Jointly developed mobility solution saves time for DHL drivers, streamlining back-office delivery records, and freeing resources
NEW YORK & COPENHAGEN - January 12, 2004 - Nokia (NYSE: NOK), the world leader in mobile communications, today announced that it has collaborated with IBM and Fruits, a system integrator from Denmark to develop a custom built mobility solution for DHL Solutions, which will allow DHL Solutions to streamline deliveries to retail customers, accelerate invoicing, and move the company towards a paperless back office. In addition, the solution provides delivery information to customers via a Web interface. The solution is based on a technology provided by a Swedish company Anoto Group AB.
"Our customers have an immediate need to know when a delivery has been completed," said Kurt Nielsen, DHL Solutions Europe North/UK. "The Nokia/IBM solution ensures that as soon as a recipient signs for a delivery, the customer can access that information via the Web site. That is the kind of efficiency that sets DHL Solutions apart from the competition."
DHL drivers are equipped with a Nokia Digital Pen that the delivery recipient uses to sign off on a shipment. The Nokia Digital Pen connects wirelessly via a Nokia mobile business device to an IBM eServer in the DHL head office where the data will immediately be available to customers via a Web site. In areas where there is no wireless service, the solution uses automated data forwarding, whereby the Nokia Digital Pen acts like a portable desktop, storing delivery information and customer signatures. As soon as the driver reaches another wireless coverage area, the data is automatically sent ahead.
"Other companies use portable minicomputers to perform the same tasks - only the units can cost up to EUR 5000 and are easily damaged. The Nokia Digital Pen costs less than EUR 250, requires no training and is rugged," said Jukka Hieta, head of global pen sales at Nokia. "This is a great example of how a small change can have a big impact."
The joint Nokia/IBM solution has transformed interaction between DHL drivers and delivery recipients, accelerating the transfer of information to near-real time. During a delivery, the recipient can check the shipment to ensure that the right items in the right amounts have been delivered. The recipient then uses the digital pen, which acts like a normal ballpoint pen, to sign a digital page of the consignment note to accept the delivery. The pen's electronics ensure that every turn and movement is registered electronically. The driver checks a box next to the signature, automatically sending the information wirelessly to the head office via a Bluetooth-enabled Nokia mobile phone.
"It has been a pleasure working with DHL - their understanding of our requirements, their open-mindedness, and break-through way of thinking helped to ensure we meet our objectives right from the start," said Per M. Hoiler, sales director from Fruits Ltd. "Working together with a third party such as IBM created a fundamentally new type of a solution, which has exceeded our customers expectations and opened opportunities for greater customization."
About DHL
With annual revenues of nearly Euro 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 customer's expectations. DHL is 100% owned by Deutsche Post World Net.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.
Media Enquiries:
Nokia Americas
Communications
Tel. +1 972 894 4357
Nokia
Enterprise Solutions
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
Nokia APAC
Azwar Ghazali, Ogilvy Public Relations for Nokia Enterprise Solutions
Tel. + 852 28848563
DHL Solutions Nordic
Kurt Nielsen
Tel. + 45 20 19 95 46