Last-mile delivery has witnessed technological advancements, which have given it a push in recent years. These include ADVs ranging from drones to ground-based robots that navigate autonomously for delivery at the last-mile. In the next three to five years, we are likely to see large, semiautonomous delivery vehicles that follow human staff during delivery.
-Abigail Mathias
Incorporating new technology in the last-mile journey comes with its complexities, particularly regarding address accuracy and delivery resequencing. Achieving native integration with the entire ecosystem and managing associated costs are key areas we monitor. When deployed successfully, technology speeds up last-mile deliveries cost-effectively. It streamlines operations and minimises errors, leading to more efficient and reliable service.
Additionally, technology also enhances the customer satisfaction by making sure that all of the deliveries have been delivered to the right destination at the right time, with the assistance of the tracking system rather than calling the driver for an update.
The challenges are mostly on the technical side, while incorporating and adding new features to such platforms that offer last-mile delivery because it is a sector that can always be enhanced with features to make the experience better for the costumer so we can build the loyalty between the two. The other challenge would be the adaptation of the user to the new technology. Since shipping/last-mile delivery has been there for a long time, people have been used to a specific way of dealing of shipping, so whenever a new technology is introduced, it would require a lot of time and education to change the user’s habit.
Technology is a boon for speeding up last-mile deliveries. AI-driven route optimisation, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimise carbon emissions. These advancements ensure timely deliveries and improve customer satisfaction.
However, it is crucial to secure data to protect customer privacy and maintain trust. Proper data security measures are essential to leverage these technological benefits fully.
AI-driven route optimisation and real-time tracking transforms LMD
Yasser Zahreddine, Country General Manager, SMSA Express
Technology is an enabler that plays a critical role to enhance efficiency and sustain operations. It helps to reduce costs with real-time updates and visibility. Technology’s role in last-mile delivery extends beyond cost reduction to become an adaptable tool with the advent of the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). It can forecast issues, provide solutions, optimise practices and help to determine efficient business practices.
With the rise of B2C and e-commerce space, seamless integration between a good delivery partner and e-commerce platform is crucial for providing visibility and monitoring the end-customer experience. Advanced technology provides all the above-mentioned benefits and could also be disruptive when the new technology cannot harmonise with all systems in place. Real-time tracking also raises the concern about privacy and data security.
Technology integral to our operations, especially in last mile
Francoise Russo, Chief Technology Officer, Aramex
In the logistics and transportation sector, technology plays a pivotal role in optimising the last-mile delivery (LMD) segment. At the company, advanced technology is integral to our operations, particularly in the last mile where we deploy it to drive operational efficiency and to improve customer experience.
We leverage advanced technologies such as maps and geocoding, live tracking, and Artificial Intelligence, and we collaborate with senior partners in this space in order to enhance last mile deliveries. These advanced technologies enable accurate last-mile delivery windows, time definite delivery service, real-time tracking, and proactive communication with customers via chatbots and automated scheduling.Additionally, the compani is also beginning to adopt green technology in order to reduce carbon emissions as part of our sustainability goals.
Leveraging AI for route optimisation, providing real-time data strategic
Imrah R Chizyuka, Director, Digital Adoption and Strategy, Soft Freight Logic (SFL Tech)
Technology is crucial in addressing operational inefficiencies, load planning, and data gaps in last-mile deliveries. For logistics operators, leveraging Artificial Intelligence for route optimisation and providing real-time data is strategic. Implementation of advanced technology can enhance last-mile deliveries, offering increased efficiency, transparency, agility, and cost savings.
However, many organisations in this segment adopt advanced technology based on immediate requirements, resulting in short-term gains without achieving transformative impact. Some of the challenges include complex integrations, vendor dependencies, and performance monitoring. The sector often relies on third-party providers, adding complexity to the door-to-door shipments. For asset-owned operations, high technology ownership costs, platform integrations, and workforce adaptation among others pose significant challenges.
Chatbots, shipper portals provide real-time shipment tracking
Fahad Al Salhi, Chief Solutions Officer, AJEX Logistics Services
Technology is a game changer in the last mile sector. By leveraging innovations such as GPS, AI, and IoT at AJEX Logistics Services, we ensure real-time tracking, precise delivery time predictions, reduce operational costs, and improve customer satisfaction through real-time updates and seamless communication. For example, our adoption of tools such as chatbots, shipper portals, and mobile applications simplify order placement and provide real-time shipment tracking.
AI-powered algorithms analyse historical data to predict shipping times and anticipate delays, enabling proactive planning and informed decision-making. Our dedication to automating warehousing solutions and integrating advanced technologies for inventory management and order processing further elevates service quality. Technologies such as real-time monitoring and temperature mapping are vital for firms such as healthcare and maintaining security and integrity of products throughout the last-mile delivery.
Technology enhances delivery by pinpointing location, pin codes
Ali Javaheri, CEO, Shiplifier
Technology plays a significant role in the last-mile delivery segment. Technology helps us dictate the exact location of the receiver via online maps giving us the opportunity to send the product from the closest warehouse or shows us, which route is the best or the nearest to use to reduce our carbon footprint.
Advanced technology enhances last-mile delivery by reducing the amount of communication needed to deliver the product, which is beneficial in logistics sector as it would save a lot of time when delivery features are optimised to having live tracking to track his/her order and for building trust between the client and owner. Introducing technology to LMD services have their own disadvantages: Privacy and security of information traded online such as payments and items delivered technology bugs and crashes.
Accurate times possible only through real-time tracking
Dhruv Agrawal, COO and Co-Founder, Shipsy
Technology, particularly AI and automation, is revolutionising LMD. AI-driven dynamic route optimisation enables real-time adjustments, ensuring faster and efficient deliveries, while reducing fuel costs. Optimised routing and load planning reduce emissions by minimising unnecessary mileage. ML algorithms analyse delivery patterns forecast the efficient routes, minimising delays and enhancing customer satisfaction. AI-powered real-time tracking and predictive analytics provide customers with accurate delivery times, improving transparency and trust.
Advanced technologies such as AI, automation and predictive intelligence are empowering businesses across the world to plan supply chain operations based on real-time data, unearth cost optimisation pockets, reduce miles driven and make miles traveled greener. AI-powered intelligence helps validate addresses against a database, auto-correct pin/area codes using geospatial data, and identify the nearest serviceable codes.
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