Evri’s latest investment in artificial intelligence (AI) technology could see its drivers using augmented reality headsets to film deliveries, which could then be used to help trainee couriers experience real-life doorstep scenarios and learn how best to deal with them.
The move is part of the company’s latest £1m investment into its AI strategy, which aims to deliver smarter use of data, improved parcel security and greater workforce productivity.
Evri is working in collaboration with AI consultancy Robiquity and has created a Centre of Excellence team and recruited specialists as part of its AI programme.
The parcel delivery giant said its AI strategy has three key aims. The first is to improve customer service, by simplifying, speeding up and improving the consistency of its parcel delivery services by automating simple data collection and identification of issues.
Evri said this will free up Evri’s customer service team to focus on resolving more complex issues, leading to faster resolutions and a consistently higher quality of service.
The second aim is to enhance parcel security through the use of AI-powered tools to quickly identify, on the doorstep, if a parcel is being left in a highly safe place – as the tech will analyse data against previous delivery photos.
The technology will also analyse claims data, and automatically check geo-location and delivery photos to identify potentially false claims.
This builds on Evri’s existing ParcelVision technology, which checks every photo couriers take, in real time, to ensure the quality of delivery photos.
The third aim is to use AI to optimise workforce planning by analysing data and predicting future demands to ensure Evri has the right people in the right place at the right time, improving efficiency and delivery success rates.
Marcus Hunter, Evri chief technology officer, said: “We put a real focus on intelligent automation in the middle of 2023, and we have been supported by Robiquity for the start of this exciting journey. The team at Robiquity have been crucial in building the foundations – allowing us to move at pace with implementing the early stages of our strategy.
“The significant benefits achieved through Intelligent Process Automation in the first six months have given us the platform to explore other AI, with a view to implementing later technologies to help shape the future of our business.”
Hunter added: “We’re committed to supporting colleagues and helping them work smarter. AI will remove some of the mundane tasks, freeing them to focus on higher-value activities.
“Our AI strategy proves we’re committed to deploying cutting-edge tech and we’re quick to market.
James Procter, Robiquity chief operating officer, commented: “We are delighted with the opportunity to support such a forward-thinking and ambitious business as Evri. They have an unwavering vision that AI can transform how they operate, and ultimately provide huge benefit to their customers.
“We are already seeing massive benefits delivered in the first six months, with much more to come.This is testament to the partnership approach adopted between us.
“We are looking forward to supporting Evri on their applied AI roadmap and celebrating further successes along the way.”
