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Should You Use White Glove Delivery for Your Business?

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Should You Use White Glove Delivery for Your Business?

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Are you tired of dealing with the headaches and stress of the delivery process? Well, you’re not alone! Whether in the retail, e-commerce, or hospitality industry, ensuring that your products are delivered safely and efficiently to your customers is crucial for success. 

However, the standard delivery options offered by most logistics companies may not always meet your specific needs, especially if you want to provide your customers with a seamless and high-end experience. Fortunately, you have the option to add white glove delivery as a shipping option!

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into white glove delivery and help you determine if it’s the right option for your business. If you’re ready, let’s explore the advantages, processes, and industries that make use of white glove delivery!

What Does White Glove Delivery Mean?

White glove delivery is a specialized delivery service providing businesses and their customers with a tailored and sophisticated delivery process. It puts the customer’s best interests first, placing high importance on their products. Regardless of the product’s complexity, white glove couriers are tasked to pay extra attention to the delivery process, ensuring that the items are handed over to the customer in immaculate condition. 

White glove delivery goes beyond the standard drop-off at the front porch and involves additional services. These may include unpacking, product assembly and installation, debris removal, and even in-home placement. The goal is to provide an exceptional customer experience by ensuring product protection during the entire delivery journey.

Benefits of Using White Glove Delivery

The special attention that white glove delivery services bring may mean extra costs that the customers have to pay for. Still, most are willing to pay for these premium services because they present several benefits that standard delivery methods may not provide.

Here are some of its advantages:

Lower Costs

Although many entrepreneurs believe that white glove delivery is more expensive than standard carriers, it can actually lower costs and increase cost savings. Since it delivers high-quality services to the receiver, it can speed up customer resolution, increasing trust between customers and companies.

In addition, many white glove delivery services work with manufacturers, suppliers, and warehouses. It means they can negotiate better rates for their clients and some bulk discounts or special rates that regular carriers and logistics services cannot offer.

Quality Assurance

Customers are willing to pay more for the high-value services offered through white glove delivery because they want to receive their products in pristine condition. Extra packaging and protection are guaranteed, especially for delicate, sensitive, and fragile items. These items usually need more than just a simple bubble wrap, and specialty packaging might be required.

Some extra protection for packaging applications:

  • Temperature controlled packaging
  • Custom-shaped boxes and wooden crates
  • Packaging with innovative safety measures

White glove delivery services are also insured and provide additional coverage. It gives customers peace of mind knowing that their products are in the hands of professionals willing to go the extra mile. It makes customers happy seeing those super huge car magnets on white glove delivery vans, knowing their packages were handled by the right people.

Reliable and Timely Delivery

White glove delivery services are known for their reliability and timely deliveries. Instead of waiting a few weeks before their packages arrive, white glove delivery can complete it within a few days. There are no delayed shipments since packages are tracked and monitored throughout the delivery process.

It allows entrepreneurs to provide their customers with real-time updates and ensure that the products arrive at their destination safely and on time. It’s ideal for time-sensitive items, such as food, perishable goods, or machines for medical facilities that must arrive in operational condition.

What Industries Rely on White Glove Delivery?

Numerous industries need white glove delivery services due to their product’s value, sensitivity, or complexity. Most white glove delivery vehicles with car magnets are fully equipped to handle these items, whether bulky home appliances or a delicate piece of art.

Here are some industries that benefit from using white glove delivery services:

  • Healthcare: Medical devices and equipment need careful handling and installation, especially since these are used to save lives. Damage during transit isn’t an option because comprehensive shipping protocols are followed at all times.
  • Automotive and Aviation: Most automotive and aviation products are fragile and oversized, so special care is applied when shipping these items. Fortunately, white glove delivery services employ experts in these industries to secure them properly before it hits the road.
  • High-End Retail: Designer clothes, jewelry, and other high-value items commonly utilize white glove delivery services. Extra care and protection are given to ensure these products arrive at their destinations without a hitch.
  • Home Appliances and Furniture: Large furniture and appliances are difficult due to their bulky shapes and sizes. In addition, installation and assembly are often required, making white glove delivery services the best option for customers needing assistance.

The White Glove Delivery Process

The process for every white glove delivery service varies due to many factors, such as the type of products, the customer’s location, and specific requirements. However, they usually follow a standard process that can be summarized into the following:

  • Inspection: Pre- and post-site inspections ensure all products arrive in good shape.
  • Custom Packaging: White glove delivery services offer custom packaging solutions to ensure they can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and potential damage.
  • Delicate Handling: Professionals handle and transfer the products carefully and with respect.
  • Attentive Services: White glove delivery couriers provide updates and feedback to customers. At the same time, they answer inquiries concerning the shipment.
  • Assembly and Installation: Products that need assembly and installation are done at the customer’s location. It ensures that the product is operational and ready to use once delivered.

Adding White Glove Deliver as a Shipping Method

White glove delivery services offer numerous benefits for both customers and businesses. It provides superior customer service by ensuring the protection and security of the product during the whole delivery journey. Furthermore, the process is streamlined, and customers are kept in the loop and informed throughout the shipment. By adding white glove delivery as a shipping method, businesses can set themselves apart from competitors.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Uncategorized

Enhance Your First Attempt Delivery Rate with Order Time Windows

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In the logistics industry, efficiency is the name of the game. Logistics companies face a continuous challenge to meet customer expectations, reduce costs, and optimize delivery operations. A key metric in this pursuit is the “First Attempt Delivery Rate.” In this blog, we’ll explore how logistics professionals can enhance this rate by harnessing the power of “Order Time Windows.”

What is the First Attempt Delivery Rate?

First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR) is a crucial metric for logistics companies. It measures the percentage of successful deliveries made on the first attempt. This metric directly impacts customer satisfaction and operational costs. When a delivery fails on the first attempt, it leads to a cascade of additional costs and inconvenience. The outcome of initial delivery attempts can wield substantial influence over both your logistics expenses and customer satisfaction rates, ultimately affecting your profit margins.

First Attempt Delivery Rate: The Key to an Exceptional Last-Mile Customer Journey

Being a retailer is tough these days. People want a lot from retailers: good prices, lots of choices, eco-friendly practices, on-time deliveries, and discounts. But retailers can’t change quickly; change takes time. They’re trying to figure out how to make customers happy and make money.

One big part of this change is fixing the last part of their operation: delivering stuff to customers. Many retailers still use old-fashioned methods and don’t have a good way of keeping track of everything. Sometimes, they even hire other companies to do their deliveries.

Some retailers use basic spreadsheets to keep track of deliveries, and that causes problems. They often can’t meet delivery expectations, which means they waste time and money.

According to a report, a good last-mile delivery experience makes customers happy and keeps them coming back. But making deliveries work well is a challenge. Retailers are struggling to keep up with the growing demand, and it’s hurting their profits.

The last-mile delivery challenge by the Research Institute, it is stated that an enhanced last-mile delivery experience effectively captivates and retains consumers. The research reveals that three-quarters of consumers are willing to increase their spending if they are content with the quality of delivery services.

