Press release —
All suppliers now in place for Horizon replacement programme, as Post Office signs contracts with OneView Commerce and Escher
Post Office has today announced that it has signed a contract with OneView Commerce as part of the ongoing programme to replace Horizon and modernise technology in post offices across the UK. OneView Commerce was previously named by Post Office as the preferred supplier to deliver an electronic point of sale (EPOS) system in branches.
Post Office has also signed a separate agreement with Escher to provide a component of the Horizon replacement programme.
Modernising technology in Post Office branches will support postmasters and partners to provide relevant products and services to communities across the UK and is a crucial part of the organisation’s five-year Transformation Plan.
Post Office previously announced that Accenture is undertaking a ‘walk in and take over’ exercise for the current Horizon system, assuming day to day operations from Fujitsu, as well as developing the back-end of the new system which will be used in branches.
OneView will work closely with Post Office and Accenture to deliver the new electronic point of sale (EPOS) system in branches to better process transactions, ultimately improving the customer experience.
Escher will provide a component of the Horizon replacement programme, with its ‘Product Journey Engine’ (PJE) software. This software will enable specific transactions to be configured quickly so new products can be added and updated in branches as required.
The suppliers bring experience from other postal systems and will work closely with Post Office to introduce a simpler and more effective IT system.
Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst said: “Replacing the Horizon system is one of the most significant changes we are making as part of the Post Office’s transformation. This is about more than introducing new technology; it is about creating modern, flexible systems that are designed around the needs of customers and the postmasters who serve them.
“OneView, Accenture and Escher are best in class when it comes to developing the technology needed for our future branch operations. Having these partners in place will now enable us to accelerate the introduction of a new platform that is simpler to operate behind post office counters, therefore improving operational efficiency throughout our branch network.
“Our partnership with OneView, Accenture and Escher is another important step forward for Post Office as we create the modern and convenient retail experience our customers expect.”
OneView Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Linda Palanza, said: "OneView is delighted to have signed the contract for the Lot 2 COTS EPOS award and to put our experience to work for Post Office. We bring a team with deep expertise in retail and state-of-the-art digital transformation for postal networks of similar scale and size to Post Office.
"This project is about more than technology. It's about the postal community and the customers they serve. We understand the responsibility that comes with modernising systems that postmasters and customers across the UK rely on every day. We look forward to bringing the power of a modern EPOS platform to Post Office, empowering postmasters to transform their day-to-day operations and deliver services with the transparency and reliability their communities expect."
Escher’s CEO Brody Buhler said: “We're excited to bring our experience and software that has built journeys for over 30 postal organisations globally to Post Office. Escher's Product Journey Engine will be configured and tailored to Post Office's unique requirements, putting the design of branch transactions directly in their hands and empowering their teams to configure, test, and quickly deploy new journeys with complete autonomy. That means a simpler process behind the counter for postmasters, and new products reaching branches in a fraction of the time.
“Post Office has set out a clear vision for a modern branch network built around customers and the postmasters who serve them. We are proud to be trusted with helping them deliver it.”
Work is underway to establish detailed plans, timelines and delivery arrangements for the new technology. The new EPOS system will be configured, tested and introduced in phases to ensure a safe and well-managed transition away from Horizon for branches. The priority is to maintain continuity and avoid disruption throughout the technology transformation process. There are no immediate changes to day-to-day operations for customers, postmasters or partners.
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
