Given its significant impact on efficiency and customer satisfaction, optimizing order picking processes is a priority for many businesses. As the backbone of fulfillment operations, effective order picking ensures timely deliveries and maintains inventory accuracy, directly influencing a company's reputation and profitability.

The Marathon of Warehouse Workers

Ever wondered why warehouse workers have such enviable step counts? Warehouse workers often find themselves traversing vast distances during their shifts. It's common for an order picker to walk between 7 to 15 miles daily within the facility.

This extensive travel not only contributes to worker fatigue but also consumes a substantial portion of their working hours. In fact, walking and manually picking orders can account for more than 50% of the time associated with picking tasks. This inefficiency highlights the need for strategic warehouse layouts and the integration of automation technologies to reduce unnecessary movement. By minimizing travel distances, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce physical strain on workers, and streamline operations.

The Cost of Errors

"Measure twice, cut once"

Accuracy in order picking is crucial, yet even the most efficient warehouses are susceptible to mistakes. The industry average picking error rate hovers between 1% to 3%. While this percentage may seem minimal, the repercussions are significant. Errors in order fulfillment can lead to increased operational costs, returns processing, and, most critically, diminished customer satisfaction. In today's competitive market, where customers expect swift and accurate deliveries, maintaining high accuracy levels is paramount. Implementing technologies such as pick-to-light systems, RFID, and voice picking can reduce error rates by 67% compared to manual methods. As the saying goes, "Measure twice, cut once" emphasizing the importance of accuracy in operations.

Automation to the Rescue

Enter automation, the warehouse superhero. The integration of automation solutions in warehouses has revolutionized order picking processes. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) have the potential to increase order accuracy levels to above 99.99%. These systems minimize human error and enhance speed in retrieving items. For instance, Amazon's investment in robotics, including robotic arms like Robin and Sparrow, has significantly increased warehouse efficiency and is projected to save the company billions annually. Automation not only boosts accuracy but also reduces the physical demands on workers, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. Additionally, automation can reduce warehouse operating costs by up to 30%. As technology advances, the role of automation in order picking continues to expand, offering solutions to longstanding challenges in warehouse management.

Speeding Things Up

In the realm of order fulfillment, speed is a critical factor. Implementing automation can increase picking speeds by up to 500%. Technologies such as conveyors and sorters reduce the time workers spend walking, allowing them to complete more picks per hour. For example, the average order picker can pick between 60 to 80 picks per hour, whereas with the aid of automation, this rate can soar to up to 300 picks per hour. This acceleration not only enhances productivity but also shortens order cycle times, enabling faster deliveries to customers. In a world where next-day or even same-day delivery has become the norm, increasing picking speed is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Moreover, pick-to-light systems can improve pick rate productivity by 30-50%.

The ROI of Automation

Investing in automation technologies requires substantial capital; however, the return on investment (ROI) can be both significant and swift. Simple systems like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and pick-to-light can have a payback period ranging from 0.5 to two years. For instance, John Lewis implemented autonomous robots in its warehouse operations, resulting in a 75% increase in storage capacity and savings of £1 million. These improvements not only offset the initial investment but also lead to ongoing operational savings. Companies must conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses to determine the most effective automation solutions for their specific needs. As automation technologies become more accessible and affordable, even small to medium-sized enterprises can reap the benefits of increased efficiency and reduced labor costs.

Labor Shortages: A Pressing Concern

"Robots don't call in sick"

The logistics industry is grappling with significant labor shortages, with nearly 90% of warehouses reporting difficulties in finding and retaining quality labor. This scarcity is driven by factors such as an aging workforce, the physically demanding nature of the job, and competition from other sectors. The labor gap underscores the need for efficient order picking systems that can maintain productivity levels despite a reduced workforce. Automation emerges as a viable solution, alleviating the pressure on human resources by taking over repetitive and strenuous tasks. As one warehouse manager aptly put it, "Robots don't call in sick". By integrating automation, companies can mitigate the impacts of labor shortages, ensuring continuity and efficiency in their operations.