Challenges in Achieving High First Attempt Delivery Rates

Logistics companies face several challenges related to first attempt delivery:

  1. Incorrect or incomplete addresses.
  2. Recipient unavailability during delivery.
  3. Unpredictable traffic and weather conditions.
  4. Scheduling inefficiencies.

High first attempt delivery rates are a key driver of customer loyalty and profitability in the logistics industry.

What happens if the package can’t be delivered?

What occurs in the event of an unsuccessful delivery attempt varies based on the delivery provider’s policies. Different shipping companies, including the United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, and Amazon, each have their own distinct set of guidelines:

In the case of the United States Postal Service, when a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the driver might leave a notice. This typically happens when the failure is due to reasons like being unable to secure a signature, payment for postage or fees not obtained, the package not fitting into the mail receptacle, or not being able to leave it in a secure location. In such situations, the notice may provide options such as redelivery or picking up the package from the post office. It’s important to note that not all options are available at every branch, so you can check for available services in your area through the Redelivery Service page on the Postal Service’s website. Some post office branches may offer self-service parcel locker unit pickup options, although this varies.

When United Parcel Service attempts a delivery but is unsuccessful, they typically make multiple redelivery attempts, with a maximum of three attempts (excluding weekends and holidays). If all these efforts fail, the next steps depend on whether the shipment required a Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.) payment. If no C.O.D. payment is needed, UPS will retain the items at the nearest UPS center for up to five business days before returning them to the sender. In certain cases, the recipient might have the option to select alternative delivery methods or options online.

For shipments with a C.O.D. payment requirement, if the final delivery attempt fails, the shipment is returned to the sender on the same day.

In the case of Amazon’s delivery service, if a delivery attempt is unsuccessful and no one is available at the address, the driver will attempt to leave the package in a secure location. If no secure location is available or if a signature is required, Amazon will make two additional redelivery attempts on consecutive days after notifying the recipient via email. If the third delivery attempt also fails, the package will be returned to Amazon, and a refund will be issued. Amazon customers can track the status of their package using the provided tracking number.

These policies exemplify how various 3PL logistics companies and delivery providers handle situations where a successful delivery cannot be achieved.

What are Order Time Windows?

Order Time Windows involve setting specific timeframes during which deliveries are made. They allow logistics companies to manage their resources more efficiently and improve customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Order Time Windows

  1. Order time windows offer several advantages:
  2. Predictable scheduling: Customers know when to expect deliveries.
  3. Route optimization: Efficient allocation of resources.
  4. Reduced wait times: Customers aren’t left waiting for hours.
  5. Improved customer satisfaction.

Companies in various industries, from e-commerce to healthcare, have successfully implemented order time windows to streamline their operations.

Synergy Between First Attempt Delivery Rate and Order Time Windows

When you combine a focus on improving first attempt delivery rates with the implementation of order time windows, you create a powerful synergy. Reduced missed deliveries through time windows lead to a higher first attempt success rate.

Impact on Cost Savings and Customer Satisfaction

Enhanced first attempt delivery rates and order time windows lead to substantial cost savings. Fewer redelivery attempts mean lower fuel costs and reduced wear and tear on vehicles. Moreover, the improved customer experience can lead to higher loyalty and repeat business.

Tips for Enhancing First Attempt Delivery Rate

To improve first attempt delivery rates:

  1. Use GPS and route optimization software.
  2. Train delivery personnel to handle challenging situations.
  3. Implement a system for customers to provide delivery preferences.
  4. Review and refine delivery routes regularly.

Creating and Implementing Effective Order Time Windows

To establish effective order time windows:

  1. Analyze delivery data to identify peak delivery hours.
  2. Consult with customers to understand their preferences.
  3. Leverage technology for efficient scheduling.
  4. Continuously monitor and adjust time windows as needed.

Role of Technology

Technology is a game-changer in logistics. Route optimization software, GPS tracking, and data analytics help companies make informed decisions. By using data and technology, companies can minimize the chances of failed first attempts and ensure efficient order time window management.

Tools and Platforms

Several tools and platforms are available to assist logistics companies in their efforts to improve first attempt delivery rates. Consider exploring solutions tailored to your specific needs. LogiNext is one such software which reduces reattempted deliveries.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenges can arise when implementing order time windows, such as unexpected traffic delays or customer scheduling conflicts. The key is to develop contingency plans and communication strategies to mitigate these challenges.

If you’re ready to boost your first attempt delivery rates and implement effective order time windows, reach out to LogiNext solutions. We’re here to help you navigate the logistics landscape, optimize your operations, and enhance your customer satisfaction.

Conclusion: In the competitive logistics industry, the First Attempt Delivery Rate is more critical than ever. A high success rate not only reduces operational costs but also keeps customers happy. By incorporating Order Time Windows into your logistics strategy, you can create a winning combination. These time windows offer predictability, efficiency, and increased customer satisfaction. They pave the way for a smoother delivery operation and reduced costs, making your logistics business more profitable and competitive. So, remember: combining a focus on improving first attempt delivery rates with the strategic use of order time windows is the way forward for the modern logistics industry.

Author Bio

Matt Murdock works for a leading SAAS-based platform called LogiNext solutions. Where he helps businesses optimize their logistics operations and improve their delivery performance. With a passion for innovation and technology, Matt is always looking for new ways to streamline logistics processes and enhance customer experiences. In his free time, he enjoys writing blogs based on his experience in the logistics industry. Happy reading!

 

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

How to Minimize Errors and Maximize Quality in Order Fulfillment Processes

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Order fulfillment is riddled with challenges that can lead to inefficiencies and errors. Errors in order fulfillment can be costly, leading to financial losses, damaged reputations, and dissatisfied customers.

Let’s delve into strategies designed to minimize mistakes and ensure the highest quality in every step of the order fulfillment process.

1. Develop a Comprehensive Training Program

At the heart of any successful order fulfillment operation is a well-trained team. Comprehensive training ensures that every team member, from order pickers to packaging specialists, understands their role and executes it flawlessly. A robust training program instills a deep understanding of the products, their specifications, and the intricacies of the order fulfillment process.

Different types of training cater to various aspects of the operation. Product training ensures that staff can identify items accurately, reducing the chances of sending out the wrong product. Packaging details training ensures that items are packed securely and appropriately, minimizing the risk of damage during transit. Training on shipping specifics ensures that orders are dispatched correctly, whether it’s selecting the right carrier or ensuring timely delivery.

The benefits of a comprehensive training program are manifold. It prevents errors and boosts employee confidence, leading to faster processing times and higher job satisfaction. When staff are well-equipped with knowledge and skills, they can handle challenges more effectively, ensuring that the business’s reputation remains untarnished.

2. Create a Dynamic Slotting System

Warehouses are dynamic environments, with products constantly moving in and out. A dynamic slotting system is an innovative approach to managing this flux, ensuring that items are stored in the most optimal locations. Factors like product demand, turnover rate, and physical attributes, all help this system determine the best storage spots for each item.

