Delivery Booster
The current postal address system is not suited for the logistical requirements of delivering goods. In this project, VIL will develop an app that allows companies to create more specific location codes. Additionally, a delivery passport will be created to connect these location codes to individual delivery preferences and specifications.
status: Closed |
theme:
Last mile |
type:
Regional
The outdated system of postal addresses often leads to wasted time, increased delivery rounds, and lacks flexibility. Furthermore, there is currently no widely used delivery passport that associates destinations with specific delivery specifications and preferences, such as delivery times, opening hours, alternative delivery addresses, and special needs (e.g., refrigerated delivery, extra security). VIL aims to develop a user-friendly application that combines location codes and delivery passports, improving the delivery process.

NEXT STEPS
The app is currently operational and available in three languages.
It’s now the responsibility of the logistics sector to test the app and experience its benefits, and to incorporate it into their logistics processes. Ultimately, the future widespread use of the app depends on the support it receives from a large group of online shops, suppliers, logistics service providers, and end users.
RESULTS
- The app was tested in an integrated way by incorporating it into a full supply chain during a pilot project with the University of Ghent, one of its suppliers, and a logistics provider. The test took place on a campus of the university with complex delivery locations to thoroughly demonstrate the advantages of the app for drivers who use it.
- To ensure that the driver receives the correct information about the actual physical delivery location, the app generates a unique code specific to each delivery location. This code needs to be passed through the entire data chain, from order creation until the delivery by the driver.
- To integrate the data from the app with business systems easily, an API was developed. A company-specific link can be integrated into the existing company systems allowing the logistics provider to easily input the unique location codes of the order. Consequently, the driver does not have to log into the app separately but can retrieve the location data from the app through their company system and navigate to it using the navigation software on the device they are using.
- The IT development work is thus relatively simple and limited, It is important in times of limited IT resources. Additionally, the app allows adding photos and other visual aids to the delivery passport.
- There was very positive feedback from drivers and end customers. For instance, one driver delivering on campus Coupure mentioned that the app would save him a lot of time in delivering new rounds, especially on large sites, as 15 minutes or more are easily lost when drivers are not familiar with the physical delivery location.
Practical details
Start: December 2020
Total Lead Time: 21 months
Participating companies
Seventeen companies: Bycykel, Cargo Velo, DHL Parcel Belgium, Foodsprint, GEO Solutions, GIS Belgium, GLS Belgium Distribution, OOvelo, PostNL Pakketten België, Renewi, Tengu.io, Universiteit Gent, Urbike, UZ Gent, Vanheede Environmental Group, Zetes en Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg.







Would you like to know more?
Contact Stefan Bottu (stefan.bottu@vil.be)