Safety First

Warehouses are inherently hazardous environments, with workers exposed to risks such as heavy lifting, collisions with machinery, slips and falls, and repetitive strain injuries. The numbers are alarming—every year, warehouse accidents cost businesses over $4.6 billion in direct and indirect expenses. Additionally, warehouse-related injuries result in thousands of lost workdays annually, significantly impacting productivity and increasing insurance premiums. One of the biggest contributors to workplace injuries in warehouses is manual handling and lifting. Studies show that 35% of all work-related injuries in logistics stem from overexertion, including strains and sprains due to improper lifting techniques. Another common cause of injuries is the high traffic of forklifts.

„The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining”

Automation plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks. The implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) can significantly reduce the number of worker injuries by eliminating the need for manual material handling and transportation. For example, Amazon’s Proteus and Sequoia robots are designed to move heavy items within warehouses while preventing human contact, reducing the chances of collisions.

Another safety-enhancing technology is wearable sensors and AI-powered monitoring systems. Some companies now equip workers with smart wearables that track posture, lifting techniques, and fatigue levels, alerting them in real-time to potential injury risks. Similarly, AI-driven computer vision systems can monitor warehouse floors for unsafe behaviors, such as improper stacking of items or blocked emergency exits, and provide automatic alerts to supervisors.

As John F. Kennedy once said: "The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining". The best time to implement safety measures is before an accident occurs. By integrating automation, AI, and real-time monitoring, companies can reduce workplace injuries by up to 70%, lower insurance costs, and foster a safer, more productive work environment. In an industry where speed and efficiency are critical, ensuring worker safety is not just a legal and ethical responsibility—it’s also a smart business decision.

Space: The Final Frontier

In warehouses, every square metre is at a premium. Unfortunately, according to studies, up to 80% of warehouses are not fully optimised in terms of space utilisation. In practice, this means inefficient racking, wasted storage space and suboptimal picking paths. Aisles that are too wide, unnecessarily high spaces above products or unused height areas can drastically reduce warehouse efficiency.

Modern technology makes it possible to solve this problem. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) can increase warehouse capacity by up to 40%, allowing products to be stored in a more compact structure. In addition, the use of vertical storage, mobile robots and high-bay systems allows maximum space utilisation without the need to expand the building.

By implementing space analytics, WMS systems and rack utilisation monitoring technologies, companies can significantly improve warehouse efficiency. It is worth remembering that better space management not only increases storage capacity, but also speeds up order picking and reduces internal transport times. So, although, as Jean-Luc Picard used to say,

“Change always comes later than we think it should”

, it is important that it does come eventually. 

The Future of Order Picking

The future of order picking is increasing automation, the use of artificial intelligence and the integration of IoT systems. Already, large companies such as Amazon, DHL and Walmart are extensively testing autonomous picking robots that can operate 24/7 and increase picking efficiency by up to 200-300%. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to predict demand and optimise picking routes to reduce lead times and minimise errors. Intelligent systems can analyse historical data, seasonality of sales and current trends to predict which products are most likely to be ordered and adjust warehouse layout accordingly.

The next step is the full integration of ERP, WMS and MES systems, which will enable seamless management of the entire logistics process from order receipt to dispatch. In the future, we can expect to see an increasing proportion of goods-to-person systems, where products ‘come’ to the operator themselves, rather than forcing them to travel long distances in the warehouse.

Companies that fail to invest in modern solutions may lose competitiveness and fail to keep up with market leaders. With increasing customer expectations for speed of delivery and labour availability issues, the future of order picking is automation, AI and making the most of modern technology.

