Growing popularity of parcel lockers 2023-04-05 przez iLabs - Kamil Growing popularity of parcel lockers The dynamic growth of the e-commerce industry has led to the development of new solutions that ensure the maximum convenience of the shipment and collection of products. Special machines for parcel shipping have become widespread, and they are used not just by businesses but also by private individuals. We will discuss the growing popularity of parcel lockers! Why have parcel lockers become so popular? The first Paczkomat® parcel locker of InPost was created in 2009. Automatic machines used to collect and send parcels have quickly gained popularity. They turned out to be a very comfortable solution because they made it unnecessary to wait for the courier – many people are out during the standard delivery hours and cannot collect their parcel themselves. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to the popularity of parcel lockers. In 2021, there were already 15 thousand parcel lockers[1]. That is because they were not only convenient but also safe – they did not require contact with the courier. Also, further features (e.g., the introduction of a special application) made the parcel collection/dispatch process even easier. How is the parcel locker trend developing? At this moment, InPost is the biggest operator of parcel lockers in Poland. Around the end of last year, it had 27,939 parcel lockers overall, 19,306 of which were located in Poland[2]. According to a report by Gemius, “E-commerce in Poland 2022[3]”, this is the form of delivery that is chosen most often by the users – 81% of survey-takers declare that they use it most often. The competition has already started to introduce similar solutions. Companies such as DPD, Allegro, Poczta Polska, Orlen, Aliexpress or DHL are installing their own versions of this equipment. In response to these actions, InPost has focused on the protection of its brand, reserving the name Paczkomat® as a word trademark[4]. [1] Source: https://inpost.pl/aktualnosci-mamy-juz-15-000-paczkomatow. [2] Source: https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/marki-drwia-inpost-odmieniaja-nazwy-przez-przypadki-kto-jest-zalozycielem-rafal-brzoska-balansuje-na-granicy-wielkosci-i-smiesznosci. [3] Source: https://www.gemius.pl/wydawcy-aktualnosci/raport-e-commerce-2022-juz-dostepny.html. [4] Source: https://forsal.pl/biznes/aktualnosci/artykuly/8654627,inpost-znak-towarowy-paczkomat.html.
Logistics is getting closer to going paperless 2023-03-30 przez iLabs - Kamil Logistics is getting closer to going paperless Using conventional documents is not only time-consuming and inconvenient – it is also unsafe and unsustainable. More and more sectors are trying to implement the paperless policy. We will discuss the situation in the logistics sector! Why should logistics go paperless? Time is critical in logistics – all parties want the goods to be delivered as soon as possible. Each successive link in the supply chain involves many formalities. It takes a long time to complete them all using conventional methods, which is why many different solutions have been created to digitise and automate the preparation and exchange of documents. Unfortunately, many documents are still used in paper form, e.g., consignment notes, external issue documents or pallet receipts. Surveys conducted by GS1 Poland[1] showed that out of almost 30 thousand participants (manufacturers, logistics service providers, chain stores, etc.), 70% want to take part in the Paperless Project. So far, this has not translated into any actual actions. The Paperless Project – how is paper use reduced in logistics? The Paperless Project initiated in the middle of 2021 is based on standardised digital documents – the DESADV system, which includes many different electronic EDI messages. This can eliminate paper documentation, automating and streamlining the flow of goods and documents. Thanks to the Paperless Project: the accounting and payment process is quicker and shorter, the delivery process is initiated faster, manufacturers and suppliers can sooner notify the customers of any difficulties and take adequate action, manufacturers and suppliers can better predict their orders and adapt the availability of products in a flexible manner, delivery queues are shortened, enabling more effective planning of unloading operations, costs of document printing are eliminated, the amount of waste and negative environmental impact are reduced. Activities in the logistics industry aimed at switching to the paperless model to streamline costs and processes are not only cost-efficient and convenient – they have become a necessity today. [1] Source: https://logistyka.rp.pl/produkty-i-uslugi/art19138821-dostawy-bez-papierowych-dokumentow.
