Insights05 April 2024byNigel Ramsay

Streamlining E-Commerce Deliveries with new Parcel Locker and Parcel Collect features

As e-commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape in Australia, the need for efficient, secure, and flexible delivery options has never been greater. We are proud to introduce an innovative enhancement to our Address Verification API: support for Parcel Locker and Parcel Collect addresses.

The Evolution in Address Verification

With the surge in online shopping, traditional delivery methods are evolving to meet the demand for more secure and convenient options. Enter the Parcel Locker and Parcel Collect services, which have gained popularity across Australia for their flexibility and ease of use. Recognising this shift, Addressfinder’s latest API update now identifies and classifies these alternative delivery addresses, providing detailed metadata for seamless logistical operations.

What is a Parcel Locker?

A Parcel Locker is a secure, self-service kiosk where customers can collect their parcels at any time that suits them. Located in accessible public areas, these lockers offer a convenient alternative to home deliveries, especially for those who may not be home during regular delivery hours. Once a package is delivered to the locker, the customer receives a notification with a code to access their parcel.

What is a Parcel Collect Address?

A Parcel Collect address refers to a designated local post office where customers can choose to have their parcels delivered. This service is particularly useful for those who prefer to collect their packages in person, offering a secure and reliable alternative to traditional home delivery. Upon arrival, parcels are held at the post office, with customers notified to collect their package at a time that suits them.

An example with Parcel Lockers

To illustrate the practical application of Addressfinder’s latest update, let’s examine an actual API response for a Parcel Locker address in Australia:

A customer opts for the Parcel Locker service, providing the address as follows:

parcel locker 1234567890, 469 new south head road, double bay nsw 2028

The Addressfinder API processes this input and returns a comprehensive set of data, highlighting the parcel_locker_type and parcel_locker_identifier fields, among others:

{
  "matched": true,
  "success": true,
  "address": {
    "id": "09bc8f14-9b65-11ff-2182-84d8c407f47f",
    "full_address": "Parcel Locker 1234567890, 469 New South Head Road, DOUBLE BAY NSW 2028",
    "address_line_1": "Parcel Locker 1234567890",
    "address_line_2": "469 New South Head Road",
    "address_line_combined": "Parcel Collect 1234567890, 469 New South Head Road",
    "locality_name": "DOUBLE BAY",
    "state_territory": "NSW",
    "postcode": "2028",
    "parcel_locker_type": "Parcel Locker",
    "parcel_locker_identifier": "1234567890"
    # .. other attributes, removed for brevity
  }
}

An example with Parcel Collect

Similarly, here’s an API response for a Parcel Collect address, demonstrating the system’s capability to manage and enrich data for Parcel Collect services:

Address provided by the customer:

Parcel Collect 1234567890, Park Beach Plaza Shopping Centre, shop 119 253 pacific highway north coffs harbour nsw 2450

And the detailed API response:

{
  "matched": true,
  "success": true,
  "address": {
    "id": "71311d5f-998b-a7c5-d1ef-6298a9169a69",
    "full_address": "Parcel Collect 1234567890, Shop 119, 253 Pacific Highway North, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450",
    "address_line_1": "Parcel Collect 1234567890",
    "address_line_2": "Shop 119, 253 Pacific Highway North",
    "address_line_combined": "Parcel Collect 1234567890, Shop 119, 253 Pacific Highway North",
    "locality_name": "COFFS HARBOUR",
    "state_territory": "NSW",
    "postcode": "2450",
    "parcel_locker_type": "Parcel Collect",
    "parcel_locker_identifier": "1234567890",
    "supplementary": "Park Beach Plaza Shopping Centre"
    # .. other attributes, removed for brevity
  }
}

Recommendations for Integration

With the introduction of parcel_locker_type and parcel_locker_identifier fields to our address verification API, we aim to provide more granular data to support the precise routing and delivery of parcels. However, to ensure seamless integration and utilisation of these new features, we have some recommendations for our users.

API Changes are backwards compatible

We understand that changes to an API can pose integration challenges. To mitigate these and ensure a smooth transition, we advise the following:

Do nothing: As the Parcel Locker and Parcel Collect information is now populated into the address_line_1 and address_line_combined API attributes, users currently consuming these fields will already be gaining the benefits. Therefore no additional changes to the current integration setup will be necessary.
Leverage New Fields for Enhanced Functionality: While we recommend maintaining your current consumption patterns, the new parcel_locker_type and parcel_locker_identifier fields offer valuable data for those looking to enhance their logistics and delivery processes. These fields are particularly useful for distinguishing between traditional addresses and those specifying Parcel Lockers or Parcel Collect services.

Moving Forward with Enhanced Precision and Flexibility

At Addressfinder, our commitment is to empower e-commerce and logistics with innovative tools and information, enabling businesses to adapt seamlessly to the evolving landscape. By integrating Parcel Locker and Parcel Collect metadata into our address verification API, we mark a significant advancement in the adaptability and efficiency of delivery services.

For further guidance, support on integrating these changes, and to explore the full capabilities of our enhanced API, we invite you to review our documentation at Addressfinder Verification API specification.

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