parcel Services and Tracking Systems

Logistics “Logistics is the Process of managing & controlling the flow of Goods ,information & other resources like energy & people between the point of origin & the point of Consumption in order to meet customer requirements”. Parcel Services is dependent on effective Logistic management

Various Parcel Services in USA Major Domestic Competitors are UPS FedEx DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom & Lynn) TNT USPS (United States Postal Service) International competitors are Canada post Royal mail Japan post Indian post Deutsche Post

UPS (United Parcel Service) Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia ,USA Since 1991. World’s Largest package delivery Company. Delivering more than 15 million packages /day. Having more than 6.1 million customers in more than 200 countries & territories around the world. It operations include Logistics & other transportation-related areas

FedEx Sailent features of FedEx Leading Logistics service company FedEx Express's ontime to delivery error rate is lower than 2 errors per 10,000 Different color codes for service.

FedEx Operating units and logos In all versions, the Fed is Purple. The Ex is in a different color for each division. FedEx Express :overnight courier services, FedEx Express provides delivery of goods, from envelopes to freight world's largest fleet of wide bodied civil aircraft, including the Airbus A300, Airbus A310 . Express's ontime to delivery error rate is lower than 2 errors per 10,000. Logo color Orange . FedEx Trade Networks :Service related to Customs , insurance Logo color : Yellow . FedEx Services :Provides marketing and information technology(IT) services for the other FedEx. Logo color is Platinum . FedEx Custom Critical :Delivers urgent, valuable, or hazardous items using trucks and chartered aircraft. Logo color: blue .

D H L (Dalsey, Hillblom & Lynn) Sailent features of DHL Deutsche Post company of Germany that provides international shipping of documents & freight as well as contract Logistics. DHL owns its own Cargo Airlines, European Air Transport Frieght Forwarding Services, Logistic Services & Courier Services. DHL has 4 Divisions DHL Express DHL Global Mail DHL Global Business Services DHL Logistics

Pain Areas in Parcel Service Delivery Failures i) From Local Logistics Dept Ex: Wrong address Ii) Technical Errors Ex: Wrong color code Iii)Vehicle Accident Iv)Damage of Goods V)Traffic jam Vi)Improper arrangement of goods So, parcel tracking system plays very major role for “on time, high efficient” delivery

Parcel Tracking Systems Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Proof of Delivery System (POD)

Parcel Tracking Systems

Global Positioning System (GPS) The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 medium earth orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time. Developed by the United States Department of Defence Russia GLONASS India IRNSS The upcoming European Galilio Positioning System The proposed COMPASS Navigation System of China

Operation of GPS A typical GPS receiver calculates its position using the signals from four or more GPS satellites. Four satellites are needed since the process needs a very accurate local time, more accurate than any normal clock can provide, so the receiver internally solves for time as well as position. In other words, the receiver uses four measurements to solve for 4 variables - x, y, z, and t. These values are then turned into more user-friendly forms, such as latitude/longitude or location on a map, then displayed to the user.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) RFID is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radiowaves. Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a (RF) signal and can also be used for other specialized functions. The second is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.

RFID Tags RFID tags come in three general varieties: passive active semi-passive Passive tags Passive RFID tags have no internal power supply. The minute electrical current induced in the antenna by the incoming radio frequency signal provides just enough power for the CMOS Integrated Ci rcuit in the tag to power up and transmit a response.

RFID Tags Active Unlike passive RFID tags, active RFID tags have their own internal power source, which is used to power the integrated circuit and broadcast the signal to the reader. Active tags are typically much more reliable (i.e. fewer errors) than passive tags due to the ability for active tags to conduct a "session" with a reader. Semi-passive Semi-passive tags are similar to active tags in that they have their own power source, but the battery only powers the microchip and does not broadcast a signal. The RF energy is reflected back to the reader like a passive tag. Tag attachment There are three different kinds of RFID tags based on their attachment with identified objects, i.e. attachable, implantable and insertion tags.

