European cross-border delivery business B2C Europe and Parcer, a developer of secure, internet-connected delivery boxes, have teamed up to develop a new delivery service for online orders. The two companies are exploring new ways to improve delivery services based on the use of Parcer’s boxes, which are already in operation in the Netherlands. The boxes, which are connected to the internet, allow consumers to have parcels delivered directly to their homes without the need for someone to be there to receive them, combining the convenience of a home delivery with the security of a traditional “locker” in a public place.
Parcer boxes
Parcer boxes resemble large safes and can only be opened by the use of a unique single-use code, which is generated automatically when the order is placed on the internet. This code can be added as part of a standard address label so it is not restricted to a particular ecommerce vendor or carrier. The box is programmed to detect the weight of the parcel and will alert the customer as soon as the delivery has taken place, confirming the precise delivery time.
Drone delivery – making it a reality
The new concept, devised by B2C and Parcer, involves the use of drones, which can easily be programmed to open the Parcer boxes using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. By removing the need for a human to place the parcel in the locker, deliveries can be scheduled at any time of day or night, and the boxes can be located anywhere that is accessible by air, whether that is a back garden or a balcony. The boxes can also be used for returns, using the same internet application to arrange a collection.
“B2C has always thrived on innovation,” commented Rijk van Meekeren, CEO of B2C Europe. “We were among the first companies to offer online shoppers a wide choice of collection and returns options for cross-border deliveries and we are constantly on the lookout for new ideas and new technologies. For the consumer, the moment when they hold their purchase in their hand is usually the most important stage of the process – our focus is making that moment happen quickly and easily.”
“Thousands of parcels are returned every day because of delivery failures, and we are working with B2C to show that this can be a thing of the past,” added Hans van Nikkelen Kuijper, founder of Parcer. “The technology now exists to make secure home delivery is a reality and the use of drones will open up a whole range of possibilities, from night-time deliveries to a better service for remote areas. We all know how frustrating it is to receive a message saying ‘sorry we missed you’, which is why so many people are already using our boxes here in the Netherlands, and why we’re looking at UK and German expansion in the coming months.”
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