The Last Mile

FountainBlue’s May 8 VIP Roundtable was on the topic of ‘The Last Mile’. We were fortunate to have a diverse range of executives in attendance who shared a wide range of perspectives around the last mile opportunities and challenges.

There were discussions about the challenges for delivering products and services to the last mile and the complexity of tasks necessary to make this happen, including navigating (often crowded, inconsistent and poor) road conditions, and the contact-less movement of parcels for the sake of efficiency and safety. 

Our executives agreed that most of the expense and resources are around delivery to the last mile, and of that distance, the delivery to that last 100 meters – from the curbside to the right door, to the right person. 

Solutions ranged from simulations to robotics to drones, all taking into account privacy and security issues, all leveraging AI and data to optimize results. Below are predictions on how we will be delivering to the last mile going forward.

• There may be more of an emphasis on commercial vehicles rather than on autonomous driving. 
• There may be smaller and more frequent deliveries.
• Enabling people to better work from home is not just relevant now, but also for the foreseeable future as the Future of Work has fundamentally changed.
• Simulations of how we move and travel might help companies and leaders better plan for last mile deliveries.
• AR/VR solutions might help companies serve their customers in their homes and businesses, without having to be physically present to do so.
• Software and automation might help customers to personalize and troubleshoot on their own, with contact-less support.
• Rural areas which have previously been beyond the reach of delivery services may soon receive deliveries to the door.
• The use of lockers might become more popular, allowing delivery services to deliver to a local store or market rather than directly to the door of the customer.
• Leveraging the data around how we commute and travel will help us better plan optimal transit options for workers and citizens.

Our final thoughts were around how we can all plan better to serve more people, including those in most need. Every company, every leader, no matter the background or industry, must be a digital leader, to better serve everyone in that last mile.

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