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At least 150 post offices throughout the country have been automated so far as Zimpost moves to computerise its operations, an official said on Monday. Zimpost started the automation project in 2011 in a bid to do more e-based services for the government and the private sector such as e-commerce and money transfers.

Another opportunity arising from automation is agency business where Zimpost can act as an agent for other companies using its wide postal network.

Zimpost managing director Douglas Zimbango said “a lot of progress” had been made on the project.

“A lot of progress has been made in the drive to install wide area network links at various post offices countrywide,” he said.

“A total number of 115 post offices are on optic fibre while 31 are on VSAT wide area network. These offices are online enabling customers to transact real time.”

Zimbango said the company would continue to invest in the automation project. “The new year will see a further revamp of the front office in response to customer demands and developments in the sector,” he said.

Zimpost has launched several Information Communication Technology initiatives which have brought about convenience, efficiency and accuracy to its business operations.

One such initiative is Zipcash, a money transfer facility that was launched last year which allows Zimbabweans to send money locally and internationally using an electronic platform.

Introduction of the money transfer service replaced the old money order system which was slow as it required paperwork to move from one post office to the other.

Zimpost is moving from the manual system to computer-based automated system to leverage infrastructural investment and realize increased savings and speed for transactions. – New Ziana.