Google announced a new email package tracking feature for its Gmail service. This is intended to save customers unnecessary clicks by embedding package trackers into the emails themselves. For example, an email confirmation of a product order with a tracking number in it will have the tracking information for that number embedded into the top of the email, rather than having to manually navigate to the shipper's website and input the tracking information.
Google will begin rolling out this new feature to select inboxes in the coming weeks to select users. Many users will have access to the feature before the end of November, which is one of the highest peak times of year for online shopping. The tracking information label shows both general status and estimated delivery date, such as "in transit" and "arriving tomorrow" as well as "will be delivered by" any given date.
Embedded Package-Tracking Features
Google is Adding a Package-Tracking Tool to Gmail Inboxes
Trend Themes
1. Embedded Package-tracking - Embedding package trackers into emails is a disruptive innovation opportunity that streamlines the package tracking process for consumers and reduces the need for them to visit a courier's website.
2. Automated Delivery Tracking - Automating the delivery tracking process would be a disruptive innovation opportunity that could benefit companies by increasing their efficiency and reducing the workload on customer service teams.
3. AI-powered Delivery Tracking - AI-powered delivery tracking could provide a disruptive innovation opportunity that would enable companies to improve their supply chain visibility and predict potential delivery issues before they occur.
Industry Implications
1. E-commerce - E-commerce companies could benefit from embedding package trackers into emails to enhance their customers' buying experience and improve delivery transparency.
2. Logistics - Logistics companies could take advantage of automated delivery tracking to improve their efficiency and reduce the need for manual intervention by their teams.
3. Artificial Intelligence - AI companies could develop solutions for real-time delivery tracking that leverages data analytics, predictive modeling, and machine learning to streamline the supply chain process for businesses.