Parcel Locker in Last-mile Delivery
Project Description
The rapid expansion of e-commerce has revolutionized the retail landscape, offering unprecedented convenience to consumers and significant opportunities for businesses. However, this growth has also intensified the challenges associated with last-mile delivery, the final step in the logistics chain where goods are transported from a distribution hub to the end consumer. According to the World Economic Forum, last-mile delivery activities are anticipated to contribute to a 21% increase in traffic congestion and a 32% rise in carbon emissions globally by 2030. These projections underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the logistics sector.
One promising innovation in addressing these challenges is the implementation of parcel locker systems. These systems serve as alternative pickup points for customers, effectively decoupling the delivery and pickup processes. By consolidating multiple home deliveries into centralized locker stations, parcel lockers can significantly enhance the efficiency of delivery operations. This approach not only improves the success rate of deliveries by reducing missed delivery attempts but also mitigates the environmental impact by decreasing the number of delivery vehicles on the road. Consequently, parcel lockers represent a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of a sustainable last-mile delivery system.
In this project, we aim to delve deeper into the dynamics of customer behavior to optimize locker turnover and enhance user experience. This research is guided by two primary objectives:
(1) Locker Turnover Optimization: We will investigate the factors contributing to pickup delays, such as the distance between lockers and customers' homes, the grace period allowed for pickup, and the timing of parcel deposits. By analyzing these elements, we aim to propose operational adjustments, such as reducing free dwell time or better coordinating deposit and pickup schedules, to improve turnover rates.
(2) Behavioral Insights: We will compare usage patterns between different locker systems, specifically focusing on Pick Network and private lockers. This analysis will help identify policy measures, such as adjusting free storage durations, that could enhance locker efficiency.
This project is conducted in collaboration with Singapore Pick Network, a key player in the parcel locker industry. Through this partnership, we have gained access to a comprehensive dataset of locker transactions, which provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and locker usage patterns. The collaboration with Pick Network not only enriches our research with real-world data but also offers a platform for implementing and testing the proposed operational strategies in a practical setting.
The partnership underscores a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable logistics solutions. By combining academic research with industry expertise, we aim to develop actionable insights that can be applied to optimize locker systems, thereby contributing to the broader goal of sustainable urban logistics. This collaboration sets the stage for a synergistic exchange of knowledge and innovations, ultimately driving improvements in both locker efficiency and user experience.
One promising innovation in addressing these challenges is the implementation of parcel locker systems. These systems serve as alternative pickup points for customers, effectively decoupling the delivery and pickup processes. By consolidating multiple home deliveries into centralized locker stations, parcel lockers can significantly enhance the efficiency of delivery operations. This approach not only improves the success rate of deliveries by reducing missed delivery attempts but also mitigates the environmental impact by decreasing the number of delivery vehicles on the road. Consequently, parcel lockers represent a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of a sustainable last-mile delivery system.
In this project, we aim to delve deeper into the dynamics of customer behavior to optimize locker turnover and enhance user experience. This research is guided by two primary objectives:
(1) Locker Turnover Optimization: We will investigate the factors contributing to pickup delays, such as the distance between lockers and customers' homes, the grace period allowed for pickup, and the timing of parcel deposits. By analyzing these elements, we aim to propose operational adjustments, such as reducing free dwell time or better coordinating deposit and pickup schedules, to improve turnover rates.
(2) Behavioral Insights: We will compare usage patterns between different locker systems, specifically focusing on Pick Network and private lockers. This analysis will help identify policy measures, such as adjusting free storage durations, that could enhance locker efficiency.
This project is conducted in collaboration with Singapore Pick Network, a key player in the parcel locker industry. Through this partnership, we have gained access to a comprehensive dataset of locker transactions, which provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and locker usage patterns. The collaboration with Pick Network not only enriches our research with real-world data but also offers a platform for implementing and testing the proposed operational strategies in a practical setting.
The partnership underscores a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable logistics solutions. By combining academic research with industry expertise, we aim to develop actionable insights that can be applied to optimize locker systems, thereby contributing to the broader goal of sustainable urban logistics. This collaboration sets the stage for a synergistic exchange of knowledge and innovations, ultimately driving improvements in both locker efficiency and user experience.
Supervisor
LYU, Guodong
Quota
2
Course type
UROP3200
Applicant's Roles
(1) Data Analysis: The applicant will be responsible for analyzing the locker transaction data provided by Singapore Pick Network. This involves identifying patterns and factors affecting locker turnover and consumer pickup behavior.
(2) Operational Recommendations: Based on the analysis, the applicant will develop recommendations for operational changes, such as adjustments to free dwell times and coordination of deposit/pickup schedules, to optimize locker turnover.
(3) Collaboration and Implementation: The applicant will work closely with Singapore Pick Network to implement and test proposed strategies.
(4) Reporting and Presentation: The applicant will prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including academic and industry partners.
(2) Operational Recommendations: Based on the analysis, the applicant will develop recommendations for operational changes, such as adjustments to free dwell times and coordination of deposit/pickup schedules, to optimize locker turnover.
(3) Collaboration and Implementation: The applicant will work closely with Singapore Pick Network to implement and test proposed strategies.
(4) Reporting and Presentation: The applicant will prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including academic and industry partners.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
(1) Develop Analytical Skills: Gain expertise in analyzing large datasets to derive meaningful insights into consumer behavior and operational efficiency.
(2) Understand Last-Mile Logistics: Acquire a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in last-mile delivery, particularly the role of parcel lockers in sustainable logistics.
(3) Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities: Learn to identify problems and develop practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
(4) Improve Communication Skills: Develop the ability to effectively communicate complex findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including academic peers and industry professionals.
(5) Experience Industry Collaboration: Gain firsthand experience in collaborating with industry partners, understanding the dynamics of academic-industry partnerships, and applying research in practical contexts.
(6) Contribute to Sustainability: Learn about sustainable logistics practices and contribute to the development of solutions that reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency in the logistics sector.
(2) Understand Last-Mile Logistics: Acquire a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in last-mile delivery, particularly the role of parcel lockers in sustainable logistics.
(3) Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities: Learn to identify problems and develop practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
(4) Improve Communication Skills: Develop the ability to effectively communicate complex findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including academic peers and industry professionals.
(5) Experience Industry Collaboration: Gain firsthand experience in collaborating with industry partners, understanding the dynamics of academic-industry partnerships, and applying research in practical contexts.
(6) Contribute to Sustainability: Learn about sustainable logistics practices and contribute to the development of solutions that reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency in the logistics sector.
Complexity of the project
Moderate