Leading edge technology in Post Office Innovation lab
Leading edge technology in Post Office Innovation lab
Keywords Communications,IT, Post office
The Post Office Research Group has finished developing an Innovation Lab to help senior Post Office staff learn how the latest technologies can increase business efficiency. Visitors can gain first-hand experience of modern communications tools, such as touch screens, Internet, intranet and ISDN systems.
The lab features equipment from several leading suppliers, including Bosch, whose Duo products illustrate the range of functions that an advanced, ISDN telephone system can offer. It is staffed by researchers who advise managers on how technology can help solve day-to-day operational issues.
Located in the Post Office Management Centre, Rugby, the Innovation Lab was created by the Post Office Research Group, IT Services and network installation specialist RoMEC, which provided the cabling and lighting. This pilot scheme has so far proved popular among managers, and plans exist to transfer the Lab to a larger, permanent facility.
"For many people, the potential of modern technology is often clouded in a barrage of unintelligible,technical jargon," says Marc Powell, national sales manager at RoMEC Data Comms."The lab has been developed to make the 'innovation experience' completely accessible and, most importantly, relevant to everyone. For example, the Lab is showcasing a postman's bag complete with alarm system to repel canine attackers."
"We wanted to ensure that senior staff were fully up-to-date with how modern technology can speed up standard business practices, improve customer service and make our employees more efficient," explains Dr Maureen Gardiner, Head of Future Markets at the Post Office Research Group. "With its advanced brainstorming facilities, the Lab allows managers to sit down with research staff and determine where today's technology can improve the running of their own businesses."
The Innovation Lab currently offers facilities for up to 12 people. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 senior managers will eventually benefit from this building and the new site.
"Innovation is essential to any large organisation and we are delighted to be contributing to the cutting edge technology on display in the lab," says Denise Powell, sales and marketing manager at Bosch Telecom. "With a Duo ISDN system, we can show Post Office managers what modern telephone technology can do, from rapid voice, data and image transfers to sophisticated features such as Direct Dial-In. The system also works with digital cordless technology so managers can access all these services on the move."
For further information contact Simon Wade, PR Manager, Robert Bosch Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 1895 838 547;E-mail: simon.wade@pcm.bosch.com
