Swiss Post relies on the matrix and offers shipment tracking
No time right now?
From the end of the week, Swiss Post will be offering postage stamps with an additional matrix code printed on them. This enables limited shipment tracking. In addition, the brands should be forgery-proof.
Deutsche Post is committed to the good old postage stamp. From February 4th, it will be selling postage stamps that have an individual matrix code next to the main motif.
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The stamp is given a matrix code and can be tracked
It is always printed in black and resembles a QR code. This means that it can be read using the “Post & DHL” smartphone app launched in December 2020. They had already introduced the new mobile postage stamp, which is handcrafted with a ballpoint pen, thumb and index finger.
After scanning the matrix code, a so-called basic shipment tracking is available in the app. This shows when the letter was processed in the mail center in the departure region and when it arrived in the destination region. The app also offers additional information about the stamp, such as the motif and its origin.
The basic shipment tracking does not serve as proof of delivery. This is because, unlike a parcel, the letter is not scanned again when it is handed over, but simply thrown into the recipient’s mailbox. If you need proof, you still have to book the additional service registered mail.
Swiss Post points out one aspect for collectors. Each brand will be unique in the future. Whether this will be viewed as a special temptation or even just an increase in value is quite questionable.
Advantages: protection against forgery and better operational information
The other reasons for introducing the matrix code are much more plausible. The new stamps will be digitally canceled and only additionally stamped – then in blue in order not to impair the legibility of the code.
Due to the digital cancellation, they cannot be used again. According to Swiss Post, counterfeiting postage stamps is a growing problem.
In addition, Swiss Post wants to be able to better identify bottlenecks during delivery and other operational disruptions if every letter can be traced with a scan code.
Digital change is the beginning
The first Postage stamp with matrix code is called “digital change”. Swiss Post plans to introduce additional themes over the course of the year. All postage stamps should have a matrix code as early as 2022. In doing so, Swiss Post wants to give the upcoming brands a larger motif area and thus offer more space for creative design.
