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DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa has launched pocket-sized, all-touch computers that capitalize on the latest technological advancements, to ensure customers on the continent of the benefit of increased visibility. The TC55 scanners operate on an Android platform -- in addition to ease of use. They also have built-in location services and GPS navigation capabilities.

Demand for real-time supply chain visibility is being driven by increased competition and the rise of e-commerce in Africa. Vice President of Operations for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, Oliver Facey, says the improvements in DHL’s operations will not only enhance customer experience, but also reduce operating costs and give operators a competitive advantage.

According to Facey, supply chain operators should increasingly invest in transportation management systems and solutions to improve the quality, speed and precision of service.

"The new technology increases the speed at which we can process shipments at both customer locations and DHL facilities and also empowers our frontline employees with access to real-time shipment information which will assist them with workload management,” says Facey.

The benefits of this system for DHL customers include real-time shipment visibility, enhanced electronic proof of delivery, and on-time billing.

Facey also says, DHL “operate across 51 markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, servicing over 40,000 customers; therefore delivery efficiency is key for us. As a network business, we need to ensure that our shipment data is captured accurately and in real-time. Our growth plans and improvements are driven by the voice of our customer, and in challenging and competitive global environments, they need us to provide accurate and real-time information to ensure that they maintain their competitive edge and speed to market.”

DHL Express has introduced 400 TC55 units in four of their largest markets in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Mauritius. Further deployment to their top 20 markets across the region will take place in the coming months.

In additional comments, the SSA Vice President of Operations says, "We want to simplify the lives of our customers and ensure that we remain the provider of choice for international express. Our relentless focus on new capabilities ensures that we are well positioned to support our customers' business."