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Telematics – an intelligent future, like it or not
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Oct/Nov 2006
UK is global hub in TNT Expresss handheld roll-out
TNT Express is ramping up the roll-out of handheld computers to drivers on a worldwide basis, using a base at Atherstone in Warwickshire as the international communications hub for the entire operation. It says it plans to take on as many as 14,000 mobile devices over the next two years, and to develop its communications infrastructure accordingly. TNT's strategy is to develop an integrated comms system right across its worldwide delivery network, allowing it to transmit large quantities of data between depots and drivers via high-speed wireless links, improving driver efficiency and productivity. According to Atherstone-based Shwan Moubarak, director of information and communication services, the system will enable customers across the world to track shipments within five minutes of pick-up. This should extend the capabilities of the Enhanced Tracking service launched by the company earlier this year, through which customers can track and filter multiple shipments at every stage of the delivery process from any Internet browser. TNT's Mobile Worker system consolidates seven different communication systems into one unified, multi-functional solution. The company reckons this approach means it can gain the benefits of new technology across the world without having to install and maintain a server infrastructure in each participating country. It says Mobile Worker will bring savings of up to 70 per cent in software and technology upgrades in the future, as there is no longer a need to upgrade seven different operating systems. 
The announcement follows a trial in the UK, during which 250 Symbol handheld terminals were issued to drivers at Stansted, London Heathrow, Northampton, London City, Manchester International, Liverpool and Glasgow International (m.logistics, issue 22). The handheld units used in the UK implementation are Symbol MC9000 series ruggedised computers with GPRS connectivity. The hardware cost of the UK exercise was £250,000, implying a total cost for the wider project of up to £14 million, although discounts might mean that the actual figure is lower. In addition to the UK, 25 other countries are already said to have introduced the TNT handhelds in recent months, including China, South Africa and Italy. Seventeen more countries are due to start using them by the end of 2008.
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