Sequoia software to handle surge in e-commerce deliveries
Royal Mail has increased its use of Agency Sector Management (ASM)’s Sequoia Customs clearance software, to help meet unprecedented demand for e-commerce deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK’s national postal company can now have more of its operatives logged in at the same time thanks to more concurrent user licences, speeding up Customs procedures.
Royal Mail, which delivers more packages in the UK than any other operator, said that nearly half (45%) of UK adults have been receiving more parcel deliveries since lockdown began in March, according to research, which it carried out.
“Over the last few months, we have seen a strong increase in e-commerce volumes and the upgrade enables us to meet this strong demand,” said Mark Waples, Royal Mail International’s Head of Commercial Customs.
“The software has proved invaluable to our business as it has increased our capacity and given us more operational flexibility.”
New Royal Mail research (see below) reveals what exactly the nation has been having delivered during lockdown, as nearly half (45%) of UK adults have been receiving more parcel deliveries since measures began.
ASM is an independent not-for-profit company and its one-stop-shop Sequoia Customs Clearance software is used across the international freight supply chain.
“We have been operating with Royal Mail for a little while now, and it is great to be able to help them during this challenging time to meet the growing surge in e-commerce parcel deliveries,” said Peter MacSwiney, ASM Chairman.
“ASM’s Sequoia platform gives them the tools and flexibility to ensure their business continuity and customer service standards in this unprecedented operating environment.”
The research found that:
- Home and garden items – including home décor, garden supplies and DIY equipment – are by far the most popular category of lockdown delivery (41%).
- However, home entertainment (33%), fashion (29%) and health and beauty (25%) items are also particularly popular.
- When asked to name their most unusual parcel delivery since March 23, responses range from home casino kits, to unicorn piñatas, to wrestling boots. A full replica model of The Flying Scotsman train even made it on to the list.
- More than one in ten (15%) UK adults has ordered a paid subscription box since lockdown began.
- One in five (19%) have been embracing their creative side during lockdown by ordering arts and crafts items. This is a fairly consistent trend across all age groups and regions of the country.
