Postal Information Intranet
The postal information intranet is the information technology infrastructure of the postal industry. The network, by using computer technology and communications network, integrates the functions of services, production, management and decision making. In 2000, China Post built up a backbone network which was connected to 236 information centers of central cities and widely used in the production, operation, management and service processes of postal sector. Through the “183” E-post website and “185” call center, the network is also integrated with the public telephone network and public digital communications network.At present, a number of applications have been put into the network, including postal savings computer system (as well as the UnionPay system), electronic remittance system, track and trace system of EMS mail items, production system and mail transportation dispatching system of mail centers, postage stamps management system and inter-provincial subscription number system for newspapers and periodicals. In addition, a group of applications including the logistics information system, agent insurance information system, international electronic remittance system and open-ended fund information system are being developed.
In 2003, the architecture of the postal information intranet was further optimized and its support for business expansion was strengthened. As for the unified version of postal savings application project, the integrated test of the application has been basically finished and the simulate test formally started. The development of agent insurance system and open-ended fund system progressed steadily. The international electronic remittance system (the part linked with Euro Giro) has been connected with the Deutsche Bank, and 6 pilot postal outlets in Beijing have conducted trial operation. The upgrading of express delivery system and establishment of express delivery information system have been initiated. The installment of postage stamps management system in city-level post bureaus have been basically completed, allowing automatic collection of data on their philatelic subscribers. The production system of mail centers has been put into on-line operation in 39 C1 and C2 mail centers, which has effectively supported the production and management.
E-post plays an increasingly important role in facilitating the growth of information services and the expansion of traditional postal services. The “183” website has opened applications such as the on-line newspapers and shops and will open the on-line philatelic system soon. The “185” customers service center provides services for the public in more than 260 cities including 31 provincial capitals. In 2003, the on-line newspaper subscription business of “183” website developed rapidly. The collection of cargo payment for Avon by using the E-post payment gateway has started in post bureaus of 15 provinces (municipalities) including those of Sichuan and Guangdong. The accumulated turnover of the more than 30,000 transactions stood at RMB 130 million yuan, with a total revenue of RMB 480,000 yuan plus. The “183” website and “185” call center also enabled China Post to cooperate with a number of portals and airlines in providing on-line newspaper and
periodicals subscription and agent ticketing services, with sound social and economic benefits being generated.In 2003, the management and safe operation of the network was improved, and the troubleshooting capacity throughout the network was enhanced. The focus of network operation and maintenance shifted from being “passive” to “preventative”, which helped maintain the sustained, safe and stable operation of the network as well as various applications.