UPS and Honeywell has announced they are teaming on a new-generation handheld computer for UPS drivers that will further improve communications links while adding a number of other industry-leading features. UPS will deploy more than 100,000 Honeywell mobile computers worldwide.
Known internally at UPS as the DIAD V (Delivery Information Acquisition Device V), the Honeywell mobile computer features innovative cellular technology that provides on-the-fly switching between cellular carriers, meaning the computer can automatically jump to another cellular carrier if the preferred carriers signal is lost. This industry-leading technology, when combined with Honeywells sophisticated 2D imaging capabilities, will further ensure the package tracking and reliability that customers expect from the worlds largest delivery company.
At approximately half the size and weight of the DIAD IV, the new, more durable mobile computer will feature:
A state-of-the-art colour display and microprocessor with substantially expanded memory all to support driver training and future applications like navigation. For example, the DIAD V will enable maps to be displayed to help a driver avoid a traffic jam.
A colour, auto-focus, flash camera to enhance proof-of-delivery and help resolve customer claims more quickly.
Faster Wi-Fi support (600 mbps) to enable larger and richer content downloads such as training videos to 90,000 drivers simultaneously.
An aggressive 2D imager that can decode many symbologies, including existing UPS linear barcodes and the UPS Maxicode, and thus speed the upload of additional package information at the time a package is first picked up. The 2D imager also will make it even easier to capture a clear view of a recipients signature.
UPS will begin field testing the device in late 2010 with plans to begin a multi-year, global deployment in 2011. The DIAD V will be approved for operation in more than 100 countries.
Starting in 1991, UPS was the first in its industry to equip drivers with a handheld computer, said David Barnes, UPSs chief information officer. Over the past two decades, the DIAD has become a critical component of an integrated global network thats now tracking more than 15 million deliveries every day.
Through each successive generation of the DIAD, UPS has leveraged technology to deliver superior service by accelerating the availability of customer tracking data, and by improving our ability to communicate about customer needs with UPS drivers, Barnes continued. I am confident the deployment of Honeywells computer as DIAD V will continue that successful trend.
Honeywell is committed to providing technologies that our customers demand. By introducing the industrys first wireless mobile computer that remains continuously connected to cellular service, regardless of the local carriers available, we are delivering on this commitment once again, said Darius Adamczyk, president of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.
UPS technical leadership and real-world application of advanced technologies is well recognized throughout the industry and Honeywell is excited to provide the platform for DIAD V, Adamczyk added. We view UPS selection as a tribute to our investment in mobility and the development of revolutionary wireless technologies.
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