A CENTRALISED AUTOMATED PARCEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR EASY

IDENTIFICATION AND SORTING

TEAM MEMBERS:

INTE/MG/2928/09/22 -EMMANUEL KIPKEMOI BIEGON

INTE/MG/2948/09/22 -OGORO GESARE EUVINE

INTE/MG/2946/09/22-Laban Oeri Onchoke

Abstract
In today’s fast-paced world, parcel delivery has become a crucial service, but the process is
often riddled with inefficiencies, manual errors, and a lack of transparency. This project aims
to develop an automated parcel delivery system that simplifies and modernizes the entire
delivery process — from parcel pickup to final delivery. By combining real-time tracking,
smart route optimization, and instant notifications, the system ensures both customers and
delivery personnel have clear visibility and control over every step.

Unlike traditional delivery systems, this platform introduces features such as smart parcel
lockers for contactless delivery, AI-powered delivery scheduling, and automated dispute
handling, all designed to improve convenience, speed, and accuracy. With customer-friendly
mobile apps, real-time status updates, and seamless coordination between all parties, the
system aims to eliminate common frustrations in parcel delivery, making the process
smoother, smarter, and more reliable. Ultimately, this system bridges the gap between
technology and logistics, ensuring parcels reach their destination safely, efficiently, and with
full transparency.

Introduction
Parcel delivery has become a part of everyday life, whether it’s online shopping, sending
documents, or shipping personal items. However, the delivery process is still heavily reliant
on manual work, which often leads to delays, misplaced parcels, and frustrated customers.
As technology continues to transform industries, it’s clear that the parcel delivery sector
needs a smarter, more efficient solution that not only improves speed and accuracy but also
enhances the overall customer experience.

This project introduces an automated parcel delivery system designed to modernize the
entire process — from the moment a parcel is booked until it reaches its final destination.
The system leverages real-time tracking, smart route planning, and instant communication
tools to ensure transparency and efficiency at every stage. Customers will have full visibility
of their parcels through an easy-to-use mobile app, while delivery personnel will receive
optimized routes and real-time updates to streamline their work.

What makes this system stand out is its focus on convenience and innovation, including
features like smart parcel lockers for contactless deliveries, AI-powered delivery scheduling,
and automated dispute resolution in case issues arise. By blending technology with user-
friendly design, this system aims to create a seamless delivery experience that benefits
customers, delivery personnel, and logistics companies alike.

In short, this project is not just about delivering parcels — it’s about delivering confidence,
convenience, and control to everyone involved in the process.

Background Study
Parcel delivery services have become an essential part of everyday life in Kenya, especially
with the rapid rise of online shopping, small businesses going digital, and individuals relying
on courier services for personal deliveries. Despite the growing demand, the parcel delivery
process in Kenya — including here in Nakuru — remains largely manual, resulting in
common issues such as delays, misplaced parcels, lack of real-time tracking, and poor
communication between delivery personnel and customers.

As a team of three students from Kabarak University, we have all encountered these
frustrations firsthand. Whether it’s waiting for important packages from home, helping
friends receive deliveries, or witnessing small businesses around campus struggle with
unreliable delivery services, it became clear to us that there is a need for a smarter, more
efficient solution.

Together, we came up with the idea to develop an automated parcel delivery system
designed to modernize the entire process from parcel booking to final delivery. Our system
will use real-time tracking, automated notifications, smart delivery lockers, and intelligent
delivery scheduling to make the process more transparent, reliable, and user-friendly.

