4 Innovations that would seriously affect Last-Mile Delivery

What does innovation usually mean?

Innovation is something that results in the introduction of new processes, ideas, technologies, and strategies and applies them in their respective fields to bring about advancement in the way of production, management, and delivery of goods and services. It also brings about significant improvements. Within supply chain management, such innovations are implemented throughout the procedure, which involves the implementation and development of creative solutions to address challenges, optimise performance, and enhance efficiency within the supply chain ecosystem. Within supply chain management, innovation is applied in a wide range of areas and in various different forms. Adoption of technologies, for instance, artificial intelligence, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, is mainly involved in such processes in order to improve operational processes and decision-making. It can also include the development of novel business models, collaboration strategies, and supply chain network designs that drive competitiveness and sustainability.

At its core, CG Logistics has the main aim of bringing innovation within the supply chain and its last-mile delivery processes for its clients in order to transform traditional practises and address limitations by leveraging emerging trends, cutting-edge solutions, and best tech-based practises. Such innovation encourages experimentation, the exploration of unconventional approaches, and continuous improvement in order to optimise the flow of goods, information, and capital across the supply chain. Here are the four key innovations within the last-mile delivery process of the supply chain that would seriously impact it tremendously.

1. Autonomous Vehicles and Drones

The introduction of autonomous vehicles and drones is one of the most significant disruptions noticed in the past few years within last-mile delivery. Such innovation offers the potential to minimise human error, enhance delivery efficiency, and reduce costs with the help of autonomous vehicles, including robots and self-driving vans. These autonomous vehicles leverage computer vision, artificial intelligence algorithms, and advanced sensors to navigate roads and deliver packages with precision. Furthermore, drones present an alternative mode of delivery, particularly for urban areas or remote locations where traditional vehicles face challenges.

Additionally, it is noted that these autonomous delivery vehicles come with lucrative advantages and significance. These autonomous delivery vehicles and drones could be operated around the clock, enabling more flexible and faster delivery options. They could be used to optimise route planning and traffic management, which could in turn help reduce environmental impact and minimise congestion issues. Additionally, they can improve last-mile accessibility by reaching areas that are otherwise difficult to serve, such as dense urban neighbourhoods or rural communities with limited infrastructure. However, despite such advantages, this innovation comes with certain limitations as well. For instance, public acceptance, safety concerns, regulatory frameworks, and many more

Nonetheless, at CGL, the continued development and implementation of autonomous vehicles and drones is provided to its clients, which hold immense potential for transforming last-mile delivery. CG Logistics, as an international logistics service provider, helps businesses leverage their resources and optimise the last-mile delivery process.

2. Delivery Robots and Personalised Lockers:

Another innovation making waves in last-mile delivery is the use of delivery robots and personalised lockers. Delivery robots, often resembling small autonomous vehicles or robots on wheels, can navigate sidewalks and pedestrian paths to deliver packages directly to consumers’ doorsteps. These robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and mapping capabilities to ensure safe and efficient navigation in urban environments. Delivery robots offer numerous benefits. They can carry smaller packages, reducing the need for large delivery vehicles and minimising traffic congestion. They can operate in pedestrian-only zones, which are common in urban areas, providing a more localised and convenient delivery experience. Moreover, they offer a contactless delivery option, enhancing safety and reducing human-to-human interaction.

In addition to delivery robots, personalised lockers are gaining popularity as an innovative last-mile delivery solution. These lockers are installed in strategic locations such as apartment complexes, office buildings, or public areas. Customers receive a unique code or digital key to access their designated locker, allowing them to collect their packages at their convenience. Personalised lockers eliminate the need for recipients to be present during delivery, providing greater flexibility and reducing missed delivery attempts.

Delivery robots and personalised lockers are examples of technology-driven solutions that address the challenges of last-mile delivery in urban areas. At CG Logistics, the best freight forwarding company, such innovations are provided to clients. By combining automation, convenience, and contactless delivery, these innovations are reshaping the landscape of package transportation.

3. Crowd shipping and peer-to-peer delivery:

Crowd shipping and peer-to-peer delivery platforms are leveraging the sharing economy model to transform last-mile delivery. By utilising spare capacity in personal vehicles, crowd shipping platforms offer an alternative to traditional courier services, enabling cost-effective and efficient delivery. In addition to this, these platforms connect individuals who are travelling from one location to another with those who need packages delivered along the same route. It is noted that crowdsourcing comes with various advantages and significances. It can reduce delivery costs by tapping into existing transportation networks and optimising route planning. It can also enhance delivery speed by leveraging the availability of travellers who are already heading in the desired direction. Furthermore, crowd-sourcing promotes sustainability by utilising existing resources and reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

Peer-to-peer delivery platforms also contribute to the growth of last-mile innovation. These platforms enable individuals to offer their services as couriers, providing on-demand delivery for local businesses or individuals. By leveraging the power of a decentralised network, peer-to-peer delivery facilitates faster, more flexible, and often more affordable last-mile services. However, despite these pros, innovation comes with challenges such as trust, security, and scalability that need to be addressed for crowd shipping and peer-to-peer delivery to reach their full potential.

CGL helps businesses overcome these obstacles, unlock the power of the sharing economy, and transform last-mile delivery into a collaborative and community-driven process by being the best logistics company in India.

4. Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time tracking

The Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time tracking technologies play a crucial role in optimising last-mile delivery operations. IoT devices, such as sensors and connected devices, enable the collection and exchange of data throughout the supply chain. Real-time tracking systems utilise this data to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the location, condition, and status of packages in transit. By integrating IoT and real-time tracking, companies gain valuable insights into their delivery processes. They can monitor the movement of packages, predict and address potential delays, and proactively communicate with customers regarding delivery updates. Real-time tracking enhances transparency and visibility, improving customer satisfaction and reducing inquiries related to delivery status.

Furthermore, IoT-enabled devices can facilitate smart delivery management systems. For example, smart lock systems can be installed at customers’ homes, allowing secure and convenient delivery even when recipients are not present. Delivery personnel can access these smart locks using unique codes or digital keys, ensuring that packages are safely stored and protected. As IoT and real-time tracking technologies continue to evolve, they will enable even more advanced capabilities in last-mile delivery. At CGL India, the cargo transportation company, by optimising route planning to enhance inventory management, the company could unlock the potential to revolutionise the efficiency and effectiveness of last-mile operations.