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Article by: Marcin Maroszek 

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Sources:

https://www.logiwa.com/blog/warehouse-order-picking-methods
https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/ecommerce/order-picking.shtml
https://www.conveyco.com/blog/improve-warehouse-efficiency-with-automation/
https://www.mhlnews.com/warehousing/article/22050881/a-12-step-journey-to-order-picking-perfection
https://www.mhlnews.com/transportation-distribution/article/22036127/getting-your-warehouse-in-order
https://www.connexxt.pl/ekspert-w-branzy/poradnikeksperta/czynniki-oplacalnosci-automatyzacji-magazynu.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.logistyka.net.pl/bank-wiedzy/item/95290-logistyka-4-0-magazyny-na-sciezce-automatyzacji-i-robotyzacji
https://www.conveyco.com/blog/warehouse-automation-statistics/
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-warehouse-order-picking-market
https://www.scjunction.com/blog/6-warehousing-best-practices-for-your-supply-chain
https://www.amsfulfillment.com/12-order-picking-best-practices-for-maximum-efficiency/
https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/news/global-warehouse-order-picking-market
https://www.toyotamhs.com/blog/tips-for-effective-order-picking/
https://www.jomswsge.com/pdf-191201-113221?filename=Optimizing%20order%20picking.pdf
https://www.andersenmaterialhandling.com/material-handling-resources/warehouse-best-practices/
https://us.blog.kardex-remstar.com/order-picking-best-practices
https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-warehouse-robots-picking-challenge-2025-2?IR=T
https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/robots-help-john-lewis-stack-its-christmas-gifts-high-nl8x7rtlr
https://www.sstlift.com/blog/improve-warehouse-picking-speed-and-accuracy
https://www.tawi.com/insights/your-guide-to-efficient-order-picking/
https://www.rfgen.com/blog/efficiently-picking-your-way-to-success-best-practices-for-improving-order-picking-speed-and-accuracy-in-warehouse-management/

The rise of automation and robotics

We’ve been hearing about robotics and automation transforming warehouses for years now, but now the momentum is stronger than ever. Today, robotic picking solutions can handle up to 1,000 picks per hour—a massive leap compared to the 250–350 picks per hour typically done by human workers. By 2025, an estimated 4 million warehouse robots are expected to be installed across 50,000 warehouses worldwide. And according to a study by Interact Analysis, 26% of warehouses are projected to have automation implemented by 2027, up significantly from just 18% at the end of 2021.

AI-powered forecasting and data-driven decision-making

Knowing when to expect a surge in demand or a drop in sales can make a big difference in how a warehouse runs. Warehouses that use this kind of technology are seeing huge benefits. Take Amazon, for example. Their AI-powered forecasting tools look at customer behavior, past data, and market trends to predict when demand will rise or fall. This helps them manage inventory better, cut storage costs, and restock on time, giving them a big advantage in efficiency and keeping customers happy.

Sustainable and green logistics

Sustainability will no longer be a differentiator, it will be an expectation. Consumers are demanding transparency across the entire product lifecycle, from sourcing to delivery. Brands that invest in sustainable fulfilment practices, such as green delivery options and transparent supply chains, will gain a competitive advantage while contributing to a better planet. Green strategies include: biodegradable packaging, carbon-neutral shipping options, circular logistics systems that reuse materials. Investment in sustainable fulfillment practices isn’t just good for the planet – it’s also good for business. According to a recent study by Capgemini, 73% of consumers are more likely to support brands that prioritize sustainability. Companies are also exploring renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered warehouses and electric delivery fleets, to minimize their environmental impact. In 2025, we’ll see more companies integrating these principles into their operations to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Rise of q-commerce and micro-hubs

Order today, delivered tomorrow? That’s a thing of the past. According to a McKinsey study, same-day and instant delivery services are projected to account for a combined market share of 20% to 25% in 2025, with 41% of consumers willing to pay extra for same-day delivery.With consumers becoming more and more tied to their phones, brands are ultimately competing for screen time. However, if consumers encounter the dreaded ‘long delivery time’ at checkout, 46% are likely to abandon their cart.

Personalization in fulfillment

Personalisation (now, fueled by AI) doesn’t stop at product recommendations, it extends to fulfilment. Retailers can ensure that the personalised experience is carried through to how and when customers receive their orders, enabling intelligent inventory allocation and dynamic delivery options. According to a report by PWC, 83% of online shoppers are more likely to share their information and receive a more personalized customer experience. Aspects like flexible delivery windows, parcellockers, and branded inserts have all been experimented with by many major retailers and warehouses. Best buy, n American consumer electronics retailer, implemented a scheduled delivery service, offering specific days and 2-hour windows that customers can choose from.

