Supply–Demand Matching of Smart Parcel Lockers in a Residential Area: Insights from Tianjin

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of self-service facilities (SSFs) in residential areas worldwide. Previous studies on SSFs mainly focused on their application in commercial or other scenarios. However, SSFs in residential areas have not been thoroughly studied. This study develops an analytical framework for assessing both the supply and demand for SSFs in residential areas. The study evaluates 2693 residential communities and 479 smart parcel lockers (SPLs) in Tianjin, China. The results show that the high-demand area for SPLs is within 300 m of home, while the high-supply area is 300–600 m from home. Further analysis using the Gini coefficient and location quotient shows that the top 20% of the population have access to 80% of SPLs, and most residential communities experience an oversupply. Our study suggests that a mismatch between the supply and demand of SPLs may result in massive public space waste, resource waste, and inequity. Given the many uncertainties of the future, this study highlights the need to consider the dynamic supply–demand relationship of SSFs. This may encourage urban planners, policymakers, and experts in other related disciplines to work towards a more service-efficient and equitable utilization of SSFs in residential areas.

New Life in the Countryside: Conservation and Sustainability of Vernacular Architectural Facade Characteristics in the Jiangnan Region, China

“…The vernacular architecture in the Jiangnan region occupies an important position in China's architectural history, which is closely related to the regional culture and geographical characteristics of Jiangnan. Both the internal layout of the architecture and the external form of the architecture are extremely rich in cultural meaning [22]. Jiangnan refers to the area south of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China, which has a well-developed water system and is known as the "Water Town of Jiangnan".…”

Performance Analysis of Automated Parcel Lockers in Urban Delivery: Combined Agent-Based–Monte Carlo Simulation Approach

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Optimizing Last-Mile Delivery: A Multi-Criteria Approach with Automated Smart Lockers, Capillary Distribution and Crowdshipping

“…Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions such as alternative fuel vehicles [8], route optimization algorithms [9], and collaborative delivery models [10] to minimize costs and ecological footprints while ensuring timely and sustainable last-mile delivery services [11]. The implementation of smart lockers [12] that function as autonomous pick-up or collecting locations, where the client uses an optional electronic code to access the locker and acquire a package, is one solution offered for lowering the high expenses and incorrect location of inventory in the last mile of business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B) deliveries [13]. An automated smart locker system [14] is a secure storage unit equipped with electronic controls for receiving, storing and dispensing packages or goods.…”