The primary goal of a dynamic slotting system is to optimize the warehouse layout. This means placing high-demand items in easily accessible locations, grouping similar items together, and ensuring that the flow of goods is smooth and logical. Such optimization reduces the time and effort required for picking, leading to faster fulfillment.

The benefits of implementing a dynamic slotting system are immediately apparent. Picking errors are significantly reduced, as items are logically placed and easy to locate. Additionally, the overall order fulfillment process is accelerated, leading to quicker deliveries and happier customers. In the long run, this system can also lead to reduced operational costs, as efficient storage means less wasted space and resources.

3. Facilitate Real-Time Collaboration

Inventory managers, responsible for tracking stock levels and ensuring product availability, need to work hand-in-hand with order pickers, the frontline workers who physically retrieve and prepare items for shipment.

Modern technology offers a plethora of tools designed to facilitate real-time collaboration. Inventory management software provides a live view of stock levels, allowing order pickers to verify product availability instantly. Communication platforms, whether they are specialized warehouse communication systems or general tools like instant messaging apps, ensure that teams can discuss challenges and resolve issues on the fly.

In such a workflow errors are detected swiftly, leading to immediate resolution and preventing costly mistakes. Communication between teams becomes seamless, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

4. Implement Multi-Tiered Inspection

Ensuring that orders are accurate and of high quality requires a meticulous inspection process. A multi-tiered approach to inspection ensures that every order undergoes multiple checks, reducing the likelihood of errors slipping through the cracks.

The first step in this process is visual validation. This involves physically checking each item to ensure it matches the order. Weight verification is the next step, where the weight of the packaged order is compared to expected values to detect any discrepancies. Finally, compatibility checks are performed, especially for orders that include multiple items, to ensure that all components fit together as intended.

Ensuring that every order meets strict quality standards can almost guarantee customer satisfaction. This approach not only reduces the likelihood of returns and complaints but also bolsters the company’s reputation for reliability and excellence.

5. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement

The landscape of order fulfillment remains very dynamic, and resting on one’s laurels is not an option. A culture of continuous improvement, where processes are regularly audited and refined, ensures that operations remain at the cutting edge of efficiency and accuracy.

Regular process audits are essential to identify areas that need improvement. By analyzing every step of the order fulfillment process, from order placement to delivery, businesses can pinpoint bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and potential sources of error. Once identified, these issues can be addressed, leading to refined workflows that are more streamlined and effective.

Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proactivity means businesses can anticipate challenges before they arise, ensuring that their operations are always one step ahead. This not only enhances accuracy but also leads to cost savings, as efficient processes reduce waste and maximize resource utilization.

6. Create a Vendor Compliance Initiative

Working with a multitude of suppliers can introduce variability into the order fulfillment process. A vendor compliance program is a strategic approach to managing this variability, setting clear standards that suppliers must adhere to, ensuring consistency and quality.

At its core, a vendor compliance program is about collaboration. Working closely with suppliers sets clear expectations regarding packaging, labeling, and product quality. Regular meetings, audits, and feedback loops ensure that suppliers are aligned with the business’s standards and that any issues are addressed promptly.

The benefits of a vendor compliance initiative are significant. If suppliers adhere to consistent packaging and labeling standards, the order processing becomes smoother and more efficient. This reduces the likelihood of errors caused by inconsistent or incorrect labeling, leading to faster order fulfillment and increased customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

As e-commerce continues its rapid expansion, the emphasis on precision and unparalleled quality becomes increasingly vital. 

For businesses striving to meet and exceed customer expectations, and maintain an impeccable reputation, it’s essential to minimize oversights. Adopting and integrating strategic methodologies ensure a streamlined process, making order fulfillment both efficient and impeccable.

Author Bio

Alex Selwitz is the Director of SEO for Red Stag Fulfillment, an eCommerce fulfillment warehouse that was born out of eCommerce. He has years of experience in eCommerce and digital marketing. In his free time, Alex enjoys playing guitar and learning about new trends in the digital world.

 

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Exposed: The Truth Behind On-time Delivery

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How is the world adapting to the use of technology to get its order delivered? The use of online platforms to get orders delivered has seen a drastic rise. As per reports from McKinsey, the global market has doubled its share following the pandemic. Showcasing a growth of over 8%; user-friendly apps, and enhanced tracking experience, coupled with consumer expectations have made the online buying experience much smoother. 

In an interview with Wall Street Journal, DoorDash COO explained, “The last mile delivery is a cost-intensive business that is low-margin and scale driven.” Businesses should give proper thought to investing in a delivery management system to ensure seamless operations. So whether customers place orders from an eCommerce platform or their favorite food ordering app, faster delivery is what all customers want.

How are businesses ensuring orders get delivered on time?

Major players have turned towards technology to handle their deliveries. By automating their delivery management system, businesses have ensured to meet customer demands. One of the key aspects that help with on-time delivery is Auto Allocation. This helps businesses meet customer expectations of 10-minute, 30-minute, same-day, and next-day delivery. 

How is Auto Allocation helping enterprises with faster delivery?

Auto Allocation or Auto Assignment is the process of handing orders directly to a delivery associate (it can be its own fleet of 3PR Carriers). If the business uses its own fleet as well as carriers, the delivery management system allows it to set a priority to whom the orders are to be assigned.

Time Window

This is the main pillar for consideration when auto-assignment is used for order assignment. Different types of the time window to be considered during order assignment includes-

Order Pick-Up Time Window: This functionality gets the order assigned to the driver only if the driver can pick up the delivery within the set period. Else, the order will be assigned to another driver. 

Order Delivery Time Window: This functionality calculates if the delivery associate can get the order delivered within the set time frame, or else it will look for other drivers.

Order Preparation Time: Want to enhance the ETA calculations of your orders? Order preparation time can be added to ensure drivers can be assigned only after a set period to ensure the order is delivered hot and fresh.

Future Service Time Window: This functionality is ideal for the quick commerce industry wherein it allows the assignment of drivers in a future service time window. For example, if an order is created at 10:00 AM, drivers can be assigned for a later delivery duration window of 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM.

Minimize Time and Distance: This allows the delivery management system to assign drivers to fulfill orders at the earliest (within the service time window) to be assigned first.

Fleet Sharing During Peak Hours: To enhance fleet efficiency, the parent branch can allow fleet sharing with its child branches. What this ensures is that if one of the branches faces higher order requests, carriers from other branches can help meet on-time delivery requirements.

Defining Service Radius: A service territory radius can be set up (in Kms) to assign drivers for specific deliveries. This allows the delivery management system to assign drivers mapped to the defined service area. 

Empowering Drivers To Accept/ Reject Orders

When using a delivery management system, giving the drivers the ability to accept and reject orders is a must. This will not enforce drivers to carry out deliveries which they are not keen to carry out.

Accept/ Reject Order Timeout: This enables the time in seconds the delivery associate gets to accept or reject the order. Businesses can set the value of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds to accept or reject the order.  

Maximum Attempts Allowed: This helps define the maximum number of times a delivery associate can reject or take no action on an order. Once the number of attempts is exhausted, the orders must then be manually assigned to get the item delivered.

