Web tools help UPS to deliver
Technology upgrade aims to simplify use for business customers
UPS has upgraded its web-based tools to deliver better service to small-business customers and to generate more revenue.
The world’s largest parcel delivery firm has upgraded the My UPS facility on its web site to simplify international delivery and make global trading easier.
Customers can now access package tracking, delivery services, billing and international shipping forms from one customisable web page.
The ups.com site also remembers customers’ preferences, drop-off locations and frequently ordered supplies.
‘We have learned that the more technology our customers use, the more loyal they become,’ said UPS’s technology public relations manager, Donna Barrett.
‘There is not a financial saving, but improved customer satisfaction and retention will generate revenue.’
The My UPS facility, which guides business users through their shipping processes, is designed to be easy to use.
‘Technology is allowing small businesses to go global, and the more tools there are, the easier it is,’ said Barrett.
‘My UPS is about demystifying global trade, and we have had 900,000 visitors since the beginning of the year.’
UPS has also simplified its international shipment payments, enabling customers to determine who pays duties and taxes when processing an international delivery, and even split payments.
For larger businesses, the company is expanding the reach of its Quantum View Manage application from 23 countries and 16 languages to 31 countries and 20 languages, including the UK.
The web-based system provides shipping companies with online inbound and outbound information for domestic and import/export shipments. Quantum View Manage also provides access to UPS customs brokerage data and clearance document images, as well as tools for customs clearance and compliance.
UPS uses sophisticated digital systems to deliver more than 14 million packages each day. The company handles 10 million requests per business day through an online tracking tool, and uses DB2 and Oracle databases containing some 26TB of data.