Postal Office Decides to Embrace Big Data
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a bill that led to the creation of the United States Postal Service. The system has evolved considerably over the years. Big data and the Internet of Things will completely transform the 250 year old postal system.
Internet of Postal Things Project
The United States Postal Service recently announced that it will use big data to provide timelier, more cost-effective and more reliable services. In 2014, postal officials started developing a new project called the "Internet of Postal Things Project." Here is an excerpt from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General:
"The convergence between the increasing amount of actionable data, the ubiquity of network connectivity to integrate and share this data, and the rapid development of analytics may open up a new world of opportunities for postal operators — the 'Internet of Postal Things'."
A number of vendors have submitted proposals to the United States government. They will help the postal system use big data to develop innovative solutions to improve the quality of service.
Here are some of the changes it may entail:
- Identify technical problems that make it difficult for postal workers to do their jobs
- Help people track their mail
- Make it easier to maintain vehicles
- Find more efficient routes to deliver mail
- Identify employees that need additional training
- Assess weather conditions
- Make sure drivers are complying with traffic laws
The post office may also identify problems with local roads. This information could be sold to municipalities throughout the country, which could help offset the initial cost of developing the Internet of Postal Things Project.
The project is still a work in progress. It may not be implemented for a few years.
Technology and Complications
In the future, the post office will install tracking devices on their trucks. These devices will monitor vehicle speeds, road conditions and other important variables.
However, the United States Postal Office will also face some challenges, including:
- Paying for the sensors
- Regularly calibrating sensors
- Making sure data is tracked in real-time
- Making sure data is properly interpreted
- Factoring for external variables that could affect conclusions
Postal officials are still trying to address these challenges. They are confident that innovative vendors will provide the solutions they need.
What is the Next Step?
The United States Postal Service Inspector General said that the process will take time. He stated that the Postal Service must outline a big data strategy before they can launch the program.
The post office is asking citizens for feedback. They want to know if anyone has any concerns about the Internet of Postal Things Project. They also hope big data experts can lend their expertise.
The biggest concern that people have raised is privacy. Although the postal service is mostly interested in tracking its own trucks, people are worried that it will begin tracking their mail as well. They are clearly concerned about their digital privacy after the NSA spying scandal erupted in 2013.
"It's not a quick and easy process, though. The forum established that a clear and coherent big data strategy must first be articulated – one that answers questions like, "What will you use the data for?" and "How will you ensure privacy?""