Broadcasting orders: If orders are not assigned to delivery associates on the first attempt, the orders can be broadcasted to multiple delivery associates. The delivery associates targeted will be the ones that can get the order delivered within the set timeframe. 

Intransit Delivery Associates: This allows the delivery management system to assign orders to delivery associates who have already been assigned orders. The orders would be assigned to drivers following the same delivery route. This additionally ensures efficient fleet management.

Skill sets: One of the most overlooked concepts during the auto-assignment is the ability of the driver to fulfill the delivery with maximum customer experience. For example, when you order an ice cream, on delivery, it should still be in the solid state. No one wants melted ice cream delivered. To avoid this, skill sets come into play. Drivers that have specialized carrier bags/ specialized compartments in the vehicle for delivery must be considered.

Carrier Integration

For those not having their own fleet or using a hybrid fleet, carrier integration can be the best solution to meet faster and more efficient delivery. The carriers too can be assigned based on service time window, and ability to get the delivery done in the fastest and most cost-effective way. Multiple carriers can be integrated and the best carrier based on priority, cost-efficiency, travel distance, and skill sets can be assigned to ensure faster delivery. 

Driver Assignment Based on Behavior Patterns

This functionality helps the delivery associate to define parameters to reward or penalize delivery associates based on their driving patterns. For example, if a delivery associate or carrier is assigned orders multiple times. If they keep rejecting, the delivery associate or carrier can be deprioritized. Additionally, the delivery associate/ carrier can also be removed from the auto-assignment list to enhance fleet efficiency. Additionally, if drivers get orders delivered on-time and handle multiple deliveries, they can be incentivized accordingly. The whole experience can be gamified and displayed in the leaderboard on the driver app. 

Enhancing Customer Experience

A delivery management system additionally helps with real-time tracking URLs, alerts and notifications, and payments (cash on delivery, payment gateways on delivery). This keeps the customer updated on the order status. Branding profiles can also be sent out via tracking links that showcase discounts or offers. So along with faster delivery, you can be assured to enhance customer experience with an emotional recall/connection.

All these factors are considered when a delivery management system undertakes order auto allocation. This complex operation can be easily handled by technology, reducing manual intervention and errors, and leading to faster deliveries. The last-mile delivery can be daunting and the only way to avoid discrepancies is by automating and digitizing the delivery operations. Empower your deliveries by switching to LogiNext’s delivery management system. Enjoy the benefits of Auto Allocation, Route Planning and Optimization, Carrier Integration, etc., to ensure faster deliveries.

Summary

 This article focuses on the importance of investing in a delivery management  system for faster delivery. It breaks down the auto order allocation working in logistics operations and how it eventually helps enhance customer experience.

Author Bio

Matt Murdock works for a leading SAAS-based platform called LogiNext Solutions. Where he helps businesses optimize their logistics operations and improve their delivery performance. With a passion for innovation and technology, Matt is always looking for new ways to streamline logistics processes and enhance customer experiences. In his free time, he enjoys writing blogs based on his experience in the logistics industry. Happy reading!

 

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Archives, Education, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Streamline Your Delivery Process with These 11 Tips

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Revamp your logistics game with 11 tips to maximize delivery efficiency and create a competitive edge in the market. From live answering services to investing in digital tools, these strategies will streamline your processes, foster customer trust, and enhance your business’s reputation.

Your success in logistics hinges on delivery efficiency. Taking orders is only the first step in a much larger process; after that, it is up to you to get your products and services delivered on time and in proper condition. For this reason, investing heavily in the delivery process is crucial to staying competitive. This includes everything from choosing the right equipment and software to training employees.

A live answering service is one of the most effective ways to increase delivery efficiency. This strategy enhances customer communication, fosters trust, manages expectations, and prevents costly mistakes. Take advantage of this opportunity to optimize your logistics operations. To help you maximize delivery efficiency, here are 11 tips to streamline the process.

  1. Automation

These days, you can leverage automation to improve your core processes, drastically cut costs, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline every aspect of your operations. Whether you use robotic process automation (RPA) or artificial intelligence (AI), automation can improve your warehouse management and inventory tracking, picking, packing, and shipping processes. 

Automation can also help optimize routes, reduce delivery times, and track progress. For example, route optimization software can help plan each delivery quickly and accurately, converting addresses into GPS coordinates so drivers can take the most efficient routes possible. With up-to-date traffic information, route optimization eliminates unnecessary stops and saves time and fuel costs.

  1. Data Analysis and Utilization

Data analysis enables your organization to better understand customer trends, supply chain processes, and other components of your operations that may hamper your ability to deliver on time. By analyzing data, you can identify areas for improvement and create strategies for making it happen. For instance, you can track how long an item spends in the warehouse and compare this to your average order processing time. You can also determine how often orders are delayed or damaged during shipping, which can help identify bottlenecks. Once these issues have been identified, you can change, improve efficiency and reduce frustration.

  1. Effective Planning and Process Streamlining

In logistics, everything comes down to proper planning. Create detailed plans for each delivery, including the route and expected delivery time. Include contingencies and alternative delivery methods in these plans if unexpected delays or incidents happen. Consider using predictive analytics to expect potential delays or issues so that you can adjust your plans accordingly.

  1. Adoption of Technological Solutions

Technology is key to improving communication, tracking, and customer service and always looking for ways to upgrade your current tools. For example, consider using mobile applications to track shipments and provide real-time updates to customers and employ technologies such as the Internet of Things to help with asset tracking and warehouse management. Consider investing in state-of-the-art vehicle tracking systems, improved packaging materials, or automated pick-and-pack solutions that further streamline your operations.

  1. Strategic Partnership Development

Consider partnering with third-party logistics providers to take advantage of their expertise and resources. Partnerships can help cut costs, optimize routes, and get products to customers faster. Explore different fulfillment methods, such as drop shipping or third-party warehousing services, to reduce costs associated with running your warehouse facilities.

  1. Streamlining Delivery Operations

In today’s competitive landscape, every element of your logistic chain needs to be managed carefully to ensure maximum delivery efficiency. By implementing strategies that streamline processes, like using automated systems or leveraging AI technologies, you can reduce costs while improving the speed and accuracy of your deliveries. Start looking for ways to streamline processes, from order management and fulfillment to shipping and customer service, which should help reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.

  1. Selection of Appropriate Delivery Equipment

Your choice of delivery equipment will significantly impact how efficient your deliveries are. Choose materials that are light, easy to maintain, and have better ergonomics to make it easier for your employees to carry and move things.

  1. Quality Control Implementation

Quality control helps ensure that your orders are delivered on time and in the right condition. This means that your products and services need to be checked and tested regularly, using methods like visual or functional inspections, sampling, and statistical process control to ensure they meet the high standards your customers expect.

  1. Upgrading the Delivery Fleet

Consider investing in vehicles with better fuel efficiency and improved safety features or switching to alternative vehicles, such as electric or hybrid ones, to reduce emissions and fuel costs. Although this can represent a big initial expense, it can save your business money on fuel and increase delivery efficiency in the long run.