Omnichannel fulfillment strategy

In 2025, the lines between online and offline shopping will continue to blur. Customers will expect to shop seamlessly across different platforms, and businesses need an omnichannel fulfillment strategy to meet these expectations. An omnichannel approach allows businesses to fulfill orders from both online channels and physical stores. An omnichannel fulfillment strategy offers flexibility and convenience to customers while optimizing inventory management and fulfillment efficiency. It ensures that businesses can quickly fulfill orders, regardless of whether they are placed online or in-store.

Cross-border logistics

As e-commerce expands globally, businesses must be prepared to handle international fulfillment and cross-border logistics. In 2025, expanding into new markets will require efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions to ensure timely delivery and avoid costly customs issues. For businesses looking to streamline their operations, outsourcing e-commerce fulfillment can be a strategic option to ensure scalability and efficiency. Global e-commerce growth has led to more customers expecting international shipping options. Businesses that can offer quick and reliable cross-border delivery will have a competitive advantage, while those that fail to do so may lose customers to global competitors

Rise of third-party logistics (3PL) providers

Operating a fulfillment center requires a complex infrastructure of software and technology. Rather than host and maintain their own environment in-house, many organizations find it more efficient and cost-effective to source their operations to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The 3PL market share is projected to grow from 1.29 trillion USD in 2024 to 1.68 trillion USD in 2029 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.48% over the projected period, indicating that 3PL implementation will only increase in years to come.

To sum it up, logistics and order fulfillment in 2025 is not just about technology, but also about strategy - a race against time, customer expectations and resource constraints. Automation, AI and green logistics are changing the rules of the game, but one thing still remains key: flexibility. As Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one that responds best to change.”.

Can companies cope with the growing challenges? For sure! After all, if logistics can deliver a pizza in 30 minutes, it can also deliver the future on time.

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Article by: Marcin Maroszek.

Sources:

• https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/how-customer-demands-are-reshaping-last-mile-delivery
• https://smart-robotics.io/2025-e-commerce-fulfillment-trends
• https://www.dhl.com/content/dam/dhl/local/global/dhl-ecommerce/documents/pdf/g0-dhl-e-commerce-trends-report-2024.pdf
• https://www.g2.com/articles/warehouse-automation-statistics
• https://www.founderjar.com/online-retail-statistics/
• https://www.the-sun.com/money/13065157/best-buy-launches-scheduled-delivery-holidays/
• https://www.capgemini.com/insights/expert-perspectives/sustainable-technology-a-competitive-advantage-for-businesses/
• https://cart.com/blog/build-a-sustainable-supply-chain
• https://www.logiwa.com/blog/outsourcing-inventory-management-to-3pl
• https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-3pl-market
• https://www.logiwa.com/blog/8-fulfillment-trends-for-2025
• https://smart-robotics.io/2025-e-commerce-fulfillment-trends/
• https://ecommercegermany.com/blog/5-e-commerce-fulfillment-strategies-for-2025
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-e-commerce-fulfillment-trends-watch-uzhmc/
• https://cart.com/blog/2025-fulfillment-trends

According to the report "Quo vadis E-commerce 2024?" by Cushman & Wakefield, „Last year, European cross-border e-commerce volume reached €237 billion, up 32% year-on-year. By 2028, the global market is likely to be worth €3.1 trillion, with 33% of transactions being cross-border. This raises the question of what is needed for Poland to become a key center of this growing trend.”

Especially since, according to Eurostat data, only 5% of Polish companies sell online in other EU markets, which puts Poland in third place from the bottom, while the countries at the top of the ranking have double-digit indicators: Austria - 15%, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia - 12% each ("Quo vadis E-commerce 2024?", Cushman & Wakefield).

