Simplified Shipping Solutions from the USPS Part 3: AI and Beacon Technologies for Packages

tensionapdev on October 5, 2022

 

The USPS is leveraging AI and beacon technology to enhance package delivery efficiency and transparency. With AI tools like Advanced Expected Delivery (AExD) for precise delivery predictions and virtual agents (AIVA) for improved customer interactions, businesses and consumers benefit from better tracking and service. Beacon technology adds real-time tracking and enhanced security for high-value shipments, offering innovative solutions to save businesses time, money, and improve customer satisfaction.

The USPS® continues to seek new and innovative ways to improve the shipping process for businesses of all sizes. In our recent Simplified Package Solutions from the USPS series, we explored USPS Connect and its convenient local, regional, national delivery and return offerings, UPS Innovation, and USPS Informed Delivery for packages. In this post, we will discuss some of the latest advancements in AI and beacon technology that can help make package delivery more efficient and insightful than ever before. 

The USPS and AI Tech

One way that the USPS is working to improve package delivery is through artificial intelligence (AI) technology.  

  • Advanced Expected Delivery (AExD) – Advanced Expected Delivery (AExD) is AI technology that uses historical data and carrier route data (e.g., delivery time of day) to more accurately predict deliveries.  
  • AIVA – The USPS is also leveraging AI through artificial intelligence virtual agents (AIVA) such as Google’s Alexa to manage call center volumes. AIVA can be used to help understand the intent behind what someone is saying and can be used to help customers reschedule deliveries and get answers to passport questions through their AIVA devices and provide great customer experience.  

Together, both AExD and AIVA technologies more accurately predict parcel deliveries and can provide consumers with more transparency to know where their shipment is and when they can expect it — and improve customer satisfaction overall.  

The USPS and Beacon Tech

The USPS also has plans to implement beacon technology to improve package delivery. Beacon technology, which consists of small, wireless transmitters that use low-energy Bluetooth technology to send signals to other smart devices nearby, such as IoT infrastructures, could allow businesses to track their packages in real-time.   

Beacon technology could also help ensure that packages are delivered on time and without any issues throughout the delivery journey. This visibility has the potential to provide security for packages of high value or importance, such as fine jewelry or prescription medicines. Lastly, beacon technology could be used to help businesses recover lost or stolen packages. 

How Businesses Can Save Money with Beacon Tech

The adoption of AI and Beacon technology could save businesses money in the future. Overall, the USPS is using a variety of different technologies and processes to improve package delivery for businesses of all sizes.  By using these technologies, businesses can save time and money while also providing a better customer experience. 

Contact Tension for eCommerce Automation Solutions

If you are interested in learning more about the USPS and its shipping solutions, or want to take advantage of automated packaging equipment, bagging machines, and pharmacy automation solutions, contact us today to learn more. 

Source: NPF 2022 Presentation, “Latest and Greatest in Postal Technology” by Peter Klausner Director, Emerging Business Technology at USPS. 

Simplified Package Shipping Solutions from the USPS Part 2: UPS Mail Innovations and USPS Informed Delivery for Packages

tensionapdev on September 27, 2022

USPS and UPS offer innovative solutions like UPS Mail Innovations® and Informed Delivery® to help businesses streamline eCommerce shipping. UPS Mail Innovations reduces touchpoints and costs by combining UPS’s national network with USPS’s last-mile delivery, while Informed Delivery provides email previews of mail and packages, creating new marketing opportunities with high engagement rates. Together, these programs enhance operational efficiency and customer communication, supporting businesses in meeting rising eCommerce demands.

In our previous post, we explored USPS Connect™ its convenient shipping and return services. Now, let’s turn our attention to some additional simplified package shipping solutions.
 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) claims it’s “delivering for America with innovative solutions for businesses.” Informed Delivery® by USPS and UPS Mail Innovations® make good on that promise.

Both programs help businesses keep pace with the astonishing rise in eCommerce shipping by solving a handful of operational challenges.

What is UPS Mail Innovations?

UPS Mail Innovations is a collaborative program between USPS and UPS to deliver parcels more efficiently. Shipping solutions relying on traditional USPS mailing methods typically see a parcel travel through six separate touchpoints along its journey. By integrating with UPS and leveraging its national network of processing facilities and technology, that number is slashed. UPS handles the heavy lifting—long transits, labeling and, sorting of qualified mail—before dropping mail pieces at a USPS facility for last-mile delivery.

The streamlined solution offers speed and lowers costs. Those aren’t the only benefits, though. Today, 20% of merchants, including pharmaceuticals and healthcare providers, use the service. With the ability to brand, personalize and even include bounce-back incentives, the labels become another important piece of the marketing toolkit.

Convenience can’t be underscored either. Merchants can drop off packages at any UPS store, 24-hour service kiosk*, or rapid drop-off station. And returns are just as simple with easy-to-use, prepaid labels.

What is Informed Delivery?

Informed Delivery by USPS has been around for a few years—enough time to realize the benefits are real. The free service provides recipients an email preview of their mail before it arrives. But the real upside to this shipping solution belongs to those businesses that capitalize upon it.

Informed Delivery email open rates are strong at 63%, meaning more than half of direct mail pieces receive multiple impressions across channels. Shippers can use Informed Delivery to enrich an existing marketing campaign—at no additional cost. What’s more, they have access to a digital dashboard sharing important metrics like click-through and open rates. Great for A/B testing, it can help businesses understand what messaging resonates.

And it’s about to get better. Until now, Informed Delivery only pertained to letters, but package campaigns are coming soon.

Contact us to discuss how we can enhance your operations in tandem with these USPS offerings.

About Tension

Tension Packaging & Automation is a leader in complete packaging and automation solutions for the eCommerce and pharmacy automation industries. Our line of packaging equipment seamlessly integrates with transportation management systems (TMS) with options for weight verification, rate shopping, and sorting to multiple carriers (e.g., USPS) and service levels — contact us to get started.