The relationship between logistics and tracking in the modern shopping experience is important. The industry is growing at a rapid rate, and the current infrastructure is proving insufficient in several ways. A smart solution that has been gaining traction is the use of delivery drones. The questions of how viable drones are, the advantages they provide, and consumer reception to their use will be answered in this piece.
Drones As A Logistics Solution
Consumers want convenience and safety for their purchases. This is why package delivery is such a massive industry. The large online stores and international shipping companies have a monopoly on long-distance transit for packages. There is not much use for drones at this level. However, there is a demand for better delivery methods during the final stretch of delivery, from the last checkpoint to the customer’s doorstep. Drones are a highly regarded solution as the industry rethinks how items are brought to people’s doorsteps, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
How Drones Can Reinvent Last Mile Delivery ?
For the most part, deliveries to customers are handled by delivery drivers in vans or cars. In more rural areas, motorbikes are the preferred vehicle. Research indicates that drones are faster, cheaper, and cleaner than any delivery vehicle. Prototype trials of delivery by a drone show significant reductions in wait time. Speed of delivery is only one aspect that drones improve. Here are some others:
It is much cheaper than alternative delivery techniques
The calculated cost of the last stage of delivering a parcel makes up nearly half of the entire transit. Delivery drones are projected to be only as expensive as delivery drivers. This projection is mainly because of the initial cost that comes from switching to a novel solution with limited access and infrastructure. In the long term, delivery drones are significantly cheaper.
Improved tracking and delivery oversight
The current methods of package delivery can only update the status of a parcel in transit at set checkpoints. Between the last checkpoint and the customer’s doorstep, the package cannot be tracked directly. This is not good enough for many consumers, especially as the last stage of delivery is the most risk-prone. Drone delivery completely removes this issue because tracking software is built into the drones. Therefore, the customer will be able to monitor the progress of their parcel in real-time.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion
Within the next ten years, last-mile delivery is anticipated to double in volume and value due to demand increases. This will cause significant increases in carbon emissions, especially in populated cities. On the other hand, drone-based delivery methods are more environmentally friendly than vehicles. Even though drones will only be useful for small packages, this is still a very significant amount. For example, food delivery is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the industry, and most food packages are small enough to be carried by drones.
What Do Customers Think About Drone Delivery ?
All the advantages of drone delivery will be meaningless if customers do not like them. Many surveys have been carried out to get public opinion on the use of drones. Most of the feedback is positive. However, many people have genuine worries about drones. Many first responders have questions about how safe drones are. In addition, drones can be affected by harsh weather.Many say they would be open to delivery by drones, but would still prefer delivery drivers. Most people also accept that drone deliveries will eventually become the new normal, even if they are not too happy about it.
Even though it is still in its experimental stage, the benefits of the delivery drone are clear. Improvements will be made to design and safety, and they will become the common method of last-mile delivery.