Co postrzegane jest w Polsce jako największe wyzwania w cross-border e-commerce? Przede wszystkim wysokie koszty obsługi zwrotów (36.4% ankietowanych), wysokie koszty wysyłki międzynarodowej (27.3%) oraz zarządzanie magazynem (27.3%). InPost swoją nową ofertą odpowiada na pierwsze dwa problemy. Z tym trzecim pomóc mogą nasze algorytmy

Co to oznacza dla branży logistycznej? Rzecz jasna również szczyt wysyłkowy. Nie jest to oczywiście nic nowego, schemat powtarza się co roku – co nie zmienia faktu, że jest to wyzwanie, na które trzeba się przygotować. Z ciekawością obserwować będziemy, jak w tym roku branża logistyczna sprosta wyzwaniom klientów. A skoro o klientach mowa – bądźmy wyrozumiali i zaakceptujemy ten potencjalnie nieco dłuży okres realizacji zamówień w tym okresie

The authors of the "DHL Logistics Trend Radar 7.0” report also draw attention to the growing role of cross-border logistics. According to McKinsey estimates, by 2025 cross-border e-commerce will grow to approximately $500 billion, and by 2030 it will reach $1 trillion. The evolution of e-commerce is largely shaped by the behavior and preferences of Generation Z and Millennial consumers, the development of data and artificial intelligence (AI), and the fact that Chinese e-commerce companies (e.g. Shein, Temu, Tik Tok Shop) are turning their attention abroad. In addition to accelerated global trade, other phenomena driving this trend are social media integration and data crawling (the automated process of systematically exploring the Internet and indexing data sources).

Consumers count on discounts, and sellers will respond to their expectations. According to data of Tpay (https://lnkd.in/dknx69JR) in 2023, the turnover of sellers in Poland increased by 116% on Black Friday and 43% on Cyber ​​Monday. The number of transactions, e.g. in the fashion industry, increased by 101%, in the RTV, household appliances, electronics industry by 84%, and in the Health category by 50%. The value of baskets also increased.

Co to oznacza dla branży logistycznej? Rzecz jasna również szczyt wysyłkowy. Nie jest to oczywiście nic nowego, schemat powtarza się co roku – co nie zmienia faktu, że jest to wyzwanie, na które trzeba się przygotować. Z ciekawością obserwować będziemy, jak w tym roku branża logistyczna sprosta wyzwaniom klientów. A skoro o klientach mowa – bądźmy wyrozumiali i zaakceptujemy ten potencjalnie nieco dłuży okres realizacji zamówień w tym okresie

Jest, w końcu Angielska wersja bardzo dobrze przyjętego raportu “Logistyka e-commerce. Gdzie jesteśmy, a gdzie chcemy być?” właśnie ujrzała światło dzienne.

Originally published in Polish, in March this year by the Polish Institute of Road Transport, in cooperation with, among others, Otimo sp. z o.o. and LODZistics - Logistics Business Network of Central Poland. the report delves deeper into the topic of e-commerce logistics. The report met with great interest and response from the industry, so it was only a matter of time before its English version in was published. The waiting time has passed. We invite you to read and share the report with your colleagues abroad.

The report in English is available for download at this link: https://lnkd.in/eGh5FFWp.

What topics are covered in the report? Among others:

• KEP market, trends, B2C, C2C, OOH
• Reverse logistics – return cost analysis 
• Optimization algorithms – an indispensable part of the e-commerce ecosystem
• Polish e-commerce logistics: Close – Ecological – Fast – Cheap
• Ecology in e-commerce – an overview of key issues
• Case study:
  • Use of local return channels in the MODIVO Group
  • Re-commerce in Expondo

###

The premiere of the Polish version of the report “E-commerce logistics. Where are we and where do we want to be?” took place on March 7, 2024, and was accompanied by an online debate in which industry experts and the authors of the report took part, discussing individual elements of e-commerce logistics: Anna Majowicz (the Polish Institute of Road Transport), Marta Cudziło (Łukasiewicz – Poznański Instytut Technologiczny), Mirek Gral (Last Mile Experts ), Jacek Powalka (Last Mile Experts ), Adam Sasim (MODIVO), Rafał Moryto (Happy Pack S.A.), Michał Wójcik (Alsendo). Otimo was represented at the debate by Krzysztof Chaładyn, who played a double role that day - being also a representative of another report partner: LODZistics - Logistics Business Network of Central Poland.. 

The debate was very substantive, engaging and enjoyed great interest from the audience. You can see it in its entirety below or read more about it in an extensive summary.

