Siemens supplies address recognition software to Viapost

Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL) has been awarded a contract from Viapost to equip up to 15 sorters in France with its innovative ARTread recognition software for detecting parcel labels and reading addresses based on optical character recognition (OCR). The system enables reliable extraction and interpretation of address information, logos and labels. It ensures that all items are quickly sorted and delivered.

Logistics and transport services provider Viapost is a subsidiary of the French postal service La Poste. Given the growing international parcel flows and the vast diversity of parcels and items to be processed, the previous address recognition software was being stretched to its limits. Based on a successful pilot project that was implemented in 2017, Viapost decided to upgrade and extend its sorting process automation with the highly efficient ARTread software from SPPAL. The solution is using state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms and can be installed during running operations without
affecting stability.

The ARTread software is allowing Viapost to more easily and efficiently process a larger variety of lightweight items and small parcels, including flats and bags. Furthermore, the functionality responsible for locating and interpreting address blocks can easily handle items in different shapes and packing materials as well as with varying print qualities, fonts and address layouts.

“We are looking forward to extending our fruitful cooperation with Viapost,” said Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics. “Our recognition technology sets a new benchmark concerning recognition performance. In turn, it will support Viapost in obtaining even greater operational efficiencies and optimizing costs.”

“We are very satisfied with the high-performance values we are now achieving –something that was unimaginable a few years ago,” added Pascal Cesari, Industrial Manager of Viapost Industries, Viapost’s logistics business unit. “We were also impressed with the stability of operations during implementation of the software. And because Viapost still wants to perfect its sorting system, we are expanding our collaboration with Siemens to include five-face reading and new features related to the last mile delivery at two new automated parcel centers.”

SPPAL has its own French national company, which is headquartered in Chatillon, a suburb of Paris. With this local presence, SPPAL can ensure optimum customer service and competent local handling of projects.