Our goal as a team is to leverage technology to create a system that not only addresses the
challenges, we’ve seen in Nakuru and within Kabarak University but can also scale to serve
businesses, institutions, and individuals across Kenya. This project is a reflection of our
shared passion for innovation, problem-solving, and creating practical solutions that can
have a real impact on our community
Statement of the Problem

The current parcel delivery process in Kenya, including in Nakuru and within Kabarak
University, faces several challenges, including:
i. Manual handling of parcels, leading to errors, delays, and misplaced packages.
ii. Lack of real-time tracking, leaving both senders and recipients unsure of the parcel’s
exact location.
iii. Poor communication between delivery personnel and customers, especially when
deliveries are delayed or delivery attempts fail.
iv. Limited flexibility for customers to reschedule deliveries or select convenient
delivery options.
v. No centralized system to manage deliveries, track performance, or handle disputes
efficiently.
vi. Security concerns, such as parcels being collected by unauthorized persons.
Lack of transparency in the delivery process, making it difficult to hold couriers accountable.
These problems highlight the urgent need for an automated parcel delivery system that
improves efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

Objectives
General Objective

To develop an automated parcel delivery system that enhances the efficiency, transparency,
and reliability of parcel delivery services in Kenya, with a focus on Nakuru and Kabarak
University.
Specific Objectives:
1. To develop a system that allows real-time tracking of parcels from the point of dispatch to
final delivery.
2. To automate the communication process between senders, couriers, and recipients
through notifications and alerts.
3. To incorporate smart delivery options, such as smart lockers and flexible delivery
scheduling.
4. To create a centralized platform for managing parcels, tracking delivery performance, and
resolving disputes.
5. To enhance the security of parcels through customer verification at collection points.
6. To reduce manual errors in parcel handling by automating data capture and updating
processes.
7. To provide data analytics capabilities for monitoring delivery efficiency and identifying
areas for improvement.

Justification

The need for an automated parcel delivery system is driven by the increasing demand for
fast, reliable, and transparent delivery services, particularly in growing urban areas like
Nakuru and within institutions such as Kabarak University. With the rise of online shopping,
small business deliveries, and personal courier needs, the existing manual processes used by
most courier services are no longer sufficient to meet customer expectations.
By automating key aspects of the delivery process, this system will reduce errors, improve
efficiency, and provide real-time updates to both senders and recipients, giving them
greater confidence and control over their deliveries. It will also help delivery personnel
optimize their routes, reducing delivery times and improving productivity.
The project is particularly relevant for students, staff, and businesses within Kabarak
University, where there is a constant flow of parcels — from academic materials to personal
packages. By providing a system tailored to their needs, we will not only enhance
convenience on campus but also create a model that can be expanded to serve other
institutions, businesses, and communities across Kenya.
Furthermore, this project aligns with Kenya’s growing digital transformation efforts,
demonstrating how technology can solve real-world logistical challenges. It also provides
valuable learning opportunities for us as students, allowing us to apply our skills in software
development, project management, and problem-solving to a practical, impactful solution.
In summary, this project is justified by its potential to improve service delivery, enhance
customer satisfaction, and contribute to the modernization of Kenya’s logistics sector,
starting right here at Kabarak University.

Scope of the Project

This project focuses on developing an automated parcel delivery system designed to

streamline and improve the delivery process within Nakuru County, with a specific focus on
Kabarak University and the surrounding areas. The system will cater to students, university
staff, local businesses, and individual customers who regularly send or receive parcels.
The system will cover the entire delivery process, from the registration of a parcel, tracking
its movement, updating its delivery status in real-time, notifying recipients of delivery
progress, all the way to final delivery and customer feedback collection.
The system will consist of:

• A mobile website application for customers to place delivery requests, track parcels,
and receive notifications.
• A driver/courier application for delivery personnel to manage assigned deliveries,
navigate routes, and update parcel statuses.
• A web-based admin dashboard for monitoring and managing all parcels, drivers, and
system performance.
• Optional integration with smart parcel lockers for contactless deliveries.

The system will operate within Nakuru County, with initial implementation focusing on
Kabarak University’s campus community to test the system's reliability and performance.
While the primary target is the university community, the system will be designed to scale
and support wider use by courier companies and businesses across Kenya.
Exclusions:

• International parcel deliveries.

• Logistics beyond the first and last-mile delivery process.
• Handling of highly sensitive or hazardous parcels (e.g., medical samples, flammable
items).