Na łamach portalu Polskiego Instytutu Transportu Drogowego, ukazał się własnie artykuł pt. “OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHMS, OR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN E-COMMERCE LOGISTICS“. Zachęcamy do jego lektury, gdyż po pierwsze jest to temat nam bardzo bliski, a po drugie teskt powstał na podstawie raportu “Logistyka E-commerce. Gdzie jesteśmy, a gdzie chcemy być?”, którego byliśmy partnerem i w którego powstanie mieliśmy swój wkład. Jeśli zainteresuje Cię artykuł, na pewno chętnie sięgniesz po raport.

What is the article about?

Here you can get a glimplse of it by checking out its table of contents:

1 Customers – what expectations do they have regarding delivery?
1.1 It's supposed to be fast!
1.2 Ma być eko!
2 How to meet the growing market demands?
3 The solution is AI!
4 Optimization algorithms in logistics
4.1 Order Picking
4.2 Vehicle Routing Problem
4.3 Last mile
5 Will AI make me successful in e-commerce?

###

The premier of the report “E-commerce logistics. Where are we and where do we want to be?” took place on March 7, 2024, and was accompanied by an online debate in which industry experts and the authors of the report took part, discussing individual elements of e-commerce logistics: Anna Majowicz (the Polish Institute of Road Transport), Marta Cudziło (Łukasiewicz – Poznański Instytut Technologiczny), Mirek Gral (Last Mile Experts ), Jacek Powalka (Last Mile Experts ), Adam Sasim (MODIVO), Rafał Moryto (Happy Pack S.A.), Michał Wójcik (Alsendo). Otimo was represented at the debate by Krzysztof Chaładyn, who played a double role that day - being also a representative of another report partner: LODZistics - Logistics Business Network of Central Poland.. 

The debate was very substantive, engaging and enjoyed great interest from the audience. You can see it in its entirety below or read more about it in an extensive summary.

The report itself is available for free download HERE. We strongly encourage you to read it - it's worth it! And for all those still unconvinced, here's a sneak peek:

Three days. This is the average delivery time expected by consumers in Europe and the US. Moreover, 41% of respondents would like to have the opportunity to use the so-called Q-commerce (quick commerce), i.e. deliveries between 10 minutes and a few hours after purchase - not only for groceries, but also for all online purchases. 

In 2023, as many as 79% of people using the Internet declared that they buy online. E-commerce has an increasingly larger piece of the pie, which is related to the development of technology and changes in consumer habits. Customers value convenience and a holistic shopping experience. They expect increasingly faster and hassle-free deliveries, which poses huge challenges for sellers.

How to meet the growing market demands? Among others the authors of the report "E-commerce logistics. Where are we and where do we want to be?” sought answers to such questions,

What topics are covered in the report? Among others:

• KEP market, trends, B2C, C2C, OOH
• Reverse logistics – return cost analysis 
• Optimization algorithms – an indispensable part of the e-commerce ecosystem
• Polish e-commerce logistics: Close – Ecological – Fast – Cheap
• Ecology in e-commerce – an overview of key issues
• Case study:
  • Use of local return channels in the MODIVO Group
  • Re-commerce in Expondo

The premier of the report “E-commerce logistics. Where are we and where do we want to be?” took place on March 7, 2024, and was accompanied by an online debate in which industry experts and the authors of the report took part, discussing individual elements of e-commerce logistics: Anna Majowicz (the Polish Institute of Road Transport), Marta Cudziło (Łukasiewicz – Poznański Instytut Technologiczny), Mirek Gral (Last Mile Experts ), Jacek Powalka (Last Mile Experts ), Adam Sasim (MODIVO), Rafał Moryto (Happy Pack S.A.), Michał Wójcik (Alsendo). Otimo was represented at the debate by Krzysztof Chaładyn, who played a double role that day - being also a representative of another report partner: LODZistics - Logistics Business Network of Central Poland.. 

The debate was very substantive, engaging and enjoyed great interest from the audience. You can see it in its entirety below or read more about it in an extensive summary.

