The Deployment of Automated Parcel Lockers in Urban Logistics

Abstract

This chapter reviews the notion of automated parcel lockers (APL) and proposes a simulation-optimization methodology for APL adoption as last-mile delivery scheme, reducing the risk of failures in their implementations. After addressing the main issues in APL deployment and simulation and optimization related to them, a method combining a system dynamics simulation model (SDSM) with a facility location problem (FLP) optimization model is proposed. Then, it is applied to a case in the city of Dortmund (Germany) assessing three scenarios of customer demand. The three scenarios (pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic) are simulated through a planning horizon of 60 months. Results show functional indicators (number of parcel lockers used and their coverage in the territory) and economic ones, mainly the net present value (NPV). The NPV determines the investment required to implement each scenario. From these investments, third-party logistics providers can decide about implementing APLs as delivery scheme.