The ‘last mile’ issue in the logistics sector could become less of a concern to courier services as a result of the launch of an innovative product designed to make parcel management far more efficient.
The last mile of the supply chain is often the least efficient, costing as much as 28 percent of the total delivery. With the last mile dilemma growing concurrently with rising ecommerce sales, a solution that can decrease costs for couriers is paramount.
Recognising this need, The Safety Letterbox Company – the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of secure mail solutions – has launched a new range of products designed to revolutionise parcel management and subsequently, lower costs for couriers by eliminating the inefficiency of the last mile.
As part of the German Group RENZ – a European leader in mail and parcel delivery – The Safety Letterbox Company, based in Neath, has launched its new high-tech range of parcel box products, which are the first of their kind to be introduced to the UK market. The innovative products have been developed to cater to the increasing popularity of online shopping, providing greater efficiency and convenience surrounding parcel management.
Closed systems currently exist for parcel deliveries between a single parcel delivery service and consumers. However, The Safety Letterbox Company is responding to a gap in the market for an open system for parcel delivery and returns solutions. Any delivery service can deposit a parcel via the intelligent parcel boxes and those receiving their parcel can collect it from the parcel box unit 24/7. This has many advantages for couriers, as it drastically reduces the number of missed deliveries, repeat returns to the same address, as well as the amount of time spent delivering an item at a property.
The intelligent parcel box units – which can be installed in all manner of buildings and combined with mailboxes – enable residents to receive and send parcels with ease from their own residence, making it an attractive feature for both consumers and couriers. The units also remove the inconvenience of having to return a parcel to the post office or via another inefficient returns method as the parcel box units provide a returns option.
Through implementing the latest technology, complex logistical processes can be easily managed through the creation of the integrated myRENZbox system. This online system uses the RENZ internet portal, myRENZ app and the unit’s touch screen display functions so consumers, building managers, parcel delivery services and other service providers can network with ease around deliveries and collections. Parcel box occupancy can also be monitored online, so authorised parties know whether a box is available or not. This feature means couriers can reserve a parcel box ready for a parcel to be delivered, saving significant time and increasing the amount of deliveries that can be made.
Through the parcel box unit system, residents are authenticated by the myRENZ app, electronic key chip or by inputting a personal PIN via the unit’s touch screen display. It is then possible to select between ‘collection’, ‘return shipment’ or ‘delivery’ functions for the required service.
This latest launch extends The Safety Letterbox Company’s impressive offering of high-end, secure and innovative products and services. Parcel boxes can be stylishly designed by The Safety Letterbox Company in a range of materials and colours to suit the look of the desired residence.
Alison Orrells, managing director of The Safety Letterbox Company, said:
“This could really overhaul the issues and subsequent costs faced by couriers due to the last mile problem. These intelligent technologies make parcel deliveries more efficient and streamlined, bettering the logistical needs of couriers and as a consequence, increasing customer satisfaction, as more consumers are receiving their parcels on time and at their own convenience.
“Leaving a ‘sorry we missed you card’ and making a repeat delivery, having to find a neighbour to take a parcel, or leaving a parcel in a potentially unsecure location, are now a thing of the past. The system is incredibly flexible and will therefore enable courier companies to function far more effectively while saving substantial costs.”
