Last-Mile Delivery
In today’s fast-paced world, the last mile of delivery—the final leg from the distribution center to the customer’s doorstep—has become a critical battleground for businesses seeking to enhance customer satisfaction and gain a competitive edge. With the rise of e-commerce and changing customer expectations, innovative last-mile delivery solutions have emerged to tackle the challenges associated with this crucial stage.
In this blog post, we will delve into some of the most cutting-edge last-mile delivery innovations that are transforming the logistics landscape.
Delivery Drones:
Soaring Above Expectations One of the most exciting advancements in last-mile delivery is the use of delivery drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the way packages are transported, offering swift and efficient deliveries, particularly in urban areas. By leveraging GPS technology and artificial intelligence, drones can navigate complex routes, bypassing traffic congestion and reducing delivery times. Companies like Amazon and Google’s Wing have already begun testing drone delivery services, showcasing the immense potential of this technology.
Autonomous Vehicles:
Driving Towards Efficiency Autonomous vehicles, including self-driving cars and delivery robots, are another game-changing innovation in last-mile delivery. These vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and AI systems that enable them to navigate roads and sidewalks safely. With autonomous vehicles, companies can optimize delivery routes, reduce labor costs, and enhance overall efficiency. Major players like UPS, FedEx, and DHL have started piloting autonomous delivery initiatives, marking a significant step forward in last-mile logistics.
Crowdshipping:
Tapping into Community Power Crowdshipping is a concept that harnesses the power of local communities to facilitate last-mile deliveries. It involves utilizing everyday people, known as “crowdshippers,” who are willing to deliver packages on their daily commutes or while running errands. Innovative platforms and mobile apps connect senders with crowdshippers, creating a decentralized delivery network. This approach not only reduces costs but also offers flexible and convenient delivery options, especially for time-sensitive items. Startups like Roadie and Grabr have successfully implemented crowdshipping models, highlighting the collaborative potential of this innovative solution.
Locker Systems:
Convenient and Secure Pick-Up Points Locker systems provide customers with a convenient alternative to traditional home deliveries. These automated lockers, strategically placed in accessible locations like shopping centers and transit hubs, allow customers to collect their packages at their own convenience. Locker systems offer secure storage and eliminate the need for redelivery attempts, minimizing the risk of package theft or missed deliveries. Companies like Amazon Locker and UPS Access Point have deployed extensive networks of lockers, providing a reliable and customer-friendly option for last-mile delivery.
Hyperlocal Delivery Platforms:
Speed and Precision Combined Hyperlocal delivery platforms connect local businesses with independent couriers to facilitate quick and precise last-mile deliveries. By leveraging mobile apps and advanced algorithms, these platforms optimize delivery routes based on real-time demand, ensuring swift order fulfillment. Customers can track their deliveries in real-time and enjoy same-day or even one-hour delivery services. Innovative startups such as Postmates and Instacart have disrupted the traditional delivery model, offering unparalleled speed and convenience to consumers.
Impact on Supply Chain:
The rapid advancements in last-mile delivery innovations have significant implications for the overall supply chain ecosystem. Let’s explore how these innovations are reshaping supply chain operations:
Improved Efficiency and Cost Reduction:
Last-mile delivery innovations contribute to streamlining supply chain operations, resulting in improved efficiency and cost reduction. By leveraging technologies like delivery drones, autonomous vehicles, and hyperlocal delivery platforms, companies can optimize routes, reduce delivery times, and lower transportation costs. These efficiencies translate into a leaner and more cost-effective supply chain.
Enhanced Visibility and Traceability:
Last-mile innovations provide greater visibility and traceability throughout the supply chain. With real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities offered by these technologies, companies can accurately track the movement of goods, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of lost or stolen packages. Improved visibility enables better inventory management, demand forecasting, and overall supply chain planning.
Flexibility and Customization:
The introduction of crowdshipping and locker systems brings flexibility and customization to the last-mile delivery process. By tapping into local communities and offering alternative pick-up points, companies can cater to individual customer preferences and delivery requirements. This flexibility enhances customer satisfaction while allowing supply chain managers to adapt to dynamic market demands.
Resilience and Risk Mitigation:
Last-mile delivery innovations contribute to building a more resilient supply chain. By diversifying delivery options and leveraging technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles, companies can mitigate risks associated with disruptions in traditional delivery methods. For example, during times of extreme weather conditions or unexpected events, autonomous vehicles and drones can continue deliveries when human-operated vehicles may face challenges.
Data-Driven Insights:
Last-mile innovations generate a wealth of data that can be harnessed for actionable insights. Supply chain analytics and big data technologies enable companies to analyze delivery patterns, customer preferences, and operational performance. By leveraging these insights, companies can make data-driven decisions, optimize their supply chain processes, and enhance overall performance.
In conclusion, last-mile delivery innovations have a transformative impact on the entire supply chain. They drive efficiency, visibility, flexibility, and resilience while providing valuable data for informed decision-making. By embracing these innovations, companies can unlock new opportunities for growth, enhance customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive advantage in today’s evolving marketplace.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are crucial for measuring the success of last-mile delivery. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Order Accuracy: This KPI verifies whether the packed order meets the specifications of the actual customer demand.
2. Fuel Consumption Rate (FTR): This KPI computes an average of fuel prices, per vehicle, per route.
3. Average Service Time (AST):AST is the total amount of time spent in fulfilling a single order.
4. Damage Claims: This KPI is calculated by dividing the total number of claims received by the number of shipments sent.
5. Time of Delivery: In last-mile logistics, the time of delivery is considered to be one of the most critical KPIs.
6. Delivery Time and First Time Delivery Success: This measures how quickly and accurately deliveries are made.
7. Customer Satisfaction: This assesses how satisfied customers are with the delivery service.
8. WISMO Enquiries: “Where Is My Order?” enquiries can indicate issues with delivery times or communication.
9. Retailer and Customer Costs: This includes the cost of delivery to the retailer and any delivery charges to the customer.
10. Delivery Vehicle Capacity: This measures how effectively the space in delivery vehicles is being used.
11. Total Mileage: This KPI measures the total distance traveled by delivery vehicles.
12. Cost per mile: This KPI calculates the cost of operating delivery vehicles per mile traveled.
13. Capacity utilization: This KPI measures how effectively the space in delivery vehicles is being used².
These KPIs can help last-mile delivery services track their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Read more :
(1) 11 last-mile delivery KPIs & metrics to track logistics… | FarEye. https://fareye.com/resources/blogs/last-mile-kpi-metrics.
(2) The 5 Most Important Last Mile Delivery KPIs | Sorted. https://sorted.com/blog/5-important-last-mile-delivery-kpis/.
(3) 13 KPIs that Define Last-Mile Delivery Success. https://www.fleetforward.com/10143359/13-kpis-that-define-last-mile-delivery-success.