Australia Post, the Australian postal operator, computerized its postal operations in 1994 and was the first designated operator to install the IPS (International Postal System) application developed by the UPU.
Public website: https://auspost.com.au/
1994
Decision to Computerize Operations
Australia Post decides to computerize its postal operations and requests the UPU to develop an international mail management application.
1996
Development of IPS Version 1
The development of the first version of IPS begins, initially supporting the EMS mail class.
May 1998
First IPS Installation
Australia Post becomes the first designated operator to install IPS.
Post-1998
Functionality Expansion
Australia Post collaborates with the UPU to extend IPS functionality to letters and parcels, enhancing the accounting module.
2002
National Server Deployment
IPS is installed on a national server in Melbourne and on thirteen local servers across the country, networking all servers.
Post-2002
Operations Extension to All Mail Classes
Operations are extended to all mail classes, both import and export. International accounting module usage begins, and EDI messages are exchanged with other operators.
Post-2002
Transition to Eleven Local Servers
The Post reduces the number of local servers to eleven and changes the technical architecture.
Post-2002
Database Centralization
Databases of the offices of exchange are moved to the national database server in Melbourne, simplifying maintenance and backups.
2014
CDS Application Implementation
Australia Post adopts the CDS application for the exchange of ITMATT messages, later expanding its usage to ITMREF and REFRSP messages.
Post-2014
Green Lane Project
IPS and CDS enable Australia and New Zealand Posts to test a new border clearance process, addressing the surge in e-commerce related international mail volumes between the two countries.
Post-2014
Customs Interface Implementation
CDS interfaces with the Customs application to transfer customs declarations and import customs decisions for imported mail items.
Post-2014
IPS-CDS Integration
IPS and CDS applications are interfaced, allowing IPS to display customs decisions when a postal item is scanned for import.
Post-2014
Integration with Domestic Applications
IPS interfaces with domestic operational and financial applications, including mail management solutions and parcel lockers.
In 1994, Australia Post decided to computerize its postal operations. The process began with the development of the first version of IPS in 1996, initially for the EMS mail class. Over the years, the application has evolved to include the management of letters, parcels, as well as improvements to the accounting module.
The main objective of Australia Post was to enhance and automate its international postal operations. IPS was deployed nationally, connecting local servers to national servers to record and replicate the operations of exchange offices.
IPS has evolved to support all classes of mail, both import and export. It integrates an international accounting module, supports EDI messages with other postal operators and airlines.
The IPS user interface allows postal operators to record and manage international postal operations in a user-friendly manner.
Centralization of databases has been implemented, simplifying maintenance and backups. IPS integrates with domestic operational and financial applications, such as mail management solutions and parcel lockers.
The operations of each exchange office are recorded in the local database, replicated frequently with the national database. Data management is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of postal operations.