Hand Helds/Postal Digital Assistants (PDA)

[TrueBlueTerrier]

No. 347/08


Ref: 540


Date: 2nd May 2008


To: Branches with POSTAL Members



Dear Colleague

Hand Helds/Postal Digital Assistants (PDA)

Branches will be aware that a trial of Hand Held Devices (PDA's) took place earlier this year at 13 sites around the country. The trials tested 3 devices on pedestrian and vehicle deliveries and involved around 700 delivery OPG's with up to 350 users logged on each day. The trials which ended on the 29th March identified one of the devices (which we cannot name at this point in time for contractual reasons) as fit for purpose and suitable for vehicle deliveries. This device will now be rolled out from August 2008 at a rate of around 2000 per week to all 20K vehicle delivery routes across the UK which will involve around 35K delivery OPG's. The full rollout is expected to be completed no later than the end of February 2009.

The trials will cease at the 13 sites around the country but 5 of the sites, East Reading, Dartford, Kirkcaldy, Shepton Mallet and Airborough will continue to use the device on their vehicle deliveries between now and the national rollout. The trial of the devices for pedestrian deliveries has not proved too successful and it is probable that a further trial of devices for pedestrian deliveries will take place later this year but no firm dates have been agreed as yet. The devices can also be used on collection routes and further testing of the viability of the devices for this purpose will continue in line with the rollout.

The devices are capable of capturing signatures in real time which will enable an enhancement of services and products supplied by Royal Mail which will hopefully lead to an increase in revenue. They also provide a 999 facility which will improve the security of our members on delivery. The Union is satisfied that these devices will enable Royal Mail to provide new and improved products and services which is in line with our objectives and we see no reason why these devices should not be rolled out across the delivery network in Royal Mail. The use of this technology is already prevalent amongst many of our competitors and has been in use in Parcelforce for a number of years. We have though approached Royal Mail with a view to agreeing a Code of Practice covering the use of the devices and we are currently awaiting their formal response on this matter, Branches will be updated in due course. In the meantime activity will commence regarding the roll out of the devices which will include vehicles being fitted with cradles to hold the devices and offices being fitted with cradle charging cabinets, LAN connections and power connections. CWU reps and Health & Safety reps should ensure that equipment is placed in a suitable and safe location. Attached to this LTB is a copy of Royal Mail’s 'Lets Talk About' document covering the use and roll out of the PDA's which Branches should find useful. RMC Members will need to visit the website to view this document.



Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 540
Email address: hnutley@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Bob Gibson
Assistant Secretary

[Broxi51]

I am for the hand held pda's for posties. No more wet pieces of paper turning into pulp. It will also play havoc with the 9 o'clock specials. With the later start times we are not even out of the office by 9. The manager has no staff to deal with them without taking people off of the IPS thereby making us later out of the door.
My concerns regarding the pda's would have to be weight & size for walking posties.
Disciplinary procedures for lost or broken pda's. It is bound to happen and I would like to know what RM will do about it. Accidents do happen and we should not be subjected to conduct codes because of it.
I am sure the CWU will recognise this fact and get assurances from RM about it.

[asbru]

I am for the hand held pda's for posties. No more wet pieces of paper turning into pulp. It will also play havoc with the 9 o'clock specials. With the later start times we are not even out of the office by 9. The manager has no staff to deal with them without taking people off of the IPS thereby making us later out of the door.
My concerns regarding the pda's would have to be weight & size for walking posties.
Disciplinary procedures for lost or broken pda's. It is bound to happen and I would like to know what RM will do about it. Accidents do happen and we should not be subjected to conduct codes because of it.
I am sure the CWU will recognise this fact and get assurances from RM about it.

PDA's for walk/cycle deliveries will have to be more lightweight and practical in terms of how you carry them around. This is probably why tests are still ongoing. In a van you'd only take it off it's holder/charger when necessary, so less of an issue.

I like the idea, looks more professional and gets a proper time reading so people can see how bloody late we are. I don't know about other offices but ours is getting bad for late special deliveries, people just fill the time in after so it seems alright...

But will they have GPS on them?

[DGP1]

What we'll end up needing is one of these

[spilie]

good idea in theory but then so was CCTV and SPEED CAMERAS and now look at them. Just another spy device to gather time and motion stats but wait maybe i am just cynical. aw well cmon TOTO if we click our heels we can be back in Kansas in time for tea

[axeman]

''''''But will they have GPS on them'''''' the simple answer is 'yes' they will be fitted with gps devices and even the ones for walking posties

[cj_1985]

What we'll end up needing is one of these

aye.. but only if its red....

[DirtyHarry]

What we'll end up needing is one of these

Will they do a pink one for the ladies and CANTYPEandshitshimselfalot ?

[DGP1]

What we'll end up needing is one of these

Will they do a pink one for the ladies and CANTYPEandshitshimselfalot ?

But Big Al would have kept them all for himself