The biggest news around this time of the year (April) is Google’s Cloud Next event. It is an event where they announce new updates to their cloud services, brand partnerships, and they also demonstrate how to develop with these new updates in place.
This year they announced that they will be collaborating with Australia Post Shipping among other brands!
Now, why we are mentioning this particular announcement in our blog is because we are personally invested in this. AppJetty is an official Australia Post Technology Partner. We’ve developed a few Magento Australia Post Shipping extensions for e-commerce store owners which are:
- Australia Post Shipping Extension – Magento 1 & 2
With Australia post shipping extension, the users get dynamics shipping rates calculation on their website, satchel services, label printing services, multiple shipping services, etc.
- Australia Post eParcle – Magento 1 & 2
This extension lets the e-store owners manage shipping methods, verify addresses, shipment tracking, shipping rules manager, manifest summary report, etc.
And with this update, we will be able to improve and develop further our extensions for all Australia Post users.
Now let’s see how Australia Post is planning to use Google Cloud to their advantage.
An Overview of Australia Post & Google Cloud Collaboration:
Australia Post is a company that is over 200 years old. Australia Post’s collaboration with Google Cloud will put their shipping service on the map for businesses that are looking to ship in Australia or to Australia.
Australia Post will be using Google Cloud’s BigQuery for real-time, reliable data analytics. This will give them an edge over their previous models which used to provide their users with the analytics data at the end of every day. But with Google Cloud’s BigQuery, their users will be able to fetch all kinds of analytical data including visual intensive data under 15 seconds. Their users will be able to use this real-time data to get deeper insights into their overall system of shipping, thus making it much easier to address pain points.
Australia Post CIO John Cox talking about the decision to use Google Cloud services, “The need to transform and embrace data has been huge for us over the last decade, so partnering with Google Cloud was an easy choice for us. With near real-time data analytics, we can free up valuable resources, act quicker and provide better service to the millions of Australians that rely on us every day.”
“We are planning on using machine learning to identify ways to save customers’ time and give them more certainty about their delivery choices, and we look forward to seeing that unfold.”
With this collaboration, it seems like Australia Post will see new heights when it comes to understanding customers and their needs.
Why did Australia Post go for Google Cloud Services?
The big question which arises after hearing this news is why did John Cox, Australia Post’s CIO, made the decision to go with Google Cloud? What were his deciding factors?
John’s priority was to build out machine learning scenarios. Before investing in Google Cloud they tested out multiple scenarios including image detection (such as parcel damage, handwriting recognition, translation services), voice (including natural language interpretation and context) as well as traditional data analytics. He mentioned all these scenarios to The Australian.
He also said that Google was a clear market leader in the machine learning space and they were investing more than any other company.
Another main reason behind this collaboration was Australia Post’s need to have visibility over various aspects of the delivery process. They also wanted their delivery team to be able to make faster decisions when required.
Google Cloud can make all those things happen for Australia Post and much more.
Let’s see what else can this partnership offer to Australia Post.
What can you expect to see from this partnership?
- Increased Delivery Capabilities
Australia post’s retail footprint count is around 4,356 post offices which show that they have a vast delivery network if not the largest. They are the only delivery company with over 11.9 million delivery points worldwide.
These facts and figures show their grip on the market and with Google Cloud they want to make it tighter and wide-spread. Google Cloud will give Australia Post the bandwidth they require to expand their reach and delivery points in Australia.
So, if Australia Post is not available to your end-users delivery point, then be ready as it’s going to change soon.
- Addressing Customer Pain Points
With Google Cloud, they will be exploring many other user-based scenarios and addressing customer pain points. Once addressed, the efficiency of their delivery process will be improved and the customers on the receiving end of the parcels will be delighted.
They are working into a scenario where there will be cameras included in the delivery process to scan events and more.
- Faster Data Availability
One of the biggest change that this partnership will bring is the data availability for the operation managers. The data which include insights into the delivery process which help them identify blockages, loopholes, etc in the process will now be available in 15 seconds. This means everything will be accessible in real-time leading to instantaneous decisions which help in yielding more profits.
Summing it up…
Australia Post is leaving a trail for other companies to follow. Being in the business for 210 years and yet redefining their processes to serve customers in a better way by adapting technology, they are setting an amazing example for all the enterprises out there.
All product and company names are trademarks™, registered® or copyright© trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
