Adiona has launched a new, in person lunch 'n' learn series to bring together people working in last-mile delivery and route optimization and share what we're all working on. Here were the biggest challenges and projects we spoke about:
Chris Cano from StarTrack Courier kicked us off by talking about the optimization projects being worked on using Adiona. Check out our in depth case studies to read how his team are bringing on new customers and optimizing their day-to-day using FlexOps.
Customers in attendance also spoke about their optimization projects, ranging from "fully dynamic" daily uses to running weekly simulations, and even highly strategic network design experiments. We're excited to hear all the new and unique ways our customers are using Adiona FlexOps.
Industry trends
Tightening driver availability
Most who attended the lunch related to the challenge of the ongoing driver shortage. The challenge of retaining drivers is the other side of the coin. When a customer churns, letting drivers go is a heavy decision, especially when you may need to re-hire them if a new customer comes on board. Balancing that risk, holding onto drivers in the interim, should be carefully considered as rehiring can be even more difficult.
Growing costs
Alongside the shortage, there's growing costs across the board. From wages to fuel and everything inbetween, the famously low margins in logistics and transport are not getting any bigger.
Warehouse real estate needs
Finding new warehouse space is as difficult as ever. One attendee took everyone through their journey of upgrading their warehouse space and the difficulty of balancing growing warehousing spaces and winning new business. When winning new business, it may be expected for you to already have the warehouse space ready to go, but this poses a business risk if you invest in more space without having already won the new customer.
Transport Workers Union and new legislation in NSW
The biggest industry topic in discussion was definitely the Transport Workers Union (TWU) campaign for transport gig workers' rights in New South Wales. As the lunch was held in Melbourne, many of the attendees are watching closely to see what impact this has and how it might impact the rest of the country.
Some attendees already have warehouses in NSW or are actively expanding into the region, and need to adjust their plans accordingly.
What is the TWU campaigning for?
The TWU is campaigning for stronger protections for gig workers in transport, for example app delivery drivers. The TWU is seeking to close legal loopholes that exclude these individuals from worker protections and rights.
There are legislation changes rolling out in NSW, and the TWU is continuing to campaign for these changes to be applied nationally.
Join the next Adiona lunch
Our first lunch 'n' learn was so well received, we're hosting another! With spots limited, the lunches are invite-only, however you can reach out with your interest in being included. Simply get in touch.