Google has launched two new solutions to help fleet operators improve delivery services and optimise fleet performance.
The Last Mile Fleet Solution from Google Maps Platform and Cloud Fleet Routing API from Google Cloud are designed to help fleet operators address the challenges created by accelerated e-commerce demand and strained supply chains.
Through an integrated suite of mapping, routing, and analytics capabilities, the solutions will work to help last-mile solutions providers meet consumer expectations and improve operations.
Cloud Fleet Routing API focuses on the route planning phase of delivery and allows operators to perform advanced fleet-wide optimisation, enabling them to determine the allocation of packages to delivery vans and the sequencing of the delivery tasks.
Natively integrated with Google Maps routes data, Cloud Fleet Routing API can solve simple route planning requests in near-real-time, and scale to the most demanding of workloads with parallelised request batching.
According to Google, its customers can specify a variety of constraints, such as time windows, package weights, and vehicle capacities. Cloud Fleet Routing runs on the cleanest cloud in the industry and can help carriers meet sustainability targets by reducing distance travelled, number of delivery vans, and CO2 output from computing.
Furthermore, its Last Mile Fleet Solution focuses on delivery execution and allows fleet operators to optimise across every stage of the last-mile delivery journey, from e-commerce order to doorstep delivery.
The solution is built to also help businesses create exceptional delivery experiences for consumers and provides drivers the tools they need to perform at their best when completing tasks throughout the day. It builds on the On-demand Rides & Deliveries mobility solution from Google Maps Platform, which is already used by leading ride-hailing and on-demand delivery operators around the world.
When implemented together, Last Mile Fleet Solution and Cloud Fleet Routing API allows businesses to optimise across every stage of the last-mile delivery journey.
“The pandemic further accelerated both e-commerce and the number of deliveries, which were already growing rapidly,” said Hans Thalbauer, managing director, global supply chain & logistics industries, Google Cloud.
“The increased strain on delivery networks, plus many other factors like driver shortages, poor address data, factory closures, and an increase in fuel prices have impacted delivery time and success. With Google Maps Platform’s Last Mile Fleet Solution and Cloud Fleet Routing API, we’re making it easier for delivery fleet operators to address these issues and create seamless experiences for consumers, drivers, and fleet managers.”
