How Do Courier/Parcel Tracking Systems Work? (Explained)
Have you ordered your favorite gaming PC and are eagerly awaiting your parcel? Thanks to modern technology, you can now track your packages easily using courier tracking systems. Are you curious to know how courier tracking systems work?
In this article, we’ll explain the working of courier, package, and parcel tracking systems in detail.
How Courier Tracking Systems Work?
The package tracking systems update the business and customers about the consignment’s location. The parcel tracking process consists of various steps.
Here is a step-by-step guide explaining the working of courier tracking systems:
1. Parcel Barcode Generation
The courier or logistic company assigns a tracking number when it receives the package for delivery. After that, the company generates a bar code for the package. The barcode has all the details, including:
- Tracking number
- Destination information
- Parcel Weight etc
2. Barcode Scanning
A shipping label is attached to the parcel. The shipping label has the following information:
- Barcode
- Weight of package
- Origin address
- Destination address etc
The company loads the package for delivery. At this point, the barcode is scanned, and the parcel is sent for delivery.
3. Storing the Scanned Information
When the barcode is scanned, the information is stored in the database of the courier company. The data saved in the system include:
- Sending time of the package
- Warehouse from which the parcel is sent
- Destination details
- Vehicle number etc
The scanned information helps the business find the consignment’s current location.
4. Storage While Transshipment
The parcel has to cover large distances. So, different warehouses store the parcel before it reaches its desired place. Each time the parcel enters or leaves the warehouse, they scan its barcode.
So, the courier’s database updates with barcode scanning. Therefore, the location of the package is updated accordingly.
5. Parcel Receiving
After a long journey, the parcel reaches the courier company’s branch at the receiver’s location.
6. Rescanning The Barcode
In this step, the barcode is scanned again. The barcode scanning updates the information in the company’s database. It includes:
- The branch information
- The received time etc.
7. Parcel Delivery
Now, the courier company sends the parcel for delivery. Before delivering the parcel, it scans the barcode for the last time to update the database information. The information includes the time at which the delivery man left with the package to transport it to its final destination.
8. Successful Consignment Delivery
It’s the final step in the courier delivery process. The receiver gets the parcel, and the tracking system status is updated to “Delivered.” The database information updates include the following:
- The delivery time
- Receiver’s name etc.
Technology Behind Package Tracking Systems
Package tracking systems rely heavily on barcodes for their functionality. The barcode is machine-readable. It has a series of parallel lines having varying widths. These parallel lines enclose crucial information that contributes to effortless courier tracking.
Other than barcodes, these systems also include scanning machines and tracking softwares. Laser machines scan the barcodes. The barcode scanning provides real-time data regarding their parcels to the customers through the database in the tracking softwares.
Significance of Courier Tracking Systems
Transport companies benefit significantly from courier tracking systems. The courier companies that don’t implement a tracking system undoubtedly have the edge over their competitors.
ACPL Cargo also uses parcel tracking systems making the company better than its opponents. Besides, if you’re ACPL’s customer, you can use our free tool for ACPL courier tracking.
Here are some fantastic benefits of courier tracking systems:
- The customers stay stress-free as they can track the location of their parcel anytime.
- There are fewer chances of lost packages.
- Courier tracking systems help to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Conclusion
To conclude, the courier, package, and parcel tracking systems work based on barcodes, scanning devices, and tracking softwares. The barcode scanning at different places keeps the tracking software’s data up to date. So, using courier tracking systems benefits the transport business and its customers as well.
