Technology for innovative logistics
InPost is a leader in modern logistics services and the creator of the Paczkomaty (Parcel Station) network – self-service parcel delivery and collection points open 24/7. InPost also provides high-quality courier services. Among them is SmartCourier – specialized couriers deliver documents to addressees for signature and forward them back to the sender. It is a practical way for B2C service providers to contract remotely or exchange documents between business partners.
The service is currently operated by 640 InPost couriers who have handled over 50,000 documents by May 2022, which is growing daily.
Digitalization of document flow in logistics
One of the goals of InPost’s ESG strategy is to create simple solutions for customers using modern technology. They make logistics products and services innovative, efficient and, environmentally friendly. InPost continues to improve the implemented processes and therefore looked for a way to optimize also in the SmartCourier service.
The company wanted to shorten the execution time, simplify logistics and reduce the risk of lost or decompiled signed documents. An additional challenge in the planned optimization was the requirement to maintain the confidentiality of personal data in accordance with the GDPR. To achieve its optimization goals, InPost chose the paperless solution proposed by Xtension and Asseco experts – signaturiX biometric signature implemented on Samsung mobile devices.
The amazing thing about technology is its ability to improve continually. That is why we create new solutions and transform the reality around us because we believe that we can become more efficient thanks to technology. Thus our customers' business can also be efficient and effective. For this reason, we decided to design and implement a new business service based on Xtension's proprietary biometric signature solution in partnership with Asseco and Samsung.
Katarzyna Olejniczak, <span class="rich-label">SmartCourier Department Manager, InPost</span>
Biometric signature and trust services for logistics
The solution provided involves the use of digital documents in PDF format, which the addressee signs by hand with a stylus on the courier's tablet screen. The biometric features of a handwritten signature – speed, rate, pressure – are captured using Samsung tablets. SignaturiX also helps you conveniently, quickly, and intuitively fill in all the fields in an electronic document, reducing the time during a face-to-face meeting with the courier.
The authenticity and integrity of each signature is ensured by Asseco’s <a href="https://www.certum.eu/en/qualified-electronic-seal/" style="color: #5ec1b0" target="blank">qualified electronic seal</a> and qualified electronic time stamp, as well as dedicated services of the so-called Trusted Third Party. These services further secure the encryption key of the handwritten signature biometric data for possible graphological analysis by a forensic expert. They also ensure that any change to the signed data is detected immediately.
The new e-SmartCourier service, which is as safe as possible and meets the project's objectives, was launched in Poland on 2 May 2022 after a nearly 13-month pilot. By the end of May, InPost has already handled 50,000 documents and helped save half a million pieces of paper.
By digitizing the documentation, the sender transfers it directly to the courier's tablet, who cannot open and read it. The task of the courier is to confirm the recipient's identity, who receives a code via SMS to open the package and make a biometric signature with a stylus under the sent documents, waybill, and checklist that indicates the data for identity verification. At the same time, the system checks whether all fields have been filled in. The documents are then returned to the sender in a secure, electronic format. The risk of losing them has dropped to zero. Paper handling costs have also been eliminated.
Paperless supports ESG goals
- Innovative paperless courier service for business, first of its kind on the market
- Convenience allowing customers to save on printouts and time
- Increase of the security and confidentiality of documentation
- Significant acceleration of service delivery time
- Complete reduction of the cost of envelopes and printing documents on behalf of customers
- Reinforcement of a modern image
- Meeting the objectives of the ESG strategy
- Increase of the efficiency of the document validation team
A sender using eSmartCourier does not have to wait for a courier or print documents. He/She can view the current status of the shipment. The new solution completely eliminates the risk of losing documents and prevents them from being shared with third parties. The process was reduced from several days to just several hours. This allows the company to almost immediately start the service that the agreement with the addressee concerns.