  1. Integration of Live Answering and Customer Service Centers

A live answering service or order entry center enables your customers to place orders quickly while providing helpful, friendly advice and responding to inquiries. Instead of waiting on hold, your customers will get personalized support, satisfied that you are taking their concerns seriously. They can also help automate follow-up tasks such as shipping notifications or product replacements. This combination of automation and personalized service speeds up the delivery process and reduces overall costs.

  1. Employee Training and Development

Ensure that your staff, including rivers, warehouse staff, and customer service representatives, have been adequately trained on the latest technologies and processes. Offer them ongoing education to keep them up-to-date on current industry trends and developments. With the proper training and education, your team will be better equipped to efficiently manage orders, anticipate issues, and quickly resolve problems.

Customers should know that when they place an order with you, they can trust you to deliver. Ensuring that all orders are delivered on time and in good condition is key to strengthening your business’s reputation. Look at your current processes, and strive to understand what works and doesn’t. Work to develop strategies to enhance every aspect of the delivery process, from investing in digital tools and technology to streamlining processes, providing training for employees, and finding innovative solutions for last-mile delivery. By following these tips, you can maximize delivery efficiency, save time and money, and create a competitive edge in the market. Remember, a well-optimized delivery process is good for business and builds long-term relationships with customers.

Author Bio

Jo-Ann Fussell is the CFO and owner/operator of Voice Link, a virtual receptionist company providing the highest quality live answering service, order entry, and customer service center services. Fussel has 31 years’ experience in finance and information technology and is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Columbus State University, licensed CPA, Certified Key Performance Indicator Professional, and a mother of two Eagle Scouts.

 

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: How Micro-Fulfillment is Solving a Macro Delivery Problem
Archives, Education, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: How Micro-Fulfillment is Solving a Macro Delivery Problem

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For retailers trying to attract and retain customers in an increasingly crowded environment, order fulfillment and delivery is now a key differentiator. Just a few years ago, two-day shipping was a nice customer perk. Now, it’s table stakes in many sectors.

According to Maergo’s “The State of Shipping Report 2022: Why Faster Shipping Matters,” most online customers (62%) expect their orders’ delivery window to be three days or fewer. Even more telling: 56% of abandoned carts can be attributed to delivery concerns.

While retail giants such as Amazon and Walmart can meet these shrinking delivery windows with the help of extensive investments in shipping infrastructure, smaller competitors must get a little more creative. 

Many of these smaller companies have turned to micro-fulfillment to solve some of their biggest delivery challenges. Micro fulfillment provides a much more cost-effective way to achieve blazing-fast delivery times by using space in existing retail locations or small-footprint, last-mile distribution centers. Because these options use less space, businesses can avoid the huge real estate costs associated with traditional warehouses.

These micro fulfillment centers (MFCs) also use automation—either manual (like robotic pickers) or digital (robust warehouse management software)—to improve efficiency and speed.

Here’s how micro-fulfillment can solve last-mile delivery challenges, and how to make the most of a micro-fulfillment operation.

THE PARCEL DELIVERY PROBLEM

The Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index from 2021 revealed that global parcel volume hit more than 131 billion in 2020—that’s 4,160 parcels shipped every second! It also predicted that shipping volume could reach as high as 303 billion by 2026. In today’s challenged supply chain environment, that big an increase could cause a lot more strain if shippers and retailers don’t optimize their operations now.

The biggest challenge to overcome? Visibility. 

Shippers and retailers both often struggle to pinpoint a delivery’s location along its journey to the consumer. They also have trouble spotting issues and potential exceptions (delivery delays) to proactively prevent them from affecting customers. 

This challenge comes into sharp focus if you’re shipping from a couple of centralized warehouses. This fulfillment model places your inventory farther from your end customers—warehouses need lots of space, and that space is usually not in the center of your delivery radius.

With farther to travel, each order must go through a series of stops, and even vehicle and facility changes along the route (depending on the distance to the customer). Longer distances also introduce many more opportunities for errors to crop up. If weather, traffic or even a flat tire delay a delivery vehicle, you may miss the delivery window and lose that customer. Zendesk’s CX Trends 2022 report showed that 61% of customers will switch to a competitor after just one bad customer service experience.

MFCs can help solve these challenges on a variety of fronts.

IMPROVE SPEED AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT WITH MICRO FULFILLMENT

Visibility doesn’t just apply to tracking an order from warehouse to customer. It’s also an important consideration in an MFC, providing valuable sales volume and inventory data over time to allow more informed business decisions.

For example, having better control of order data can show demand trends to help keep faster-selling items in stock. This also helps with the workflow in the fulfillment center, as these higher-demand items can get priority placement so workers can grab them quickly.

Better visibility makes it easier to keep in-store shelves stocked, too—and replenishing stock from an MFC is faster than waiting for it to come from a central warehouse.

But the benefits of micro fulfillment don’t end with visibility. Because of the automation usually included in this model, picking and packing takes much less time and frees up your workforce to focus on other customer service tasks. 

And with their smaller footprint (often fitting in the back of an existing retail location), MFCs keep inventory close to end customers. This significantly cuts down on delivery times, and means orders can often arrive in hours, rather than days.

BETTER SUPPLY CHAIN FLEXIBILITY, SCALABILITY AND COSTS

CB Insights reports that micro fulfillment can reduce costs associated with an order by 75%, compared to manual picking in a traditional warehouse. That adds up to huge savings over a year’s worth of orders and is due to several unique aspects of this model.

First, keeping in mind that the compact nature of micro fulfillment requires much less investment in real estate—often filling otherwise wasted space in retail stores that already exist—this tiny footprint also makes scaling up as you grow (or meeting seasonal demand) much easier and cheaper. But it doesn’t leave you with a lot of unused space when volumes drop again.

That small footprint also comes in handy for speeding up last mile delivery in urban areas. Instead of placing one huge distribution center on the outskirts of a city, a retailer can operate out of several MFCs placed strategically close to where customers live. This cuts transit time and overhead costs for each delivery.

Micro fulfillment helps keep items in stock on store shelves, too. Instead of waiting for a big delivery from a centralized warehouse, inventory can come from a nearby micro fulfillment location. 

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MICRO FULFILLMENT

As with any other warehouse management process, the success of micro fulfillment depends on organization and efficiency. Follow these tips to take full advantage of everything a micro fulfillment model has to offer:

  • Optimize your inventory. This is especially crucial when you’re working in a small space. Keep your most popular, fastest-selling items in the most convenient locations to make picking more efficient.
  • Take advantage of automation. This doesn’t mean you have to invest in an expensive robotic picker system—digital automation in the form of a robust warehouse/order management platform can make manual picking just as quick as mechanical picking.
  • Choose the right WMS. Speaking of warehouse management platforms, the best software with the most bells and whistles won’t be cost effective if it doesn’t integrate well with your existing processes/scanners/tech environment. Make sure the one you choose is compatible with the way you work.
  • Choose the right location. Micro fulfillment’s biggest benefits are its ability to work in a small space and its improved speed of delivery. But those benefits evaporate if you don’t place your fulfillment centers in the right places. Whether using open space in retail locations or adding standalone tiny warehouses, be strategic in placing them near the highest concentration of customers.

