Determining locations and layouts for parcel lockers to support supply chain viability at the last mile

Multi-Criteria Simulation-Optimization Analysis of Usage of Automated Parcel Lockers: A Practical Approach

“…The suggested APL system's location, i.e., 24/7 minimarkets, would minimize walking time for the pick-up procedure by 20% to 47%, depending on post office locations in relation to online shoppers' dwellings. Many new challenges emerged as a consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, for example, governments have sanctioned restrictions such as lockdowns, causing supply chain shocks at multiple levels [42]. Additionally, due to the temporary spike in mail order demand during the lockdowns, delivery services reached their capacity limits [42].…”

“…Many new challenges emerged as a consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, for example, governments have sanctioned restrictions such as lockdowns, causing supply chain shocks at multiple levels [42]. Additionally, due to the temporary spike in mail order demand during the lockdowns, delivery services reached their capacity limits [42]. Utilizing (outdoor) parcel lockers where customers can pick up their orders whenever they want while maintaining physical distance is one way to support supply chain viability at the last-mile delivery tier [42].…”

“…Additionally, due to the temporary spike in mail order demand during the lockdowns, delivery services reached their capacity limits [42]. Utilizing (outdoor) parcel lockers where customers can pick up their orders whenever they want while maintaining physical distance is one way to support supply chain viability at the last-mile delivery tier [42]. It is well known that the location selection of such lockers is crucial to their success.…”

“…It is well known that the location selection of such lockers is crucial to their success. Another crucial issue is the need to accommodate the (uncertain) customer demand for various commodities in the compartment structure of the parcel lockers [42]. One optimization problem is created by combining the planning problems [42].…”

“…Another crucial issue is the need to accommodate the (uncertain) customer demand for various commodities in the compartment structure of the parcel lockers [42]. One optimization problem is created by combining the planning problems [42]. Given a budget in which to invest, the goal is to maximize a linear function (e.g., expected profits) of the covered demand.…”