Customer demand has reached a breaking point with the boost in e-commerce, with options like next-day or same-day delivery becoming commonplace, writes Jon White, Chief Commercial Officer EMEA, at InXpress. To meet these demands and have packages delivered in record time, automation is imperative to revolutionise last-mile delivery.
Last-mile delivery is the most critical step in the process when a parcel has moved from a transportation hub toward its final destination. Logistics and supply chains are undergoing a radical transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics, working towards reaching customer demands. To meet these growing expectations, logistic providers must optimise aspects of their supply chain and utilise automation at every step. Gartner reports that measuring customer satisfaction will be the most valuable metric for strategic decisions, according to 69% of respondents to its ‘Gartner Future of Supply Chain’ Survey.
Click to doorstep: automation delivered
AI technology and automation in last-mile delivery helps to meet customer needs. Many technologies are being developed and becoming readily available to help speed up the process, reduce costs and manual labour, and keep the process more sustainable. Innovative technologies can help to provide faster and more efficient services in last-mile delivery. AI helps to transform the process while remaining responsive to consumer needs.
Jon White, InXpress
Below are some popular automation solutions and methods that are being used regularly and achieving success across last-mile delivery:
Self-driving robots
Humans can’t do it all. To meet the growing demand for delivery, logistics companies have recruited delivery robots. These autonomous robots have emerged in recent years, giving a glimpse into the future of last-mile delivery and how far it could go. Delivery robots are designed to transport goods over short distances and to reach the recipient in record time once the order has been placed. Each robot is equipped with the right technology so it can be suited to its environment and the task it’s been assigned to. It includes advancements like tracking so that every step can be watched in case of any complications reaching its destination including sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence capabilities. These self-driving robots aren’t designed to replace humans completely but rather, they distribute the load and cover short distances so logistic providers can focus on delivering other heavier and larger packages.
Automated delivery management platforms
Automated platforms that manage last-mile deliveries take advantage of AI and machine learning to orchestrate and successfully carry out delivery planning. Many logistic providers have incorporated management applications and software into their strategy so they can provide end-to-end automation of the delivery process. It helps to cater to the influx of deliveries, storing the data and ironing out all the logistics so every delivery is in order and on track at the right time. The management platforms can automate tedious tasks such as printing shipping labels, dispatching packages, and delivering them reliably. Streamlining the processes improves delivery times with faster options becoming available and increasing customer satisfaction.
AI-powered real-time tracking
Customers are eager to understand where their packages are once their order has been placed. With real-time tracking, powered by AI and machine learning, it is possible now. Real-time tracking provides predictive analytics, allowing companies to anticipate potential disruptions and streamline operations. Real-time visibility also allows logistic managers to make data-driven decisions, improving efficiency and visibility for customers on the other end. It also pleases the customers as they can watch every step of their delivery, from the warehouse to their front door. The options for automation in last-mile delivery are endless but there is still a lot of work to be done. Logistics providers work relentlessly to discover the latest technology that can tackle this and meet demand.
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