How cloud technology supports logistics operations? 2023-03-24 przez iLabs - Kamil How cloud technology supports logistics operations? Cloud solutions are convenient, cost-efficient and secure. They can be used to ensure the continuous operation of the supply chain and significantly streamline many different processes. We will explain how cloud technology can support logistics operations! How is cloud technology used in logistics? Logistics requires stable, resilient technological solutions for ongoing monitoring of the goods at every stage of delivery. However, creating and maintaining own IT resources is expensive and time-consuming. That is why the representatives of this sector follow the general trend and switch to cloud technology. This technology enables: the quick implementation of the required applications and systems, e.g., ERP, DMS or CRM, enabling the continuous monitoring of all business operations, using advanced software to manage supply chains, an efficient, available and secure data exchange inside and outside the company, the automation of formalities (e.g., creating and submitting documents), advanced analytics, enabling the monitoring of the situation at the company and more informed business decisions. The cloud for logistics – what are the benefits? The cloud is an environment that makes it easier to take on the challenges faced by the logistics industry. After implementing this technology, the company can expect many different benefits, the most important of which include the following: simplified management – better planning and fulfilment of designated tasks in real time; scalability and flexibility – the infrastructure adapts to changing demand and unforeseen circumstances, lower costs – investing in new solutions provides tangible profits in the long run and helps to reduce expenses; lower risk of errors and faster response to disruptions – access to advanced analyses and continuous monitoring to help predict risks and solve problems; security – data kept in the cloud are protected against unauthorised modification, loss, leaks or theft. Thanks to cloud technology, the logistics sector can grow dynamically to make deliveries even faster, safer and more profitable.
Increasing importance of rating and ESG indicators 2022-12-29 przez iLabs - Kamil Increasing importance of rating and ESG indicators ESG aspects are becoming one of the priorities of investors as well as banks. Because of this, today’s entrepreneurs are developing new business models in order to implement sustainability and gain a positive view of corporate social responsibility. The issue is being widely discussed – the 2nd ESG Poland Power of Business Congress has already taken place on 7 November. We explain where the growing importance of ratings and ESG indicators came from! What are ESG indicators and ratings? ESG is an acronym for the parameters that help to produce ratings (risk assessments) and non-financial assessments of companies, but also of institutions, organizations, states, etc. As the name suggests, they consist of issues related to: E – environment (climate issues and good environmental practices), S – social responsibility (equal treatment of employees and shareholders, taking into account their health and safety), G – corporate governance (innovation that uncovers different opportunities and creates more jobs). Based on these, investors can compare different investment directions, with the possibility of comparing the available options on a single level. Why are ESG indicators becoming increasingly important? The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic put companies in virtually all industries to the test and shook the stability of the global economy. However, the research showed that companies taking ESG factors into account performed better in crisis management and were less affected by the consequences associated with current difficulties and new challenges. This was because the units were less exposed to disruptions related to, for example, technological constraints or the need to comply with new regulations. Data analysis minimises the impact of the crisis and speeds up the process of implementing solutions to rebuild losses and better cope with new conditions. ESG parameters are also worth taking into account when making investment decisions, as in this way more long-term sustainability projects can be acquired, mobilising the capital needed to meet the Green Deal objectives, etc. How are the ESG analyses performed? ESG analysis is difficult because this type of data is not always available and, in addition, often only shows a historical perspective. As they tend to be qualitative in nature, it is also not possible to apply a standard approach to them, such as in the analysis of financial data. For this reason, more and more entities are using the services of rating agencies. Investors want to invest their capital in the best possible way, which is why they are keen to finance companies that boast good ESG parameters. However, it is worth being aware of the fact that they do not treat them as a direct indicator. Rather, they are treated as a source of baseline data, which is the starting point for subsequent analyses from which, for example, KPIs (key performance indicators) are created. What is interesting is that there is no one-size-fits-all methodology for analysing ESG data. Because of this it is possible that if you use several agencies, they may give different ratings for the same entity. Entrepreneurs often decide precisely to seek further ‘opinions’ in order to gain as much data as possible. Why should you order an ESG rating? Joining the ESG rating helps to improve a company’s image, putting it in a better light for shareholders, but also of course for investors, business partners and customers. As a result, a greater chance of new investment and a lower cost of capital are gained. Support for strategic business decisions is also a very important issue. The analysis of ESG parameters allows you to run and develop your business in a fully informed manner, limiting the risk of loss and maximising the chances of earning. Moreover, in recent years, consumers have also been incorporating ESG aspects into their choices. Growing public awareness of the need to care for the environment means that customers are increasingly examining the business models of companies and brands and are more likely to choose those that focus on ecology and sustainability.