Hermes is implementing mobile barcode scanning and augmented reality technology from Scandit, for verification and proof of delivery.

Over the next three years, Hermes UK is working towards replacing more than 15,000 dedicated barcode scanners with smartphones loaded with a Scandit-powered Android app.

Couriers will scan items, record an electronic signature, verify an ID and take a picture of where a package has been left – all done with smartphones.

Hermes said the new technology saves time and money, streamlines the entire delivery process, and provides a mobile platform for rapid roll-out of future service improvements that further enhance operations and customer experience.

Chief information officer Chris Ashworth said: “We’ve been able to add new mobile handsets and retire old barcode scanners gradually, ensuring that there is no disruption to our operations. We look forward to working closely with Scandit to implement more functionalities such as augmented reality and MatrixScan once this stage of our digital transformation is complete.”