The challenge
ACS, Greece’s leading courier company for over 43 years, has addressed the growing demand for self-service in online shopping through its ACS Smartpoint Lockers. By investing in the evolving last-mile delivery landscape, ACS is taking convenience and innovation one step further.
To continually enhance its services and deliver an exceptional customer experience, ACS is setting itself apart by offering a unique feature in its locker network—unlike anything currently available in the market. With ACS Smartpoint Lockers, customers can enjoy self-service pickup with the added convenience of cash on delivery. This gives online shoppers the flexibility to choose when to pay—either during the purchase process or upon collecting their order, just as they would with traditional courier delivery.
The project’s design and execution presented significant challenges, as it had to be completed within a tight timeframe. It required the deployment of weather-resistant terminals and the establishment of 24/7 remote support to ensure reliable assistance for locker users at any time.
The solution
Building on their long-standing partnership, our customer in Greece, Cardlink—a Worldline brand and leading provider of technology and payment services—has once again delivered a tailored solution to meet ACS’s needs. This collaboration has empowered ACS to realize its vision of enabling secure and seamless cash on delivery transactions at its Smartpoint Lockers.
More specifically, the IM30 Android POS device was placed on the ACS Smartpoint Lockers which are located in approximately 193 major locations throughout Greece, such as supermarket chains, gas stations and other partner businesses, as well as outside ACS stores. Customers complete their transaction through the POS by paying with a card (card inserted or contactless), wallet or wearable and receive their parcel in just a few seconds!
The IM30 unattended terminal by PAX Technology runs on the Android operating system and features an intuitive user interface, making self-service transactions straightforward and enhancing the overall consumer experience.
To ensure uninterrupted service, Cardlink—a Worldline brand—offers dedicated technical support, ensuring any issues are resolved quickly. This guarantees a smooth and seamless parcel collection experience from the Smartpoint Lockers, backed by 24/7 assistance.
The implementation
The installation and interconnection of 378 unattended terminals in ACS Smartpoint Lockers was finished in a short time frame. The terminals -already in operation for 2 years now- have so far carried out more than 120,000 transactions.
Consumers can now pick up their orders anytime, 24/7, at the location of their choice—avoiding queues at ACS stores during busy periods and sidestepping the delays often associated with home deliveries.
The benefits
- Innovative profile: Upgrading the company’s innovation profile to meet the current needs of its customers.
- Secure transactions: Transactions are carried out with absolute security.
- Upgrade of customer experience: Easy and quick pickup of their parcels 24/7, with cash on delivery payment option, without delays.
- Integrated service process: Phone and on-site technical service 24/7 on a daily basis. Remote and continuous support for any technical issues immediately.
“Our consistent goal at ACS is to provide the ultimate customer experience, constantly striving to be one step ahead in the field of order delivery. With a focus on creating innovative solutions that meet the needs of today’s consumer, we have once again joined forces with our long-time partner Cardlink, and together we have implemented this project, by providing the cash on delivery payment option in our ACS Smartpoint Lockers. In doing so, we are not only differentiating ourselves from the competition, but also better serving our customers by bringing a new feature to smart lockers across the country.”
Elia Charari, Marketing and Corporate Sustainability Manager, ACS