Parcel delivery plays a critical role in ensuring a positive experience for customers. With rising costs and less forgiving consumers, it’s crucial to find ways to get products in your buyers’ hands in the fastest, most efficient way possible.

Micro fulfillment, with its cost and productivity benefits, can be the answer to your biggest delivery challenges.

Author’s Bio

Bill Catania is the CEO and founder of OneRail, which is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and combines “a fast, intelligent platform, a scalable national footprint of couriers and a skilled Exceptions Assist team” to take “the friction out of delivery to make sure our customers are informed and happy.”

A last-mile delivery dispatch truck and wheelbarrow.
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

The Biggest Challenges of Last-Mile Delivery and How to Solve Them

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Interestingly enough, 60% of commercial delivery businesses report that last-mile delivery causes the most significant number of issues in their supply chain logistics. In fact, this part of the supply chain might be the make-it-or-break-it factor that can separate your business operations from the competition. For this reason, we are going to address the biggest challenges of last-mile delivery and how to solve them. 

Given the extensive rise in customer demands in the last couple of years, the commercial warehousing and delivery world has had to adapt to the far-reaching changes this trend has brought about. Yet, to meet set output goals, the reformation and innovations to your supply chain must be introduced methodically. In other words, you must pay special attention every step of the way, particularly to last-mile delivery processes.

Why is last-mile delivery so important?

But what makes last-mile delivery so essential? With the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, eCommerce has experienced an unprecedented rise of 44%. Some markups note that consumer spending rose by more than $800 billion, making commercial logistics and delivery processes instrumental in satisfying this kind of demand.

However, with this kind of rapid growth, businesses have naturally struggled to streamline their operations. Under time constraints, ad hoc solutions meant to be temporary become permanent even when they are essentially subpar.

The main reason why last-mile delivery is essential is that most customers expect no delays and no mistakes while waiting for their product to arrive. Accordingly, this final step in the delivery process will determine if you keep your customers or business associates. Furthermore, last-mile delivery expenses account for more than 50% of total delivery costs. Therefore, you can proceed to locate the specific challenges of last-mile delivery so that you can solve them and enhance your outpost.

Streamlining last-mile delivery requires a comprehensive shipment architecture to cut down costs.

Streamlining last-mile delivery requires a comprehensive shipment architecture to cut down costs.

High-cost

The high-costs related to the last-mile delivery segment affect customers and businesses, making cost-effective innovations in the last-mile infrastructure vital for doing business well. Therefore, the surge in demand businesses are experiencing requires mechanization and software that can fulfill the demand.

It is necessary to supplement pen-and-paper documentation with a comprehensive delivery database.

Essentially, your last-mile delivery has to be both seamless and inexpensive. And this can only be achieved with appropriate last-mile delivery software. Having underdeveloped software solutions can exacerbate other elements of your business operations and the supply chain. So, inadequate handling and registration of orders lead to failed deliveries, customs clearance problems, and intolerable delays, causing cash flow and staff recruitment problems. Therefore, the typically high costs of handling last-mile delivery can get dramatically higher with inadequate software solutions. So, make sure you do your research and invest in the appropriate software for your purposes.

Building customer loyalty with tracking codes

Tracking codes allow the customer to track the delivery status, making this feature a prerequisite for building a successful delivery business. Shipment tracking also will enable customers to participate in the delivery process as they can notify you if their order is experiencing issues at a particular stage. Furthermore, the psychological effect of knowing how the delivery is holding up also makes it an attractive last-mile delivery feature. In fact, most customers can actually make sense only of the last-mile delivery processes, making this stage particularly significant for their user experience.

These factors make real-time delivery status tracking indispensable for the customer and the business. However, optimizing the tracking feature for delivery businesses requires a state-of-the-art interaction between steps of the delivery process and electronic systems that communicate this information to the customer.

So, to boost customer loyalty and generate more income, you should invest in your last-mile 

architecture to provide customers with online, accurate, and detailed location updates. This increases transparency and puts email or SMS shipment tracking as a testimony of your delivery business efficiency.

Delays and failure to deliver the package

Outdated technology brings about massive hiccups that can be highly detrimental to your last-mile delivery efficiency. Unfortunately, the traditional delivery approaches are not optimized enough to reduce the high shipping costs. Consequently, a messy, outdated system will bring about delays in deliveries or, even worse, complete failures to bring the shipment to the necessary address.

Therefore, basing your location tracking or logistics on pen and paper and Google maps simply won’t do. Next to a comprehensive satellite-based location tracking system, you also need to supplement your logistics department with comprehensive communication channels that eliminate the possibility of creating information delays. Once this is set in place, your last-mile delivery output should be able to become scalable enough to ensure a smooth and well-rehearsed workflow.

Efficient route planning is a key component of last-mile delivery mechanization.

Efficient route planning is a key component of last-mile delivery mechanization.

Inaccurate route planning

The following last-mile delivery issue also ties in with the inability to establish a strong foundation in the delivery management department. Essentially, without a solid backbone rooted in efficient communication and logistical planning, your shipments will likely experience delays due to inaccurate route planning.

For that reason, you need to plan a route to achieve the maximum potential. You will also cut down costs and eliminate delays and shipping mistakes. Automatizing route planning should be just one in a series of steps in shipment management. This means investing in logistics experts and technician training alongside route planning mechanization is necessary.

All in all, we hope this article has helped you recognize the biggest challenges of last-mile delivery and how to solve them. Good luck!

Author’s Bio

Conrad Jackson is a logistics manager specializing in shipment management and warehousing. Occasionally, he also resolves commercial and logistical problems by streamlining relocation procedures in collaboration with City Movers. Another area of interest is rating technologies that ensure systematic dispatch tracking in commercial delivery contexts.

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Automation Trends and Challenges in Transporting Dangerous Goods

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In just about every moving part of shipping logistics in the modern trading landscape, automation in some form or capacity is present or in the works to better support operations. From robotics to drones to autonomous vehicles, technology innovation is changing the way logistics operates, one bleep at a time. But when it comes to the transport of dangerous goods, there are factors present that create more of a danger when paired with innovation, creating more of a need for risk mitigation measures. The safety and compliance efforts going into transporting goods (particularly if they are dangerous goods) should always be just as important as the level of efficiency of the transportation process.

Drones, for example, continue making news headlines in logistics-focused transportation. Not only do drones provide an emissions-free, congestion-free and cost-effective alternative, but they also provide a new method of competitive positioning, according to Navigant Research. Pharmaceuticals have successfully been delivered utilizing this method of transportation in the last year. UPS is among the big names reinventing the way healthcare logistics is approached after the company announced its new drone logistics partnership with AmerisourceBergen, a pharmaceutical distributor.

“Delivery bots, RDVs and drones are set to displace millions of truck and van deliveries over the next decade, as they are far smaller, more flexible, lower in cost, and naturally suitable for automation and electrification,” says Ryan Citron, senior research analyst at Navigant Research, in a release earlier this year. “These technologies are expected to make last-mile logistics (LML) more efficient and sustainable, while also transforming local commerce and user experience through new business models such as on-demand store-hailing.”

