Bixolon Europe, a global manufacturer of receipt, label, and mobile printers, has formed a new partnership with Greek courier ACS Postal Services to integrate mobile printing technology into ACS’s proof of delivery system, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency across the European courier landscape.
The integration project will see the implementation of a comprehensive proof of delivery application, enabling real-time updates to the host system upon completion of deliveries. The application also empowers couriers to print vouchers instantly upon receiving parcels and generate receipts for customers opting for cash on delivery.
Strong collaboration
The latest deal between Bixolon and ACS builds on an eight-year long collaboration between the two companies, which has been managed by Mobile Technology, a Bixolon Certified Partner.
Established in 1981, ACS Postal Services is a leading Greek courier company, with over 750 service points across Greece, Cyprus, Albania, and Bulgaria. With a fleet of 2,000 delivery vehicles and 10 fully automated sorting hubs, ACS handles 50 million shipments annually, supported by a workforce of 3,700 employees.
In response to an increase in daily shipments in 2015, ACS upgraded its IT infrastructure with Bixolon’s technology to strengthen connectivity between couriers and the central system using Bluetooth V4.1 (Classic + LE), while prioritising customer service.
The company’s modernised IT setup streamlined the delivery of advanced automated services, including track and trace, cash on delivery, shipments redirection, and more.
Mobile technology integration
As part of the latest partnership, Mobile Technology, Bixolon and ACS have successfully deployed 2,057 of Bixolon’s SPP-R310 3-inch (80mm) Direct Thermal Mobile Receipt and Label printers throughout ACS’ courier network. Mobile Technology’s role has been pivotal, according to the companies, as it has ensured a seamless integration of the Greek language in Bixolon’s devices.
In addition, Mobile Technology is providing ongoing support services to ACS for this initiative. This includes regularly maintaining its couriers’ hardware remotely. This approach extends the lifecycle and uptime of devices, resulting greater productivity of couriers.
It also removes the need for devices to be sent back to Mobile Technology and Bixolon for repairs and services more frequently too. Furthermore, Mobile Technology provides ACS with a dedicated call centre as part of its ongoing technical support to ACS couriers when required.
Empowering ACS couriers
Speaking about the collaboration with Bixolon, Ioannis Vratsos, IT Director of ACS, said: “Our collaboration with Mobile Technology and Bixolon Europe has been instrumental in optimising our courier services. The BIXOLON SPP-R310 mobile printer perfectly aligns with our requirements, offering the comfort and speed our staff needs for productivity.”
Jay Kim, Managing Director of Bixolon Europe, added: “The deployment of our mobile printers has facilitated real-time updates, empowering ACS couriers to print vouchers and receipts on the spot, providing customers with a robust proof of delivery system.
“Since initially deploying these printers almost a decade ago, they have proven their durability and value, supporting ACS through increased workloads, especially during the pandemic. We remain committed to providing ongoing support and introducing new applications to enhance efficiency for ACS Postal Services, its customers, and the wider logistics industry,” Kim concluded.
