LTB 319/15 Postbox Mail Monitoring Device

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LTB 319/15 Postbox Mail Monitoring Device



No. 319/15


Ref: 532


Date: 11th May 2015





To: Branches with POSTAL Members



Dear Colleague,



Postbox Mail Monitoring Device



Following the trial of the Postbox Mail Monitoring Device (PMMD) in a number and variety of Post-boxes in the Stirling area of Scotland in 2012, Royal Mail has decided that they would like to deploy an additional 500 of the devices into the collections operation. Where requested the devices will be made available for use locally as part of an agreed piece of planning and BAU equipment for local teams. The devices will be deployed locally in line with the nationally agreed terms of reference and the deployment will be jointly monitored.



In line with the agenda for growth agreement and principles, particularly around the deployment of new technology and following the trial, Royal Mail indicated a requirement for Postbox technology to assist in Postbox Strategy planning and business as usual activity as required. Discussions regarding the use and deployment of the devices have continued for a number of months via the Collections JWG culminating in the attached TOR. The devices are designed to assist in identification of mail posting transactions by time and day, clarification of high, medium and low usage Postbox locations, revision planning and day to day changes to the collection operation.



The Devices are small boxes that can be affixed to the interior roof of a Postbox using magnets attached to adjustable legs. The boxes contain a data logger, sim card, battery and project an invisible beam which registers when mail is posted through the aperture. The beam is projected down across the aperture and will record the date and time of each transaction as it passes through. The data received by the logger is transmitted to a web site from where the information can be analysed to show volume of transactions (postings) along with the time and day. The devices are designed to be mobile and can be installed, removed and transferred between Postbox locations with training as required. Where they are going to be used will be confirmed with the CWU, including the duration of the activity and what the information obtained will be utilised for. Royal Mail will share all information obtained from the devices with the local CWU and the Collectors.



From a National perspective the deployment of the Postbox Mail Monitoring Devices through use in planning and BAU activity will be jointly monitored and analysed and all results shared through the national Collections Joint Working Group. Whilst this technology is not generally welcomed it is an unavoidable consequence of advancements in new technology that we have to deal with as best we can and the attached TOR provides the appropriate protection for our members and CWU involvement going forward.



It is important to note that the deployment of these devices is not about catching people out or using the technology in an inappropriate way, for disciplinary or capability purposes, it is about improving Royal Mail's performance and the service we provide. The deployment of the devices will be discussed and agreed at Collections JWG.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson's Office, quoting reference 532

Email address: hnutley@cwu.org or Mstewart@cwu.org

Yours sincerely





Bob Gibson