PoD /Tracking System Obtaining a quality Proof of Delivery and Tracking system that is affordable has been a challenge for all organisations in the past. PoD system is a flexible, low cost package that you can either purchase outright of rent on a monthly basis, making it affordable for all organizations. Let us look into the PoD systems

PoD & Tracking System

Introduction to PoD System Ever since the large courier companies introduced Proof of Delivery and tracking systems, customers have expected point to point tracking of consignments in all the areas of logistics. PoD System is designed to provide complete proof of delivery and for tracking consignments. It can be use by companies including: ● Third Party Logistics  ● Couriers ● Own Fleet

Basic Components of the System Web Site Mobile Computer Web Label Dispatch Software

PoD System Architecture

Web Site Shipper, Staff and Customer can use website to access tracking information. Who can see what data can be determined by the system setup. Shippers can forward a Consignment No to their customer to allow them to track goods that are sent to them. Shippers can see reports of all the Consignments they have generated shipping labels for.

Report Details Consignment Summary Shipping Movements details Packages Details Deliveries Damage or Could not Deliver report Photographs All Stages Details

Dispatch Software Companies shipping goods can use this PC based software to produce shipping labels with a tracking barcode on it.   Components- Contact Database This inbuilt contact database allows you to create a list of people and companies that you ship goods to so that address details can be put straight into the shipping form. Products Database Shipper can enter standard products and package sizes into this inbuilt database.Then they can simply click on the product to move the weight and dimensions into the shipping form boxes.

Dispatch Software (contd…) Local Database Enables customers to store data that is unique to them.They can collect information at both the Consignment and Package level by using user defined fields. Web Label Shippers can go to the web site and generate shipping labels with a tracking barcode.No need to roll out software to each customer site.

Mobile Computer Mobile Computers tracks consignments through all stages of delivery by scanning its barcode and send data to website. Functions- Image Capture Mobile computers have inbuilt cameras to take pictures of consignments to record damage or prove that you attempted to deliver. Route Restrictions Allows to set up Regional Depots and Delivery routes so while loading it checks the package postcode and stops from loading it onto the wrong vehicle.

Mobile Computer (cont..) Vehicle Manifest and Package Count Off Driver can print and download list of all items on their vehicle to the mobile computer, before leaving the depot. He can scan the package for a particular address this prevents him from leaving a site with a package still on the van. Digital Mapping Customers can see where their consignment is on a map.Also items in depots can be shown automatically.Vehicles should have a GPS equipped mobile computer.

Winning Features of this system Consignment can be tracked as the labels are applied Quick Report on all Consignment Data Delivered,Not Delivered,Damaged Packages Update Local Database with link to Web Site Contact and Product Database Depot and Delivery Route Restrictions Packages for this address still on vehicle warnings.

The actual flow of information in the parcel tracking systems

Instruction is created on the system to create a new Parcel Data is sent through Firewalls to the local server Package is made and scanned using Bar Code Scanner Data is replicated over the internet

Delivery instructions are generated to go to respective courier companies

The Courier collects the parcel from the manufacturer and contacts the recipient on his preferred contact method

A delivery location and the time is set between the recipient and the courier This information is passed back to the parcel service provider and the parcel status is updated

Once the delivery time is confirmed, SMS will be sent to the recipient to confirm the tracking code and courier details

In case of failed delivery attempt, the courier will update the parcel status, this will trigger an Automatic AMS to be sent to recipient cell phone, so that he is aware of the problem and rescheduling will be done as soon as possible

Upon successful delivery the recipient will complete the delivery acceptance process. This will be done using new electronic proof of delivery system (EPOD)

Upon receiving GPRS, another AMS will be sent giving the recipient any relevant information such as not to use the credit card till next 24hrs, until the card has been activated

After the delivery, the parcel status is updated in the company’s IT system , so all the information is available for reporting purposes. Information such as courier performance, geographical preferences, parcel history etc, is available on real time over the internet

Applicability of the Mobile Agent Technology Wireless Network Link The Global Positioning System The Mobile Agent

Software Architecture Agent Creator Responsible for the creation and configuration of Mobile Agents Supplies Information to be carried by the Mobile Agent This information is comprised of 4 sub Components encapsulated into one main component, The Agent’s Briefcase Agent Server Runs on each participating System Main purpose is to play host to visiting Mobile Agent Responsible for authentication of visiting Agents Allows the Agent to contact the next host on the Agent’s itinerary Responsible for obtaining the GPS co-ordinates on the vehicle

Fig-Using mobile-agents to monitor Shipping

Advantages of using this system Service improvement Risk reduction Integrated communication platform Proven capability High level of visibility Management of information

Conclusion Learnt about various parcel services in US and Parcel Tracking systems

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