10.12.2019 - The UPU’s electronic data interchange network, Post*Net, is one of the first solutions being opened to wider postal sector players. Coupled with a new Electronic Advance Data App for customers, the UPU is making strides to connect the entire postal supply chain from end to end.
The 2016 Universal Postal Congress in Istanbul instructed the UPU to implement a policy on the access of wider postal sector players to the UPU’s products and services. The idea was to enhance cooperation among stakeholders so that the sector could continue to meet the changing needs of customers.
Actors in critical segments of the postal supply chain, such as Customs, airlines, ground handlers and other transport companies, are now able to access the organization’s supply chain-related IT services. This includes Post*Net, an electronic data interchange (EDI) network developed by the Postal Technology Centre (PTC) that provides the possibility to transmit information on outgoing and incoming postal items between stakeholders securely and in real-time. The addition of wider postal sector players to the EDI network is therefore a real benefit for Posts.
Pre-advice of incoming mail via EDI messaging is vital because Posts can use their records of electronic messages to plan their logistics, identify quality problems and invoice one another. Pre-advising is also a regulatory requirement; electronic advance data (EAD) reinforces the security of the supply chain, keeping track of the contents of postal items.
Seamless network
With several countries and regions imposing EAD regulations beginning in 2021, it is more important than ever to ensure all Posts are ready to exchange this data with critical actors across the supply chain. The UPU has created an EAD roadmap to bring the entire postal network in line with modern needs. Enabling partners to exchange messages with postal operators through this network is a critical step to closing any remaining gaps in communication.
The new policy simplifies access to the system and aims to bring more Post-partner exchanges onto Post*Net to help the UPU monitor key performance indicators, such as quality of service. Additional work is underway to improve efficiency by allowing partners to pull the exact data they need from the system, rather than pushing masses of unfiltered data to them.
Engaging customers
The PTC has also created a solution to connect customers to the network from the very beginning of the process.
The Electronic Advance Data (EAD) App, is the UPU’s answer to a growing need for smooth customs clearance in line with security requirements as the Post delivers more and more e-commerce items.
The EAD App allows individual and commercial mail senders to directly input information related to their shipment in line with the UPU’s CN 22 and 23 customs declaration forms, so that electronic advanced data is sent directly to involved Posts and Customs. This speeds up the process of customs clearance, ensuring a quick and reliable service for customers. It also ensures that Posts meet the upcoming EAD regulations.
By outsourcing data capture to their customers through the app, Posts save costs, improve the quality of the collected data, and begin to make the collection of declarations more systematic for all items.
The app is user-friendly, with easy input of sender and recipient information, content details and associated documentation. It also sends alerts about restricted or prohibited items, allows users to search dangerous goods information and look up tariffs, and is localizable.
If you are interested in learning more about either of these solutions, please contact ptc.support@upu.int.
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2019 issue of UPU’s Union Postale magazine. Subscribe now to be the first to receive content like this.
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