03 September 2004
	FINALIST PUBLIC SECTOR Government systems

ELECTRONIC BULK MAIL DELIVERY The SA Post Office's ineffective handling of its bulk mail business was costing it around R50m/year. To transform this service, the Post Office adopted a secure, Web-based system which allows customers - bulk mailers, mail houses and businesses holding bulk mail accounts - to lodge their orders electronically. The system "fetches" customer-specific information and shows it to the customer online in real time. Once the customer approves the quoted order, it is billed and invoiced on the same day. All electronic bulk mail delivery notes, invoice and statement information can be viewed 24 hours later. The system is expected to reduce debtors days , saving almost R26m on interest alone. Similar systems are in use by other postal authorities but few are as technically sophisticated. The Post Office's Paymaster to the Nation project, a joint runner-up in these awards, won the service delivery category.