New system for Skynet

Skynet Worldwide Express, a leading domestic and international courier, has installed portable data terminals from Symbol Technologies to track parcels from their point of collection to their final destination. The new system is both fast and accurate and replaces a manual time-consuming and paper intensive system.

With successful installations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, East London and Port Elizabeth branches and Bloemfontein soon to follow. Skynet Worldwide Express is able to provide critical parcel tracking information to clients within seconds.

Peter Little, executive account manager for Symbol Technologies, said the portable radio frequency terminals, known as the PDT6840 Series are rugged, lightweight terminals combining mobile computing and optical wireless communications with comfortable, well-balanced forward scanning ergonomics.

"Designed for harsh environments, the PDT 6840 Series is excellent for industrial markets such as transportation and distribution, therefore it is an ideal solution for Skynet. Yet the terminals are small enough for scan-intensive applications in retail, such as inventory management and replenishment, price management and receiving. Carrying on the legacy of Symbol`s popular Laser Data and Laser Radio terminals, this single-handed productivity tool offers a spacious 35 or 46 key alphanumeric keypad, internally mounted radio antenna and a choice of standard, long-range or high-visibility scanning options, " said Little.

Little added that the system generates labels on a Zebra Z4000 printer - a cost- effective printer that adapts to changing application needs. "The printer`s intuitive design makes operation easy for both the novice and the experienced user. The Z4000`s array of optical features makes it ideal for a broad range of print-on-demand labelling applications that require widths up to 167,6mm wide," he said.

Gail Evans National Administration manager for Skynet Worldwide Express, indicated that the portable radio frequency terminals allow for parcels to be processed at any location within their premises, and the immediate transfer of data to the Wide Area network. Further, the Zebra Z4000 printers generate routing labels, which has dramatically reduced the numbers of mis-routed parcels nationally.

Skynet Worldwide Express, being an IS0 9002 accredited organisation, is very selective in their appointment of suppliers, and we are extremely satisfied with the support services provided by Symbol Technologies.

Caption for picture: Pictured next to the Skynet Worldwide Express delivery vehicle is Peter Little, executive account manager for Symbol Technologies and Bernard Kekana, controller at Skynet Worldwide Express.