Bangkok--Sep 30--PR & Associates
The collaboration between DHL, AIS, Microsoft and Symbol Technologies adds value to Thai businesses by providing full control over the entire supply chain
DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, today introduced its new courier scanner entitled ‘Global Courier Real-Time Handheld Device,” a state-of-the-art tool that allows Thai importers and exporters to benefit from real-time data transmission for their shipments tracking. This latest technology, which DHL will begin deploying this month for its more than 200 couriers countrywide, will also enhance customer satisfaction by guaranteeing global information visibility and full control as shipments move along the supply chain.
The Global Courier Real-Time Handheld Device is a powerful mobile and wireless handheld computer that enables DHL couriers to scan shipment airway bills and transmit data in real-time upon delivery to DHL’s global data network. As quickly as 15 minutes after the courier has scanned the shipment, both DHL customers and their recipients worldwide are able to log onto DHL’s website to check the status of their shipments.
Unveiled Mr. Herbert Vongpusanachai, Managing Director of DHL Express (Thailand) Limited, “the new courier scanner is part of a US$ 300 million investment in infrastructure development projects in the Asia Pacific region and as such part of DHL's overall investments of over US$ 1.1 billion in the region. As the world’s leading air-express and logistics provider, we are a true believer of innovation and firm user of information technology. The launch of the Global Courier Real-Time Handheld device today marks a milestone in DHL’s continual efforts to be the leading innovator in its industry, and to help streamline and simplify global supply chains.”
Additional features of The Global Courier Real-Time Handheld Device include a built-in service directory in its computer memory, allowing DHL’s courier to do away with carrying bulky directories. It also features real-time wireless dispatch of customers’ pick-up requests to couriers while they are on-the-go resulting in speedier couriers’ response times.
“The customer is at the beginning and end of everything we do. To achieve higher levels of customer service, management of the information flow is as important as management of the operation. We are using this innovative real-time device to optimize and simplify the information flow,” added Mr. Vongpusanachai.
The Global Courier Real-time Handheld Device is powered by Microsoft’s Windows Mobile? 2002 Pocket PC edition operating system and developed in collaboration with Symbol Technologies and Advanced Info Service (AIS). With fully integrated bar code scanning, wireless communication and mobile functionality, and the ability to capture a written signature, which all applications are developed by DHL, the Global Courier Real-Time Handheld Device is poised to offer a complete, easy-to-use data management solution in a single handheld unit.
In the first phase, this superior real-time handheld device will include a bar code scanning system with pre-entered data, further streamlining both DHL's internal tracking and its customer-access tracking system. In the second phase, to be completed by the end of this year, DHL will install the mechanism that captures signatures for delivery confirmation. This will be followed by the final phase during which the device will be enhanced with wireless communication and mobile functionality. The company expects to complete the entire rollout by 2005.
Mr. Kittsanan Ngamphathipong, Executive Vice President — Marketing & Strategic Planning, Advanced Info Service Plc or AIS, disclosed, “As a mobile phone service operator in GSM network, AIS places importance in adopting wireless communication technologies to enhance operational efficiency of express transportation and logistic business. AIS has developed “Smart Mobile Location,” the solutions exclusively offered to this group of enterprise customers. The Smart Mobile Location includes Mobile Phone Tracking service to determine the position of staff or customers and Smart Fleet service to trace the position and status of vehicles in order to prevent merchandise theft, accident and off-route driving.”
“Today AIS is extremely pleased to have an opportunity in contributing to the development of innovation encouraging the operations of express and logistic business. Under the cooperation between AIS and DHL, a Thailand’s no. 1 express and logistics company, we studied and developed various solutions and services to meet business requirement (Customized Solution) by verifying and following up the status of transportations as well as controlling the shipment process featuring real-time and supply chain system which systemize and streamline customer service operations of DHL to achieve highest efficiency. ”
Mr. Ngamphathipong said that with the power of GPRS network capable of accommodating efficient data transmission, claimed to be most perfect in Thailand in terms of all-area service coverage, usability, network quality and customer service, we convince that GPRS network of AIS will enable the works of Global Courier Real-time Handheld Device to achieve highest efficiency in the transmission of merchandise transportation data of DHL everywhere and every time.
“Based on the Windows Mobile Pocket PC operating system, the new DHL Global Courier Real-Time Handheld Device will enable DHL’s workforce to maximize their time, increase productivity and hence, provide improved levels of service to their customers,” said Mr. Andrew McBean, Managing Director of Microsoft (Thailand) Limited. “Windows Mobile puts the power of Windows software into a Pocket PC, extending the familiar, cutting edge Windows experience to mobile devices, enabling DHL to fully empower their mobile workforce.”
Mr. McBean added, “The Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs are the next-generation personal digital assistants (PDAs) from Microsoft and industry partners. It is truly fantastic as it is versatile enough to satisfy the personal needs of today’s busy mobile consumer, giving them the best way to connect to their most essential information away from their desks, a broad range of native business personal productivity and entertainment applications that are easily expanded to adapt the growing industry-standard hardware and software options.”
“We are excited to be part of DHL's initiative to offer customers a higher level of service and satisfaction," said Mr. Andrew Tay, Regional Director, Asia Operation, Symbol Technologies. By providing a compact light-weight handheld device that is dependable in harsh environments with its rugged construction, high-performance data capture scanning, and integrated GPRS system, DHL couriers can transmit information in real-time reliably and easily wherever they are.”
About AIS Smart Solution
AIS Smart Solution, a mobile phone service of AIS tailored for business enterprise customer group, facilitates communication for efficient organization management. With advanced technologies in wireless communication, the operations of organization will be systematic, streamlined and highly efficient. At present, AIS Smart Solution occupies over 60% of market share in enterprise customer segment and wins the trust from over 80,000 enterprise customers countrywide to use the service. For more information, call AIS CORPORATE CALL CENTER 1149 and visit website www.ais.co.th
About Microsoft
Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited provides world-class software that is easy to use and localized to suit the local market’s needs. It also has a compelling and consistent platform to build powerful business solutions that can scale from a notebook computer to a mainframe — class multiprocessor systems using Microsoft technology. For further information, please visit the Microsoft (Thailand) website at: http://www.microsoft.com/thailand.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company?, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world’s leading companies. More information is available at www.symbol.com.
About DHL
With annual revenues of nearly ?22 billion in 2003, DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specialising in providing innovative and customised solutions from a single source.
DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Over 160,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.
DHL is 100% owned by Deutsche Post World Net.
DHL Thailand offers customers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions through three business units: DHL Express, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean and DHL Solutions. Customers can enjoy the convenience of one-stop-shop service, from shipping documents to containers, delivered by 1,100 DHL staff. With 25 locations around Thailand, DHL’s services cover 76 provinces in the country. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.dhl.co.th.
Press contact:
Ms. Bongkod Paebunyong
DHL Express (Thailand) Ltd.
Tel: 0-2345-5608
Fax: 0-2285-5531
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Wanpen Lolertpiphop
PR&Associates Ltd.
Tel: 0-2651-8989 ext 332
Fax: 0-2651-9649-50
Email: [email protected] End.
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