According to Barry Venter, COO of Nashua, the goal of the ByBox solution is to "reduce the technicians" travel time, thus allowing them the ability to have more hours to service customers. This has a direct impact on petrol costs and vehicle wear and tear. Technicians are also able to replenish their boot stock and fulfil orders more effectively and efficiently."
Created by UTi, the ByBox is an e-locker that serves as a drop-off and retrieval system with automated and customisable parcel terminals. The terminals are fitted with a touchscreen interface and come in varying sizes that can contain packages of a maximum weight of 10kg. The lockers currently serve 21 technicians across Tshwane, with the ByBoxes located close to their homes for extra efficiency while furthering the reduction of Nashua's carbon footprint.
As with all new technology, there are growing pains, but according to Venter they have received very positive feedback, with the technicians being less frustrated and stressed due to reduced traffic and less time pressures, while also seeing the advantage of more regular stock fulfilment. When problems did arise they were defined and problem solving processes implemented.
With valuable parts contained in the e-lockers and South Africa's climate of crime, steps were taken to ensure the security of technology. The location of the ByBoxes at various Engen garages not only added to the convenience of the solution, but also the security thereof, as Venter remarks, "Due to the location of the ByBox at Engen garages, the security infrastructure was already in place."
He adds that "the benefit of the unique pin code also provided solace". Parcels in the ByBox terminals can only be accessed with a unique PIN number sent via SMS to the recipient. This means that instead of each technician having their own permanent PIN number, the numbers are constantly changing adding an extra layer of security with regards to access to the locker.
Beyond a reduced carbon footprint, increased efficiency and more hours to dedicate to service, the greatest benefit of the ByBox solution so far for Venter is "a better customer experience due to parts being readily available". He adds that "technicians have more time to spend problem solving, thus machines are fixed first time."
According to managing director for UTi Distribution, Greg Saffy: "ByBox is a highly efficient way for Nashua technicians to collect and return parts without having to travel to distribution centres. Streamlining this process translates into a direct cost saving for the Nashua supply chain."
Venter said the initiative was piloted in Tshwane first because "Tshwane made the most sense as head office was about to manage Tshwane's warehouse and direct to customer logistics services from a central Gauteng-based DC." After installations have successfully been completed in the Tshwane area, the roll-out of the ByBox technology throughout the rest of Gauteng will hopefully begin by mid to late 2016, Venter said.
