How to make your last-mile delivery super easy

What is last-mile delivery in a supply chain?

First, it is useful to explain what a supply chain is and what is the process available. Then you can easily understand what the last mile is and what is last mile delivery operation.

What is a Supply chain?

A supply chain is a flow of goods, information, money, and other resources which is start from the raw material supplier and ends with the final customer. A supply chain process includes purchasing, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, customer service, demand planning, supply planning, and supply chain management.

What is the last mile of a supply chain?

The last mile is an ending part of a supply chain. Most of the time it is the delivery of goods for the final customer or destination. The origin point of the supply chain is called the first mile and the Final point is called the Last mile.

What is Last-mile Delivery?

The destination delivery process is named last-mile delivery in supply chain management. It is the most challenging part of the supply chain. Last mile related cost is higher than other parts of a supply chain. But the most important part is the last mile delivery due to most of the time customer satisfaction depends on the last mile delivery process.

Now you have a better idea of Last Mile delivery. Let’s move into the 7 steps of last-mile delivery Operation.

Steps of Last-mile Delivery operation

Supplier’s order request data enter into the carrier’s operation system which handles the delivery process
Relevant order is transport to the hub of transportation
A delivery person assigns to send a package with shipment details, the Customer’s address, route, location
Packages need to scan the purpose of recording data
Load the package into a vehicle that provides last-mile delivery service
The package delivers to the right customer
A delivery person keeping records of shipment updates details

How to optimize Last mile delivery?

Use a centralized system for keeping records of data
Collect and analyze data to improve business decisions and optimize the delivery process
In the delivery, the process needs to automate technology
Improve transparency throughout the supply chain
Need to analyze delivery efficiency as real customer need
Keeping flexible delivery services

Use new technology for route planning and optimum utilization of routes
Better training is given to customer handling persons to increase customer satisfaction and returning process or other responsiveness.

How to select the right last-mile delivery software for your e-business?

Business type and size-Need to analyze your business type and size.
Cost-When selecting software it must be an affordable cost to your company.
Network Coverage-areas that you need to cover
Reliability-software should reliable
More payment options-cash for delivery, E-wallets, bank transfers, etc.
Visibility
Proof Of Delivery
Customer Support-Customer requirements, higher responsiveness of customer, return of a shipment,
Real-time information sharing through alerts, notifications, SMS, and email of the customer

What are the new trends in last-mile delivery in 2023?

Fast processing of orders.
Shipment traceability improving
Using in-house delivery service for last mile
Using new smart technology for last mile
Use self-driven vehicles for delivery
Use Robots for delivery service
Drones in last-mile logistics
Contactless Delivery service
Establishing more urban warehouses
Use hybrid Fleet systems
Maintain micro warehouses

Common errors of the last-mile delivery operation

Human errors
Wrong labeling
Wrong inventory count
Misplaced items
wrong items picking and sending
number of items may be wrong compared to the customer’s required amount
Incorrect stokes
Delivery address wrong
Items not received on time
Damages during the delivery operation
Poor route planning
Errors in drivers’ side

How to prevent common mistakes in last-mile delivery operation

Need to double-check information every shipment
Offer more shipping options
Choose a more reliable delivery service company
Implement an automated warehouse system
Implement a good returns process
Use a bar code system or RFID system (Radio-Frequency Identification)
Use last-mile delivery software
Regular inventory checking and product location checks
Use tracking system

Causes of error or bad delivery process in last mile operations

Human errors in the goods receiving process in the warehouse-When handling thousands of goods in a warehouse it is most challenging to employees to employees at the warehouse.
Not using an automated system for picking the products-Picking process recordings traditional paper base system may have been mistaken. To avoid that mistake you can use a label-based system with RFID systems or barcodes.
Not having proper auditing or verification system in the warehouse.
After the picking of goods auditor needs to record and confirm an order. When using the warehouse management system verify the selected SKU s and order descriptions.
Without a proper process of auditing in the warehouse, there is a possibility of mixing up before reaching the distribution hub.
Poor route planning and errors of drivers.
Inaccurate mapping details and human errors of the drivers make the delivery delay or the wrong place of delivery.

How to enhance delivery accuracy

Pick, package, and deliver the right products at the right time

Why use last-mile delivery software for logistics operations?

To enhance customer satisfaction.
For smooth delivery operations
Last-mile operation cost reduces
Use resources at an optimum level
Effective and efficient delivery operation
Ultimately give a better customer experience of buying goods
Additionally, customers are able to track their shipment with proof of delivery
With the positive impact of customer satisfaction, repeat customers enhance the business

What is last-mile delivery software?

Last mile delivery operations are more complicated with more customers with more orders so need to arrange many routes while fast delivery with cost savings. Nowadays with the development of technology able to use software to overcome last-mile delivery challenges.