The Impact of Last Mile

Transform the final stage of your distribution operations and reduce your cpp

Last mile operations are a critical phase of a delivery process and can directly impact network efficiency and customer satisfaction while being a significant cost driver for businesses.

By automating the last mile network, parcel companies can increase efficiency, optimize their workforce and reduce their delivery cost per parcel (cpp).

Learn more about how automation can convert critical elements into key benefits for your business.

Parcel sorting with real-time tracking

Automation enables real-time tracking, minimizing the chances of lost or misplaced parcels, which reduces operational costs associated with customer complaints and refunds. Real-time tracking, along with image capture linked to parcel barcodes, enhances security and ensures safe handling and delivery, providing customers with peace of mind.

Visibility and insights

Parcel tracking combined with data collection and analysis enable visibility into operations for valuable insights. Parcel companies can identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, leading to more efficient and cost-effective delivery processes.

Labor

The shortage of labor for the parcel and distribution industries has been a significant challenge for companies. The limited availability of workers for mundane, repetitive, and difficult tasks can have an impact and cause delays; at the same time, the scarcity of employees can lead to increased labor costs. Automation plays a significant role in addressing labor shortages, especially in certain assignments. Shifting from manual operations to an automated sortation flow is a need for companies that want to prevent high turnover, optimize their workforce and have more efficient and safe operation.

Shipping invoice

The determination of price based on size and weight is a key aspect for couriers. Automated Dimensioning Weighing and Scanning (legal-for-trade) enables businesses to automatically calculate the correct shipping cost of a parcel, generate the invoice, and amend it when necessary. The automated process also ensures zero pressure, with gentle and secure handling during the process.

More time in delivery

Ensuring prompt delivery time is vital to meeting customer expectations. Efficient and fast last mile operations can lead to substantial time savings, with less time spent at the depot and more time for the final delivery and pick-up.

Peak season

Optimal automation enhances operational flexibility and scalability. By implementing automated last mile delivery strategies, businesses can scale their operations, leading to a more agile and competitive business model. By properly sizing the system, it is possible to handle the peak without having to draw on more personnel, while during the rest of the year, the system operates at the necessary productivity. The system adapts to productivity needs, and during peak season, the loading and unloading areas can work up to three times faster.

Footprint

Technology and automation can help companies optimize parcel flows, and consequently, operational footprint. An optimized automated system layout, especially a bi-directional sorting solution that can handle parcels both in inbound and outbound flow on the same line, can improve operational efficiency, lower the footprint and free up space for other collateral depot activities. Additionally, it offers the benefit of being implemented at any time with business growth without the need for additional space.