Post Office has signed contracts with OneView Commerce and Escher as it moves forward with its programme to replace Horizon and modernise technology across its UK branch network.
The agreements mean all suppliers are now in place for the Horizon replacement programme, with OneView set to deliver a new electronic point of sale (EPOS) system across branches and Escher providing its Product Journey Engine software.
OneView had previously been named as Post Office’s preferred supplier for the EPOS contract, while Accenture is undertaking a “walk in and take over” of the existing Horizon system from Fujitsu and developing the back-end of the new branch system.
OneView will work alongside Post Office and Accenture to introduce the new EPOS technology, which is designed to improve transaction processing and the customer experience across branches.
Escher’s Product Journey Engine will enable specific transactions to be configured more quickly, allowing new products to be added and updated across Post Office branches as required.
The technology transformation forms a key part of Post Office’s five-year Transformation Plan and is intended to provide postmasters and partners with simpler and more effective technology.
Neil Brocklehurst, CEO of Post Office, said:
“Replacing the Horizon system is one of the most significant changes we are making as part of the Post Office’s transformation. This is about more than introducing new technology; it is about creating modern, flexible systems that are designed around the needs of customers and the postmasters who serve them.
“OneView, Accenture and Escher are best in class when it comes to developing the technology needed for our future branch operations. Having these partners in place will now enable us to accelerate the introduction of a new platform that is simpler to operate behind post office counters, therefore improving operational efficiency throughout our branch network.
“Our partnership with OneView, Accenture and Escher is another important step forward for Post Office as we create the modern and convenient retail experience our customers expect.”
Linda Palanza, Chief Executive Officer at OneView Commerce, said:
“OneView is delighted to have signed the contract for the Lot 2 COTS EPOS award and to put our experience to work for Post Office. We bring a team with deep expertise in retail and state-of-the-art digital transformation for postal networks of similar scale and size to Post Office.
“This project is about more than technology. It’s about the postal community and the customers they serve. We understand the responsibility that comes with modernising systems that postmasters and customers across the UK rely on every day. We look forward to bringing the power of a modern EPOS platform to Post Office, empowering postmasters to transform their day-to-day operations and deliver services with the transparency and reliability their communities expect.”
Brody Buhler, CEO of Escher, said:
“We’re excited to bring our experience and software that has built journeys for over 30 postal organisations globally to Post Office. Escher’s Product Journey Engine will be configured and tailored to Post Office’s unique requirements, putting the design of branch transactions directly in their hands and empowering their teams to configure, test, and quickly deploy new journeys with complete autonomy. That means a simpler process behind the counter for postmasters, and new products reaching branches in a fraction of the time.
“Post Office has set out a clear vision for a modern branch network built around customers and the postmasters who serve them. We are proud to be trusted with helping them deliver it.”
Work is now underway to establish detailed plans, timelines and delivery arrangements.
The new EPOS system will be configured, tested and introduced in phases, with Post Office saying its priority is to maintain continuity and avoid disruption during the transition away from Horizon.
There are currently no immediate changes to day-to-day operations for customers, postmasters or partners.