While this is great news for some of the goods transported on a daily basis, drones are not exactly a realistic solution for the case of dangerous goods, at least for the time being in transportation and innovation regulation. That is when the conversation of autonomous vehicles comes in.

When transporting dangerous goods on wheels, what role does the autonomous vehicle fulfill? Let us start with what could go wrong with transporting dangerous goods. In an interesting evaluation of this process, Occupational Health and Safety released an in-depth article outlining the potential risks associated with ground transportation of dangerous goods. These risks included collisions and accidents, emergency response measures, loading and unloading, and the measures taken to properly secure such materials after loading for the ride. In all of these examples given by OHS, a physical driver is needed in some form or capacity, and not just any driver, but a trained hazmat employee. Without the properly trained employees or advances in technology to ensure compliance is met, a physical employee will need to be present for the majority of the “autonomous” vehicle experience, even if that employee isn’t the one doing the driving.

Another important thing to remember when merging technology and the transport of dangerous goods is their compatibility with other important–and vital–parts of the process. In a recent blog from Labelmaster, the concept of a solid data foundation is explained as a key part of a three-pillar system. The company’s VP of Software & Customer Success, Mario Sagastume, reiterates that when one of these pillars is off, the others follow suit.

Technology innovation does not always equal fancy robotics or massive automation takeovers. In some cases, it boils down to a clear set of data that provides a clear view of the big picture while identifying bottlenecks, risks and a lack of resources. It is important to consider the basics of technology before diving into complex solutions. After all, dangerous goods shipping is already a challenge. You want to simplify and support the process, not overcomplicate it. Solutions such as Labelmaster’s hazmat shipping software solution, DGIS, is an example of how data and technology work together for success in hazardous shipping processes.

Whether you’re transporting dangerous goods by sea, road, rail or air, one common element is ever-present: the human factor. This factor is identified in several studies as one of the main culprits of risk when evaluating potential issues in transporting dangerous goods. One specific study conducted by Jelizaveta Janno and Ott Koppel from Tallinn University of Technology, School of Engineering, Estonia, states that, “…the risk of DGT is strongly related to a human factor as all decisions, processes and procedures within a transportation chain are made by different parties involved.”

The authors explain that every part of the transportation process of these dangerous goods involve the human factor in some capacity, as seen with the previous point of autonomous vehicles and the required human presence for parts of the process.

This brings the conversation to the topic of adequate training. With all the technology, innovation and automation in the world, the human factor will almost always be present. This is not a bad thing, it is a wakeup call that technology cannot fix what thorough training, education and accountability can.

In another blog from Labelmaster, survey results from the annual Dangerous Goods Symposium revealed that the complex nature of hazmat and dangerous goods regulations, along with lack of robust education efforts, are causing headaches for a variety of shippers in the supply chain. One survey responder specifically cited the need for curriculum specific to the dangerous goods arena of supply-chain management.

Training and education (on regulations and operations) must be held to a higher standard for those filling positions in the supply chain, but especially for those handling dangerous goods at every level. Without this imperative part of the equation, technology and innovation efforts will be compromised. The investment must start with the employees and with leadership.

Before investing heavily in the next technology solution on the market, look carefully at the internal processes first. Take an honest inventory of how compliance is managed, how paperwork is processed, and the quality of employee communications. Recall the example from the experts at Labelmaster: Technology is a part of the bigger picture. When one pillar is impacted, they are all impacted.

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Crowdsourcing, Drones and Why I’ll Never Buy a Bugatti

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Amazon has taught me I don’t have to wait for my next two-pack of ravioli cutter stamps, so if you can’t get them to me in under two hours, I know someone else who can. It’s 2019, and customers want what they want, when they want it. According to a recent report, the global last-mile market is now expected to hit $55.2 billion by 2025, up from $30.2 billion today – and it’s no wonder. Amazon’s deep investments in delivery continue to fuel a surge in e-commerce; meanwhile, customer expectations and the entire supply chain have been completely upended.

The good news is that the more retailers invest in delivery, the more their e-commerce revenue grows. For businesses who’ve made supply chain a top priority, it’s huge validation.

So where does that leave us in the race to the doorstep? Companies are throwing cash at everything, from drones to self-driving robots to crowdsourcing. Who’s got the best chance of success? How can each one lower costs, increase speed and mitigate risks? Can they disrupt the industry without being, well… disruptive?

Drones: The droids you’re looking for?

Drones entered the mainstream about five years ago as a cool photography gadget. Thanks to falling prices, they’re a hot item on every kid’s Christmas list this year, but they’ve also generated a lot of buzz about their potential applications for logistics.

In rural areas, drones have huge promise for parcel delivery. They’re already supplementing human workers in large warehouses – flying to far-flung corners to pick goods on high-up shelves. And they’re working out in the freight yard, too, helping to track and manage trucks, trailers and containers.

Companies like UPS, Amazon, Google and even Dominos are experimenting with drones in the last mile. One popular model uses a carrier van on the highway as a hub for an armada of drones that fly out of the back to deliver small parcels to nearby homes. It’s an impressive, futuristic version of hub and spoke. Can it work? At what cost?

Just like commercial aviation and the automobile, drones have major hurdles to navigate, especially when we think about how they’ll work at scale. We’ll need major regulatory oversight to address safety, noise and privacy concerns. We’ll need to build control towers, write better algorithms, improve GPS, and figure out what to do about the weather. But these challenges will likely all be worked out, given enough in time and investment.

Autonomous vehicles and robots: Bots with brains.

What about autonomous cars and robots? Are they more viable in the near term?

McKinsey predicts autonomous vehicles could slash last-mile delivery costs in urban areas by as much as 40 percent. And companies from FedEx to Bosch have made bets on sidewalk delivery bots, deploying prototypes in San Francisco office parks, where they’re tightly controlled.  Long-term, the potential is clear, and companies with the deep pockets to make early bets could save a lot of money in the long run.

Both autonomous cars and bots cost thousands of dollars per unit to manufacture, though, and depend heavily on human supervision and maintenance. When it comes to flexibility and scalability, is a sidewalk droid really that different from a truck? Both are rigid, asset-heavy systems that require a big capex investment upfront with even higher maintenance and upgrade costs over time.

Think of it this way: earlier this year, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan from Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock bought himself a sweet new supercar: a Bugatti. He forked out a cool $2 million for it. But later that day, he was sideswiped by a driver in a Honda CR-V. It was just a minor fender-bender, but it turns out fixing a scratch on a Bugatti costs more than the entire value of the car that hit him – somewhere to the tune of $32,000.

The truth is, even if I had the cash to buy a Bugatti, I could never afford to maintain it. Will a fleet of delivery droids be the same?

Whether it’s drones or robots or some other yet-to-emerge autonomous technology, asset-heavy logistics strategies will always suffer from the same Achilles heel: whether it’s changing wiper blades or switching from lithium batteries to solar – hardware is expensive. And if a new hardware solution can’t solve for the demands of flexibility in the last mile, there will still be a need for something that can.

