Integration of Hi-tech Advancements in the Supply Chain- Making Last-Mile Deliveries a Smooth Ride

The technological bloom across the globe has elevated business prospects for nearly all sectors. Digitization has augmented the demand for online presence and the convenience of the same is increasing sales for businesses. According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, global e-commerce jumped to 267 trillion during the covid-19 pandemic. Thus, a plethora of options along with the ease of buying from the comfort of home has burdened the supply chain management system to ensure efficient last-mile delivery.

The demand for e-commerce deliveries increased by 25% during the pandemic as people showed a growing inclination toward buying goods online. This, in turn, demanded a smooth delivery system that satisfied the product delivery criteria for both manufacturers and customers. According to Future Market Insights, the supply chain management market is expected to register a CAGR of 11.4% by garnering a market value of US$ 62.6 Bn by the end of 2031. This is owing to the technological advancement in buying products along with an assurance of safe product delivery.

The integration of technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics is further making the overall last-mile delivery a smooth process and offering deliveries according to the demand of consumers. Thus, in this blog, we discuss, the changing dynamics of last-mile delivery and how manufacturers are ensuring flawless deliveries.

How is Technology Increasing the Efficiency of Last-Mile Delivery?

As most people were stuck at home for long periods, grocery shopping witnessed an all-time increase during the time of the pandemic. The demand for everyday essentials to be delivered immediately played a vital role in shaping the effectiveness of last-mile delivery. To curb the spread of the virus, contactless deliveries along with sanitized products gained prominence. Thus, companies increased their reliance on technology and seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence to ensure safe and sanitized product deliveries.

For instance, in March 2022, FedEx redesigned and modified Roxo, the SameDayBot for efficient last-mile delivery. Roxo uses artificial intelligence and an array of sensors that help in making safer deliveries. It easily interacts with the real world as it has an inbuilt 360-degree redundant sensor. Roxo does not require human intervention but in case of emergencies, remote operators can communicate with people around Roxo through cameras, speakers, and microphones. The company is focusing on delivering products efficiently irrespective of the design of the location. Thus, Roxo can not only deliver products to doorsteps but can also climb terrace steps and walk smoothly on sidewalks. These features of the bot are making it user-friendly to maximize the delivery of products and in turn assure faster and safer delivery of the same.

The integration of technology in last-mile deliveries is not only ensuring on-time deliveries but also is annihilating any space for mistakes by rectifying the same at an early stage. Thus, companies are focusing on using technology to meet demands that require quick, immediate, or on-time deliveries.

Use of Mobile Applications – Ensuring On-Time Deliveries!

The increasing presence of online business ventures along with the demand for on-time delivery is playing a key role in increasing the efficiency of last-mile delivery.

As the increase for food and medicines is constantly upsurging, manufacturers are using mobile applications to track products and reduce shipment costs by gaining information on routes with the help of GPS systems present in mobile applications. In addition, the use of machine learning is helping manufacturers to prepare analytical reports to analyze the problems during deliveries. This, in turn, is helping manufacturers to gain knowledge to reduce the chances of delays during delivery.

For instance, Track-POD offers a mobile application that possesses multiple features to provide an easy-to-use experience to manufacturers. The company is focusing on cutting down transport costs as the application possesses a route optimization feature. This feature consists of scheduling tools that help the manufacturers gauge the overall situation of the delivery even before the product is sent out. The in-built GPS predicts the required time for delivery and helps in vehicle tracking and routing in case of traffic congestion. The application also saves information and prepares analytical reports to understand fleet and route optimization along with safer delivery management.

Conclusion: Error-Free Future for Last-Mile Deliveries

The operating paradigm of last-mile deliveries is continually evolving due to an increase in demand for contactless deliveries and diverse demand from end-user sectors to ensure safe delivery. Manufacturers are working on lowering shipping costs by mainly depending on useful mobile applications that allow them to follow the real-time position of their items. In the future, artificial intelligence and machine learning are projected to take center stage for last-mile delivery, since their integration ensures error-free deliveries. As a result, the entire cost of shipment is reduced.

The future of last-mile delivery will no longer be a bumpy ride because every minute requirements such as managing drivers, coordinating with customers, traffic congestion, and the availability of accurate equipment for unloading goods, as well as ensuring safe delivery, will be addressed before dispatching products. As more consumers resort to online purchasing, goods manufacturers and online merchants are working on providing seamless last-mile delivery.