The first pair of Wincor-Nixdorf Propostal machines sucessfully went live at “The Galleries” branch in Bristol  today, after some inital teething problems and adjustments.

Much interest from around the world has been generated by the UK Post Office adoption of the latest ATM stamp technology as most (if not all) of the labels and faststamps issued on the first day were snapped up by collectors eagly awaiting  the machines introduction.

However, it is undeniable that the new automated self-service will be the quickest and simplest way to send mail and buy stamps in Post&Go branches.

 Customers can purchase labels that can be used immediately or fastsamps that can  taken away for subsequent use.

All customers need do is place their item on the scale and follow the on-screen step-by-step instructions to send their item initally paying with cash with a future option of card payments for transactions over £2.00.

This week sees the Go-Live of the first batch of Wincor-Nixdorf ProPostal Machines in the UK.

The full installation schedule has been released by Royal Mail (Tallents House) and can be seen here:-

Click for Installation Schedule

It was confirmed today that the first Wincor-Nixdorf UK Post and Go Machine producing Royal Mail postage labels and Post Office ‘Fast Stamps’ will go-live on 8th October 2008 at the Galleries Branch, Bristol. This will be followed on 10th October 2008 at two locations -Sunderland and South Shields…..Thanks to Royal Mail, Tallents House, the full installation schedule, including dates and number of machines to be installed can be seen here..

Horizon Training Labels

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Horizon ‘Training’ Postage Label –

Produced in Counter Training Offices to familarise new staff to using Postage Label. The example shown is stamped ‘Training 209 Office’ dated 21st October 2004. Note the label is dated 9th December 2003 – the reason for the difference in dates is that the systems used to generate the labels ‘reset’ their date (at that time) to the beginning of December 2003 at the beginning of each course.

 

First day of Post Office Essentials SiD

On 1st September 2008 a new style of Post Office, known as ‘Post Office Essentials’ (Previously known as ‘Urban Outreach’) opened in the Old Town area of Hastings. This is the first branch of this type (other than a trial branch in Canterbury) to be ‘branded’ in this way. Above is shown the SID from the first day-the first to show the ‘PO Essentials’ branding in any datestamp.

However, the interest  from my point of view is the proposed installation of a Wincor-Nixdorf Propostal ‘Post and Go’ machine (as advised by Royal Mail, Tallents House)  from mid October.. the first branch other than a Crown Office to have such a machine..an enigma indeed.

 

Willen, Milton Keynes 'Essentials' SiD

 

It will be interesting to see if subsequent ‘Post Office essentials’ branches- such as Willen, Milton Keynes will be fitted with Post and Go Machines? 

 

 

Nixdorf ‘Pro-Postal’ machine – to be rolled out to 700 UK Post Offices in 2009

 The ‘Post and Go’ story continues in September 2008 with the roll-out of 20 Wincor Nixdorf ProPostal 2000 machines, commencing on 8th October 2008 in Bristol at ‘The Galleries’ Branch where two Nixdorf machines will replace the existing Fujitsu ones. These machines will vend two distinct and very different labels.

 

The larger type is for items to be posted ‘immediately’- these have a ‘Post By’ date on them indicating their validity.

 

 

 

  ‘Fast Stamp’ type to be taken away for later use- Yes a Real UK Postage Label- after 24 years wait..

As the ‘Faststamps’ labels, prior to overprint, have two phosphor bands, they are only available in 1st Class and ‘Overseas’ varients.

 

A Sample of GB ‘Fast stamp’ printed on UK Post Office ‘Base’ label stock- note the ‘Royal Mail’ Imprint.