Escher buys Syslore to add parcel processing capabilities

Escher has bought Helsinki-based Syslore to bring a collection of proven, AI-powered parcel processing services to its postal and parcel customers around the world.

The acquisition adds a range of technologies to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency to Escher’s existing portfolio. These include:

• A powerful, machine-learning based OCR engine to increase mail and parcel automation: Artificial intelligence-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and matching logic minimizes the manual processing of packets and parcels, without the need to replace existing sorting or scanning infrastructure. By applying this one-of-a-kind AI-based solution to packets and parcels, Posts can minimize manual sortation and realize a significant return on investment.

• A platform to digitalize the collection of customs, duties and taxes (CDT) and customer contact data to lower the cost of cross-border compliance: By capturing data off CN22 and CN23 forms while the parcel moves through the distribution network, Posts can eliminate keying operations required to comply with customs requirements. In addition, the OCR scanned parcel images and contact data can be used to contact the recipient to collect the VAT and duties etc. prior to the parcel arriving at the delivery unit, thereby reducing delivery costs and speeding delivery times.  

• Mail and parcel sort-to-light solutions to increase the speed and reduce the cost of manual sorting: mSorter technology utilizes the AI-powered OCR and matching logic to enable sort-to-light solutions for both mail and parcels. By eliminating the need for scheme training while enhancing the speed and efficiency of manual sorting, the mSorter enables post and parcel organizations to reduce costs and increase delivery efficiency.

• AI-powered, web-based Video Coding System to reduce the cost to resolve sorting exceptions: An AI-powered, web-based Video Coding System for all types of mail items which includes groundbreaking deep-learning based innovations and associated streamlined processes to power unmatched performance improvements. The VCS pre-populates keystrokes and anticipates image position (ie rotation, magnification) to reduce time and effort to resolve images the OCR can’t.

“Taking advantage of ecommerce driven parcel revenue while managing the associated costs is a constant challenge,” said Brody Buhler, CEO, Escher Group.  “That is why we are so excited to welcome Syslore to Escher Group. Their differentiated solutions reduce manual sorting of parcels and mail and, where still required, make manual sorting faster and more efficient. This is the next step in our continued effort to empower Posts to harness ecommerce growth and deliver omnichannel experiences from the first to the last mile.”

“We are thrilled to join Escher Group,” said Henri Tykkä, Syslore CEO, who will join Escher with the acquisition. “Leveraging our joint expertise to scale solutions like packet scanning, route-ready sorting and customs, duty and tax (CDT) digitization, will help ensure that all communities have convenient access to cost-effective cross-border packet and parcel services.”