The report itself is available for free download HERE. We strongly encourage you to read it - it's worth it! And for all those still unconvinced, here's a sneak peek:

TransLogistica Poland to wiodące targi transportu i logistyki w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej, których X edycja odbyła się w dniach 7-9 listopada 2022 w Warszawie. Poza możliwością odwiedzenia stoisk przedstawicieli różnych branż związanych z transportem czy logistyką w ramach targów organizowanych jest szereg bardzo ciekawych wydarzeń. “We were pleased to accept an invitation from the Polish Institute of Road Transport to participate in an expert panel dedicated to the last mile.” – mówi Krzysztof Chaładyn, Wiceprezes Zarządu w Otimo Sp. z o.o. “Just being included in such a respectable group was an honor for us. A conversation with the leading representatives of the biggest players in the logistics industry in Poland, such as Sebastian Anioł, is an incredibly interesting experience and a tempting proposition. It was also another great reason to visit the trade fair, meet with colleagues in the industry, talk to partners or refresh some contacts.“

It may seem that the last mile means “only” the final stage of the goods delivery. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the case of online shopping, this final stage turns out to be the most significant, costly and complicated in the entire logistics process. This results, among other things, from the conditions of conducting logistics operations in city centers or the growing role of the e-commerce market. All factors indicate that the last mile challenges will intensify in the future. Such issues were the main subject of the debate, which was met with extremely high interest.

“From the information we received from the organizers and from conversations behind the scenes, it seems that it was one of the most popular panels during this year’s edition of TransLogistica Poland” – dodaje Krzysztof Chaładyn. “What I can personally confirm is that the hall was filled to the brim, the debate was very interesting, and from the discussions I had with the audience after the panel, it seems that it aroused the interest of many viewers as well. We will definitely add the event to the calendar and come back here next year“.

Aby sprostać wyzwaniom związanym z gwałtownie rosnącym wolumenem zamówień e-commerce niezbędny jest elastyczny model obsługi przesyłek na etapie ostatniej mili. Jednym z najbardziej skutecznych rozwiązań w tym obszarze jest dostawa poza miejscem zamieszkania odbiorcy, tzw. OOH (out of home). Jak zauważa Mirek Gral z Last Mile Experts “Rozwój sieci PUDO lub automatów paczkowych napędzany jest przez konsumentów, którzy poprzez możliwość nadania lub odbioru przesyłki w wygodnym dla siebie miejscu i czasie wybierają ten model logistyczny. Wybór usługi dopasowany jest do indywidualnych potrzeb. Jeszcze 10-20 lat temu e-commerce decydował za klienta, którym przewoźnikiem wyśle zamówienie, klientowi pozostawało czekać na kuriera. Dzisiaj się to zmieniło. Platformy prześcigają się, udostępniając szeroką paletę usług logistycznych. Dane wskazują, że w 2021 roku UE i Wielkiej Brytanii sieci PUDO urosły o 32% r/r. Natomiast liczba automatów paczkowych wzrosła z kolei o 82% w stosunku do roku 2020”.

The report is a compendium of last mile knowledge for e-commerce. It includes:

Charakterystykę dostaw OOH (ang. out of home),
Opis rosnących problemów z umieszczeniem automatów paczkowych w przestrzeni publicznej,
Analizę optymalizacji – potencjału, który dopiero odkrywamy, 
 Dyskusję o ekologicznym wymiarze transportu i jego wpływu na globalne ocieplenie.

An addition to the report is a webinar hosted by Anna Majowicz. During the webinar, Mirek Gral (Last Mile Experts), Marta Cudziło (Łukasiewicz-PIT) and Krzysztof Chaładyn (Vice-Chairman of the Board of Otimo) discuss the challenges and the future of the last mile for e-commerce.

“Cieszymy się, że udało się nam znaleźć w tak zacnym gronie” – mówi Krzysztof Chaładyn. “Eksperci, którzy współtworzą raport są gwarancją, że jest to publikacja najwyższej próby, wypełniona świetną, merytoryczną treścią. Nie pozostaje mi nic innego, jak tylko z przyjemnością zaprosić do lektury”.