SCDigest Editorial Staff

SCDigest Says:

One reader reported to SCDigest that they literally heard the “ping” of an email as they took the package from the driver, moved to the kitchen, and began to open the package. What do you say? Send us your comments here

While at one level we are early in the game in terms of real-time information, the progress – and possibilities – are moving forward at an aggressive pace.

Parcel carriers such as FedEx and UPS have set the bar for many years with the ability of ecommerce companies to provide timely package delivery information. Usually, however, the customer receives a tracking number and link from the seller, which they use to check the status of the delivery themselves.

Some merchants, using real-time integration with the parcel carriers, are taking that to the next level.

For example, one electronics web site has developed a very real time integration with Federal Express. When the FedEx driver confirms delivery at the customer’s home or business, a real-time message is sent to the etailer, which then instantly generates an email confirming the delivery to the email address associated with the order.

One reader reported to SCDigest that they literally heard the “ping” of an email as they took the package from the driver, moved to the kitchen, and began to open the package. It was the confirmation message sent by the merchant.

The approach is probably in part to protect against fraud or theft for electronics items, but this level of real-time integration is likely to become commonplace over the next few years.

“It’s worth noting this type of real-time tracking and integration is happening without RFID or anything fancier than a handheld (with scanner and signature capture capability) and probably a cellular uplink from the driver’s truck,” notes SCDigest Technology Editor Mark Fralick.

What’s your take on this type of increasingly real-time logistics information? Will it become commonplace within a few years? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback button below.