An Android-based handheld touch computer may soon ease the transition from legacy devices and improve overall courier service excellence.

Parcel pickup and delivery automated with legacy electronic devices may soon be replaced with a new generation of Android-based handheld touch-screen computers.

In Australia, for example, CouriersPlease is a parcel delivery service with nationwide coverage across 18 locations and approximately 750 independently-owned franchisee courier businesses.

According to its Chief Transformation Officer Jessica Ip: “Our couriers were previously using a device running the Windows Mobile operating system to manage their pickups and deliveries, but those devices were approaching their end of life. There were issues with functionality, durability and battery life that were significantly impacting our franchisees’ ability to manage their business effectively.”

Now, the company has partnered with industrial technology company Zebra to transition to the TC56 handheld touch computer to help manage couriers pickups and deliveries for improving customer service and staff performance.

Zebra’s smart device is touted to offer a seamless, fast and easy transition from CouriersPlease’s legacy devices, and it has worked well with CouriersPlease’ CPGo custom Android-based application. The purpose-built mobile device has increased scanning speed, added functionality with ready-to-use voice solutions and improved battery life of up to 14 hours, thereby enhancing productivity.

“Zebra’s device is able to support our new CouriersPlease CPGo application developed for our delivery drivers. Additionally, the solution is robust, easy to use and easy to see under bright sunlight. It can also reliably and quickly scan parcel barcodes that could be dirty, damaged or poorly printed,” added Ip.

Said Tom Christodoulou, Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand, Zebra Technologies: “According to Zebra’s Future of Fulfilment Vision Study, more than half of parcels will be delivered in under two hours by 2028. And it is expected that handheld mobile computers with barcode scanners will be used by 99% of respondents for omnichannel logistics by 2021.”