Using technology to improve social distancing during retail deliveries

As companies adjust to doing business during this unprecedented global pandemic, new paradigms and solutions are being found to solve new business challenges.

While many retailers and online stores have seen a sharp increase in the demand for deliveries, new regulations and guidelines mean these deliveries must be carried out in a manner that adheres to new health and safety protocols.

Retailers, e-commerce platforms and last-mile delivery companies are therefore looking for ways to keep their staff and customers safe while still running the business efficiently and effectively.

Many retailers and last-mile providers are increasing their staffing levels for deliveries, and non-traditional fulfilment centres and distributed networks have emerged to help fill the need for last-mile distribution. At the same time, they are looking at how to implement health and safety protocols without affecting delivery times or increasing order errors.

Couriers are under increased pressure to deliver while still adhering to new safety guidelines and maintaining social distancing practices – balancing the requirements of safety and social distancing with the need for proof of delivery.

In many cases, new technology is being used to solve these new challenges. In order to avoid contact during delivery, drivers can be equipped with mobility solutions that enable accurate pick-up and drop-off, real-time communication and route planning, all without the need of physical touch-points such as signing forms or handing over paperwork.

According to Honeywell, a leading supplier of mobile and last-mile technology, some of the solutions that can be used for no contact delivery include:

Mobile computers – The Honeywell CT60 mobile computers are designed for delivery drivers who require real-time connectivity to business-critical applications. At every drop-off point the driver is able to scan the items and verify delivery with a photo or SMS, which can be sent to the customer as proof of delivery. The CT60’s sound recorder can also capture the customer’s voice in place of a signature, not requiring them to touch the device.

Digital forms – Digital form applications such as ProntoForms allow companies to develop custom delivery workflows with no-touch delivery confirmation. The platform allows drivers to capture photos as proof of delivery. It also offers a pre- and post-service Web form option, so customers can both state their preparedness for delivery (and the associated safety protocols), and provide post delivery feedback.

Mobile printers – Honeywell’s RP4 mobile printers provide last-minute relabelling capability to the delivery drivers for incorrect or miss-addressed shipments. This eliminates the need to send the package back to the fulfilment centre for relabelling, reducing the number of people coming into contact with the package. Printing a new shipping label en-route also saves time and increases overall delivery efficiency.

By improving communication and data workflows, technology can have a marked effect on improving employee and customer health and safety adherence, as well as optimising delivery turnaround times at a time of increased demand.

As a leading supplier of Honeywell hardware, Cradle Technology Services is equipped to support your business in implementing these solutions to ensure the ongoing health and safety of your workforce.