Purolator Connects with 1,250 Kiosks with AirLink Gateways

As Canada’s largest courier, Purolator delivers to more points in Canada than any other courier provider - providing coverage to over 825,000 postal code areas in Canada alone. Overall, Purolator processes more than 5.5 million pieces (delivery and pickup) each week for destinations across Canada and globally.

Challenges

When Purolator upgraded to an IP-based user application to more effectively roll out enhanced features and functionality to its E-ShipTM Server (ESS) customer base, the company moved away from the non-IP phone line connection used to connect to its backend systems.

At many high volume customer sites where landline data links were not available, Purolator needed an alternative solution to connect its ESS to backend systems in order to pull the transaction information required for accurate invoicing.

Solution

After working with Sierra Wireless partner Quality Wireless to perform initial staging and testing, Purolator selected the AirLink™ Raven X intelligent gateway to meet the ESS system requirements for dependable, always-on connectivity on Canada’s next generation HSPA cellular network. The 3G-optimized Raven X is powered by ALEOS™ feature-rich intelligence, which – in conjunction with AirLink Device Management tools – simplifies the provisioning, managing and troubleshooting of remote equipment and data collection, enabling Purolator to monitor and control its network of wireless gateways in one central location. Purolator has implemented 1,250 ESS systems using the AirLink Raven X intelligent gateway.

“One of cellular’s big advantages is that it is so much quicker to deploy than a new landline,” explained Sam Hutcheon of Purolator’s Customer Automation Client Services. “Cellular has cut our required lead time from 8 – 10 weeks down to just days.”  And that immediacy translates to improved customer service, as well as potential for quicker revenues for Purolator as customers get almost instant access to their shipping systems.

Purolator’s cellular connectivity solution using the AirLink Raven X gateway produced the following benefits:

• Reduced capital costs by eliminating the need to install additional landlines
• Lowered operating expenses by utilizing less expensive cellular service
• Shortened lead time required for new installation from 8–10 weeks to just minutes
• Provided secure, reliable connectivity through ALEOS intelligence