The platform and technology behind Direct4.me Spaces

Direct4.me offers truly intelligent Smart Parcel Spaces, but more than that, it is also a platform-oriented solution for managing the global postal delivery experience, suitable for e-commerce and logistics companies of any size.

Everything starts and ends with Parcel Spaces, so we focused on usability and the design. The beauty of our Spaces allows retailers to start with one space, and depending on their needs, spaces are modular and easily stackable. Direct4.me also solves the challenge of building infrastructure that is costly and resource intensive.

Among other benefits, Direct4.me Smart Parcel Spaces offer:

• safe and secure unlocking with either NFC or proprietary DOV technology,
• easy set-up (Drop & Play) and scalable design without the need for installation permits,
• a smart delivery experience without power or internet connection.

 

Understanding the needs of logistics companies and delivery processes, Direct4.me developed an intuitive and easy to use platform that supports both C-level executives and delivery personnel. For this, multiple features, a business dashboard, a mobile application and an integration layer are available to:

• enable full traceability of parcels,
• optimize delivery and scheduling,
• enable easy integration with existing solutions.

 

But the main vision and focus of the Direct4.me Platform is to improve the post-purchase experience, with the end consumer in mind. Our technology enables a seamless use of Direct4.me Spaces with:

• encrypted and secure unlocking without having to register or use an app,
• seamless delivery at any time with any phone (tracking deliveries),
• putting the delivery experience first (safe, contactless and fast, meeting customers’ needs and expectations, while capturing the unboxing experience).

 

How does the patented DOV (data-over-voice) technology work with over 1B transactions?

The phone number is your ID. The digital access key is generated for your phone and transmitted over the sound played from your phone. The microphone on Direct4.me Space reads the sound and authorizes access.  

Using our patented data-over-voice / high-frequency sound technology, Direct4.me Space owners can create a unique digital sound key for any mobile phone number. They can authorize another person to use the Space, as the technology provides for just that - the sound played from their phone will contain all the necessary data for authorized use of Direct4.me Smart Parcel Spaces.

 

How to choose delivery to the Direct4.me Smart Parcel Space?

Send the parcel to the parcel delivery space’s address: When shopping online, select the delivery of the purchased goods to the Direct4.me Parcel Space of your choice. Enter your mobile phone number. When the parcel is added to our network, you will receive an SMS message about the pickup of your package.

Some retailers do not yet offer delivery to Direct4me parcel delivery spaces though. If this is the case, and you would still like to have your parcel delivered to a Direct4.me location, enter the address of the Direct4.me Parcel Space:

Example:
John Sample (+386 51 100 100)
Direct4.me Smart Parcel Space
Istrska ulica 49 (the parcel delivery space's location)
2000 Maribor, Slovenija

Redirecting your parcel to the parcel delivery space: When a parcel is added to the courier network, you will receive an SMS message, or an e-mail with a link to the online application, where you can select the option Delivery to the Direct4.me Smart Parcel Space.

 

Picking up parcels from a Direct4.me Smart Parcel Space

If you have received a SMS message, an e-mail or a notification from the Direct4.me application about the delivery of your parcel to the Direct4.me Space, you have three different options:

Option 1) Open the Space with the mobile application

Search for your shipment in the mobile app and click the button to open the Space.

The process to unlock theSpace is activated automatically.

After clicking the button to open the Space, scan the QR code on the delivery space screen.

When the QR code is scanned, an audio or NFC signal will be sent. Move your phone towards the lock (screen facing the blue area on the Space), which will detect the proximity of a mobile device (the green light on the control panel will start flashing). If you are using an NFC key, orient your phone so that the back of the phone is facing the Space.

After the audio or NFC signal is detected, the lock will automatically release, and the Space door will open. Remove your parcel from the Space and close the door. If you are unable to open the Space door, you can request a new key within the next 15 minutes.

Option 2) Open the Space with a phone call

Call the number you received in the text message and follow the instructions. 

Move your phone towards the lock (screen facing the blue area on the Space), which will detect the proximity of a mobile device (the green light on the control panel will start flashing).

An audio signal will be sent to release the lock.

After the audio signal is detected, the lock will automatically unlock, and the Space door will open.

Remove your parcel from the Space and close the door.

You will automatically receive a text message about the use of the Direct4.me service. If you are unable to open the Direct4.me Space, reply to the message with the keyword "repeat", and the delivery space number displayed on the delivery space screen.

Option 3) Authorize a third person to pick up your parcel

If you want another person to pick up your parcel, you can authorize that person for one-time access to the Direct4.me Space, where your parcel was delivered.

Parcels can be collected from the Direct4.me Smart Parcel Space within 72 hours, after which you have a further five days to collect the parcel from the logistic company that delivered it in the first place.