This doesn’t even take into account all the regulatory hurdles, infrastructure dependencies and real-world obstacles from bikes to baby strollers, pranksters to potholes, larcenists to labor unions.

But what folks aren’t talking about, and what I find most interesting, is the inherent limitations that come with any fixed-asset system.

Drones and robots may well be efficient, and hopefully one day safer. But what happens when a last-minute order comes in and the customer needs delivery now? How do you adjust a pre-planned droid route at the last minute – when the droid has already left the store?

Crowdsourcing: Using an infrastructure that’s already there.

Robots may well be our future, but how do we solve the delivery challenges we have today? That’s where crowdsourcing comes in.

Crowdsourcing lets retailers leverage existing resources already on the road to make delivery faster, more efficient and more flexible. While others are making big bets on drones, our Roadie drivers are delivering gigantic garden gnomes. We’re delivering temperature-controlled medicine that won’t be ready for pickup until 9 p.m. We’re working with Walmart to save busy parents a trip to buy groceries. We’re returning your lost luggage from the airport, and bringing you the ladder you bought online at The Home Depot this morning.

Some of the biggest brands in retail are investing in crowdsourcing. Today, we’re partnering with SMBs and Fortune 100 retailers to deliver everything from makeup to mattresses, paint to puppy food. Businesses across virtually every industry are solving today’s delivery challenges with an asset-light strategy that allows them to experiment and learn. They’re addressing delivery demand today, without making new capital investments or locking themselves into a futures bet with complex hardware systems. And most importantly, they’re not disrupting their existing supply chain in a way that can’t be undone without a huge cost if and when the autonomous tech winners begin to emerge over the next decade or two.

And that’s really the point. Retailers need optionality. Customers want to personalize their delivery for each and every purchase at the point of sale. A great customer experience means having a delivery solution for every customer delivery problem, whether you’re scheduling a sofa delivery on Sunday or sending a rescue inhaler right now. Making that work in the real world means having an arsenal of tools in your delivery toolkit.

We’re solving the problems retailers are having today, at scale – not iterating on solutions that may work at a required scale years in the future. Crowdsourcing is a sustainable solution that ensures we’ll all be around to see what delivery looks like in the future.

______________________________________________________________

Don Pancho_University for Peace Visit

Marc Gorlin is the Founder and CEO of Roadie, a crowdsourced delivery service that works with consumers, small businesses and national companies across virtually every industry to provide a faster, cheaper, more scalable solution for scheduled, same-day and urgent delivery. With over 150,000 verified drivers, Roadie covers 89% of U.S. households — the largest local same-day delivery footprint in the nation.

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The Advent of Smart Vehicles & Drones in Delivery

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Consumers will almost always pick the company that delivers faster. Having the most efficient supply chain is now, more than ever, the key differentiator that sets companies apart from their competitors. But more than this, companies that can predict behavior are the ones that will stand out ahead of the pack.

Since the early 2000s, logistics, freight, delivery and service companies have been outfitting their fleets with GPS tracking systems to monitor the location, movement and status of their fleets. For many companies, GPS tracking is where logistics technology begins and ends, with businesses investing thousands of dollars into monitoring their vehicles and reacting to ‘what happened’. But companies that are positioning themselves for the future recognize that the real value lies not in just determining what happened, but rather in using data obtained through intelligent logistics solutions to predict future scenarios, mitigate risks and avoid adverse outcomes altogether.

By accessing data in real-time through internet of things (IoT) technology, businesses can anticipate their customers’ needs and desires before they do, enabling them to deploy resources more strategically and sharpening their competitive edge. Using the real-time data collected, which helps identify where to trim the fat or drop what’s not working, companies are now able to make quicker, bolder and more informed business decisions. And beyond helping companies streamline their logistical processes and distribution networks, IoT technology is also driving their expansion into new untapped markets with the advent of smart vehicles and drones.

Using smart vehicles and drones to expedite delivery

One of the key – and arguably most important – innovations in intelligent logistics is the development of the delivery drone. The immediate and obvious benefit of drones is faster delivery, enabling consumers to speedily receive products from vendors like Amazon, Sam’s Club and Whole Foods. Drones allow for expedited deployments; waiting for trucks to dispatch takes significantly longer. However, even more important is the impact drones are making on reaching developing societies that, up to now, have missed out on decades of infrastructure development.

Drones using IoT technology are connecting developing countries with limited infrastructure to the global village, thus enabling them to participate in the global economy. This is opening new markets for business that were previously closed to them in the past.

Smart logistics in vehicle fleet management

Delivery vehicles that get caught in traffic or take convoluted routes to their locations can cost businesses hours of lost productivity. But by using Real-Time Location System (RTLS) technology, IoT devices allow businesses to easily and precisely track driver locations.

Smart trucks that implement IoT tech do more than ensuring the driver is on task, on time and performing safely at optimum levels. IoT devices are also enabling businesses and their delivery fleets to gather even more valuable data, such as identifying the fastest route to avoid traffic, knowing when the trailer is unhitched or when the recipient has opened a dispatched package. Companies like McDonald’s are experimenting with delivery trucks that can map the fastest and most efficient routes on their own, thereby reducing emissions and speeding up delivery.

Drivers, too, benefit from IoT tech in their vehicles. Smart logistics tech can also monitor the environment on all four sides of a vehicle, which helps prevent costly mistakes and accidents.

By leveraging IoT technology, companies can now execute every step of the delivery process on-site. For a happy ending, wireless sensors notify companies when the order was opened, allowing company representatives to ‘wow’ customers with a text alert saying, “did you enjoy the product?”

Driverless vehicles: how can they help me?

Back in 2017, an English online grocery chain named Ocado released a self-driving delivery truck into the backstreets of London. The little truck was accompanied by two human monitors and delivered goods to London residents over the course of ten days, all by using its onboard IoT mapping software.

Ocado’s mini-truck was unable to carry as much cargo as its bigger, 18-wheeler brothers, but it did arrive at customer houses faster and with less hassle than larger vehicles could have. Online buyers, meanwhile, could use Ocado’s smartphone app to track their delivery and receive updates right as the Ocado van pulled up to their place of residence.

The Ocado van was the first in a continuing development of vehicles that can deliver goods quicker than traditional freighters, with more cost savings. Additionally, autonomous delivery vehicles can be scaled up more quickly; it’s easier to fit 20 small vans on the streets versus 20 diesel trucks.

IoT technology is future-proofing businesses for long-term returns

To today’s businesses, with the advent of smart vehicles and drones integrating IoT tech into supply chains may seem costly or even risky. But its striking long-term benefits and savings far outweigh the initial costs. Companies deploying intelligent logistics technologies within their fleets have fewer safety concerns, less staff compensation claims and more satisfied customers. With an eye on the long game, smart companies are employing IoT solutions to go beyond merely being ‘good’ at logistics: by mining IoT data, they’re investing in long-term returns for their businesses.

Gregg Abbate is the iLogistics key account manager of Advantech.