Leading German parcel service keeps pace with demand by optimising logistics with help from TC77 all-in-one devices

BOURNE END, England — October 22, 2024 — Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a leading digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, today announced that delivery drivers for DPD Deutschland GmbH are each reliably scanning up to 1,000 parcels a day with help from Zebra's mobile devices. DPD uses Zebra's all-in-one TC77 mobile computer for all data scans in short-distance transport, helping it keep pace with demand by optimising its logistics.

"Our handheld devices are put through their paces with drivers scanning up to 1,000 parcels a day, and the rechargeable batteries need to be powerful enough to last the entire day — a smartphone can't do that," said Rudolf Pöcking, Project Manager, DPD Deutschland GmbH. "Zebra's mobile computers are our customer interface for pick-up and delivery, which we selected because of their reliability, durability and long-lasting battery life."

Headquartered in Aschaffenburg, Germany, the logistics specialist transports over 400 million parcels worldwide every year. DPD's growth curve has been steep, and it needed a digital solution to further improve efficiency, productivity and transparency in parcel delivery. IBM, as a supplier for DPD and Zebra Premier Solution Partner, managed the implementation of Zebra's mobile computers and the deployment of the custom software from DPD, ensuring a smooth and fast rollout.

"Zebra mobile computers are purpose-built for front-line users and designed for ease of use, reliability, and ruggedness," said Alexander Honigmann, Director, Manufacturing, T&L and Government, DACH, Zebra Technologies. "This collaboration showcases how companies can meet the demands of e-commerce, and we're proud to help DPD improve its operational efficiency and enhance its customer service"

DPD developed an app to capture data using both QR and barcode technology and installed it on approximately 14,000 devices to increase driver productivity and visibility into parcel deliveries. Drivers can add their own notes to a particular delivery, such as how many parcels were delivered, if any were damaged or where packages were deposited if the recipient was absent. The delivery vehicles are also equipped with Zebra charging cradles.

"The secure mounting of handheld devices in vehicles is a mandatory requirement, similar to navigation devices," said Jörg Heinz, TLS Client Management, IBM Germany. "Zebra developed special mounts to meet this requirement while simultaneously providing electricity for the handhelds. IBM manages not only the replacement of defect devices and batteries as part of our repair and replacement service, but also the subsequent deliveries for new devices and accessories."

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• DPD Germany drivers scan up to 1,000 parcels a day using Zebra's TC77 mobile computers.

• The devices' battery and scanning capabilities far exceed those of any smartphone.

• IBM is a supplier for DPD to manage the implementation and deployment, ensuring a smooth and fast rollout — read the case study here.

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