The Role of IT in Modern Courier Company Management

This report analyzes the impact of Information Technology (IT) on courier companies. It highlights how IT has revolutionized various aspects of the courier business, including enhanced sorting practices, delivery processes, and transportation methods. The report emphasizes the shift from manual to automated sorting systems, utilizing technologies like barcodes and RFID for improved efficiency and reduced errors. It also discusses the optimization of delivery processes through specialized software and GPS tracking, enhancing customer experience. Furthermore, the report touches upon innovative transportation technologies like drones and electric vehicles adopted by major courier companies. The conclusion summarizes the significant improvements in courier operations due to IT integration, emphasizing the benefits of technology-driven sorting and delivery systems.

Running head: IT MANAGEMENT ISSUES
IT MANAGEMENT ISSUES
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion........................................................................................................................................2
Role of IT in courier companies..................................................................................................2
Enhanced sorting practices..........................................................................................................2
Delivery process and transportation............................................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................3
References........................................................................................................................................4

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Introduction
In the present age, the impact of information and technology is vividly visible in various
business operations. The IT shapes the business operations in much simpler and enhanced
manner thus raising the demand for incorporation of IT in business management. In the recent
times, the advent of IT in the courier companies is witnessed. Incorporation of IT in supply
logistics have greatly gave the courier business a new form resulting in the much organized
package deliveries and sorting as well as maintaining a healthy communication with the sender
and the receiver. This report mainly highlights the advantages of IT in courier business.
Discussion
Role of IT in courier companies
Enhanced sorting practices
Incorporation of IT in the courier industry has greatly improved the sorting process of the
packages and the deliverables. Rather than the traditional methods of sorting the letters advent of
technology have given rise to the semi-automatic as well as fully automatic process for the
sorting of packages. This automatic sorting process have minimized human labor, improved the
sorting speed and also made the system less erroneous resulting in much optimized delivery
system.
The manual process of package handling and sorting is replaced by barcode technology. Each of
the packages is assigned with a unique security code which helps in the identification of the
shipment with the help of the scanning system (Hasnan, Noordin & Osman, 2014). In the present
date, the barcode technology is further evolved to resulting in the much efficient automatic

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labeling and sorting process. The courier companies are also incorporating the RFID technology
for the sorting process. Although this technology is much costlier but it provides with several
advantages compared to the age long barcode technology. RFID allows the reading of the codes
from distance, which in turn enhances the security and reduces the chance of human error (Xu,
2014).
Delivery process and transportation
The delivery process is also optimized with the incorporation of IT by the courier
companies. Software related to the delivery management is utilized by number of courier
companies. Utilization of such specialized software and the courier tracking software has made
the delivery process much simpler and efficient at the same time. The GPS tracking system have
enabled the sender and the receiver to monitor their shipments in regular basis (Lin et al. 2014).
Certain innovative transportation technologies are also in progress. Innovative vehicles such as
drones, electric vehicles will be utilized for transportation of the shipment in the near future.
Famous courier companies such as DHL and FedEx have already adapted this innovative
transportation technology (Gruber, Kihm & Lenz, 2014).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be seen that the IT have greatly brought improvement in the various
operations of the courier industry. Incorporation of the technology has optimized the sorting as
well as delivery process of the shipments. It can be seen that the GPS based tracking applications
has enabled much accurate tracking of the goods by the customers. Other than this, the
technology based sorting system has made the overall shipment process much efficient.

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References
Gruber, J., Kihm, A., & Lenz, B. (2014). A new vehicle for urban freight? An ex-ante evaluation
of electric cargo bikes in courier services. Research in Transportation Business &
Management, 11, 53-62.
Hasnan, N., Noordin, A., & Osman, N. H. (2014). Six main innovation issues: A case of service
innovation of postal and courier services in Malaysia. Journal of Technology
Management and Business, 1(1).
Lin, C., Choy, K. L., Ho, G. T., Lam, H. Y., Pang, G. K., & Chin, K. S. (2014). A decision
support system for optimizing dynamic courier routing operations. Expert Systems with
Applications, 41(15), 6917-6933.
Xu, X. (2014). IOT Technology Research in E-commerce. Information Technology
Journal, 13(16), 2552-2559.