RE: Re: parcel delivery boxes

["Mark Harrison" <Mark.Harrison@xxxxxxx>]

Graham,

When I worked for (a now-defunct dot com), we did a lot of work looking
at these solutions.

Specifically, we got a number of alternatives, installed them in
different places, and then ordered stuff to "test them".
Everything from
delivery boxes to "code phrases" to confirm hand-over.

The majority of old-fashioned delivery companies wouldn't deposit the
goods!

Even when the "central office" had confirmed that they were going
to
take part in this trial, and that the delivery drivers would be
instructed suitably, in over 70% of cases, the drivers refused to leave
the goods because "I need a signature!"

The reason for this is that the majority of courier drivers are
subcontractors, and self-employed, and having had to sign for the
delivery when they collected it from the depot, weren't prepared to
leave it without a balancing signature at the other end.

This isn't a technology problem - it's a "user mindset of white van
man"
problem ;-(

The best solution for me is to have stuff delivered to work, and have
the receptionist sign for it... works except when retailers will only
deliver to the registered address of the Credit Card!

Regards,

Mark Harrison
Head of Systems, eKingfisher
*****



-----Original Message-----
From: graham_howe [mailto:graham@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 4 February 2002 16:18
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: [ukha_d] Re: parcel delivery boxes


I have been toying with the idea of using an electric lock on my
conservatory door connected to Comfort for unattended deliveries. The
conservatory was added by the previous owner and does not provide
access to the house (there is a locked 'exterior' door leading from
the house to the conservatory). The overall scenario would be as
follows:

1. Delivery man comes to the front door and presses the button on the
doorphone.

2. Comfort is in away mode and so calls me on my mobile phone.

3. I answer the phone and talk to the delivery man as if I were there.

4. I tell the delivery man to leave the goods in the conservatory.

5. I press a button on my mobile phone which triggers comfort to
release the lock on the conservatory door (not sure about this once I
am in conversation through door phone).

6. Delivery man deposits goods inside conservatory and takes a
delivery confirmation receipt that has been left there.

7. 5 minutes after Comfort detects that the door has closed it is
then locked again (this allows for door closing between boxes in a
multiple box drop).

Optionally I could record the whole episode on video in case of
disputes.

I believe all of this is possible, though would need to confirm
sending a DTMF command to comfort during the call from the doorphone.
The only reason I haven't tried it is that I have a complete toy
buying embargo in place at the moment. It is not possible to miss a
delivery if you have not ordered anything. Once I am in the position
to place orders again then I will almost certainly investigate this
approach. I would also consider the garage/workshop as an alternative
to the conservatory, but that would entail giving the delivery man
access to all my power tools which could be too much of a temptation.
At least with the conservatory there is nothing inside worth nicking.

Regards

Graham



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