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The Intermec CN3 PDA is
a handheld, all-in-one mobile phone, satellite navigation system and
barcode scanner which can capture signatures.
It sends barcode and signature information instantly from the doorstep so
it can be uploaded to the 'Track & Trace' section of Royal Mail
website.
This means that customers can follow the progress of their 'Special
Delivery', 'Recorded Signed-For', 'Royal Mail Tracked' or 'International'
Letters and Packets online.
The use of PDAs is designed to be more efficient and save time and equip
Royal Mail with the latest up-to-date technology when compared with
competitors enabling the provision of quicker information. (TNT and DHL
already use similar devices and technology).
Royal Mail has issued all Delivery Drivers with PDAs after successful
field trials were concluded at the end of last year. After a number of
glitches were ironed out and design changes made the "Intermec
CN3" PDA all-in-one mobile phone, satellite navigation system and
item tracker that scans barcodes and captures signatures electronically
was chosen for Royal Mail's 27,000 CWU grade drivers.
Trials of the equipment found that the PDA was too bulky for Delivery
Staff other than Drivers to carry round and therefore the PDAs will not be
given to those who deliver by foot, cycle or high capacity trolleys. When
smaller models are available Royal Mail will reassess the kit and decide
if PDAs are appropriate for those forms of delivery at a future date.
Other concerns from the trial included buttons being too sensitive and
signatures difficult to read. This led to modifications to enlarge the
signature box and a keypad lock being added. The software was also updated
to make barcode scanning more easier and efficient.
General feedback from
members involved in the Trials was positive in that it was easier than
filling out the current paperwork.
Text Messages can be sent to Delivery Drivers so they do not have to
answer immediately and can wait until they can safely stop the vehicle and
read messages and use the device safely and also not be in breach of the
Law by using it whilst driving. The SSOW specifies that whilst driving all
incoming calls or text messages to the PDA device must be ignored until
you have stopped driving and parked your vehicle in a safe place.
Only then can you
respond to the call or message as it is both unsafe and illegal to use or
respond to the device whilst driving. The same will apply to Cycle
Delivery staff should the PDA be introduced at a later stage.
The SSOW also specifies the way in which the Satellite Navigation function
can be used which must be in a manner that is least distracting. The PDA
must never be left loose on the seats or the dashboard causing distraction
which is both a Safety hazard and may render the driver liable for
prosecution for careless or dangerous driving should any distraction
affect the standard of driving in any way.
Introduction began in August last year. In September 2009 a further 8,700
units were ordered as part of the Royal Mail Delivery Methods project.
Deployment of these will commence in January 2010 and will bring the total
in use in future to 35,700.
Please find attached the 'final' version of the PDA Safe System of Work -
SSOW. This version was produced after consultation with the CWU. The Union
complained about the content of the earlier 'draft' SSOW versions
concerning the glancing at the PDA whilst driving. Royal Mail took into
account the CWU input and made changes to the final SSOW Version.
Our thanks to Tony Hayes and Mick Gledhill CWU ASR's for their
involvement in the trials and development of the training and SSOW on
behalf of the CWU Walk Design Group.
Any queries regarding PDA equipment should be directed to the
relevant dept at CWU HQ
Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce |