Automation is the future, and so is hyperlocal ecommerce

“Businesses of today are getting increasingly automated. Hyperlocal businesses likewise, with automated processes at the helm of their functioning, have become tremendously far-sighted and capable of leading hyperlocal ecommerce into the future.”

Introduction

The word ‘hyperlocal ecommerce’ has been around for a while. Given the transforming shopping preferences and evolving behavior of contemporary consumers, hyperlocal ecommerce has become the order of the day for all the right reasons. There is no element of doubt in the fact that the hyperlocal trend is driven by shifting customer behavior and the demand for premium services and convenience — the latter becoming a priority under pandemic-related constrictions. This pertinent, albeit not new, consumer preference to purchase online is enforcing the shift to hyperlocal deliveries, which will greatly impact supply chains and logistics. And it is this impact on the supply chain and logistical operations that is going to lead hyperlocal businesses into the future.

Hyperlocal ecommerce- Making businesses stand the test of times

Hyperlocal ecommerce has been pretty enabling for businesses. It has enabled businesses to come up front, to showcase their merchandise, to strengthen their supply chain processes and make logistical adjustments according to the needs of the contemporary customers. It was during the outbreak of the covid19 pandemic, that businesses by teaming up with state-of-the-art hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software partners, stood the test of times. Had it not been for the efficiency and robustness of the hyperlocal ecommerce model and the subsequent management of supply chain, businesses would have faced much daunting times than anticipated.

Be they deliveries of groceries, food meals, medical supplies or any other thing of primary need, it was taken a good care of by hyperlocal businesses. With the advent of several online grocery stores, ecommerce sites, and other distribution-based start-ups that have forged alliances with local neighborhood stores and supermarkets, hyperlocal delivery of groceries, fruits, and vegetables has gained significant pace.

It has also assisted in the management of these stores by a younger generation that can adopt technology in their daily lives. It would not be wrong to say that the in-store experience has now transformed into an in-hand shopping experience, through the use of intuitive hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software and smartphone applications.

Though the demand for hyperlocal ecommerce delivery services has been steadily growing, it is not limited to any particular product or service. The food delivery services have picked up immense pace in the recent few years as much as the other home essentials have done. Groceries, for instance have been witnessing an upsurge in demand. The demand for the hyperlocal model in the grocery market, which has always been considered the most difficult segment to break into, demonstrates its acceptance in our everyday lives and its transformation into a business reality.

Now that hyperlocal ecommerce has penetrated majority of global households, it would not be wrong to infer that the conditions and circumstances that the pandemic and other distraught situations put businesses into, they have successfully emerged as strong contenders of the hyperlocal industry.

A discourse on the hyperlocal on-demand delivery model

In the recent years, one thing that has been received with a tremendous embrace by customers and businesses alike, is the hyperlocal on-demand delivery model. There is a lot of respite in the fact that logistics providers are currently writing the rules for the hyperlocal on-demand delivery model while also supporting retailers who are unable to engage in on-demand deliveries themselves.

By joining hands with hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software firms or by using digital platforms, traditional brick and mortar businesses can connect with customers to enable instant purchases that are then acquired and delivered by the logistics providers. One of the most appealing aspects of using a digital platform for this process is that it enables customers to monitor the entire delivery process in real time- a feature of hyperlocal businesses that modern day customers are liking a lot.

This is what makes the hyperlocal model so effective— it promotes trust. Enabling the consumer to gain visibility into the supply chain and see the process from purchase to sourcing to delivery cements assurance and conviction that their order is handled according to their expectations.

Another appealing aspect of the hyperlocal model is its unbelievably quick speed. Hyperlocal businesses, owing to immaculate and highly efficient hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software, are able to deliver products and services at a way faster pace than their larger online counterparts. This speed of delivery is possible thanks to the consumer’s proximity to the source.

Automation and hyperlocal ecommerce

Technology has been pivotal for businesses’ growth, and so has been automation. It is the timely automation of businesses that has provided them with the ability to serve a large section of customers, and all of them pretty convincingly and effectively.

Needless to mention that technology plays a significant role in making hyperlocal businesses work. The entire hyperlocal model is driven by the on-demand needs of consumers who not only expect their deliveries in one piece but also expect a positive user experience when utilizing a business’s apps. And this is precisely where technology comes in to ensure that your users have the best and enriching experiences possible.

For instance, deliveries might be delayed by the current infrastructure and traffic. However, highly far-sighted hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software and intuitive mobile apps can help counter traffic congestion and plan the delivery route in the most time-efficient manner. Additionally, route planning solutions make last-mile delivery cost-effective by reducing fuel costs.

Automation likewise, can also help make the user experience more positive by enabling free shipping costs — something that most consumers expect nowadays, especially for larger orders. In fact, any additional costs, no matter how justifiable they are, will make users churn. Luckily, automation can help reduce the cost of click-and-collect orders, on top of providing other benefits.

Last but not least, the use of shipment sorting and rider allocation software will spare you from the exhausting task of assigning delivery zones manually. This software solution will automatically assign available drivers to delivery zones, saving you precious time and resources otherwise wasted on limited profitability.

Hyperlocal ecommerce- As it stands today

Hyperlocal ecommerce has seriously changed the face of buying and selling forever. As the current times have it, not only do people want to commute less but they also do not want to spend more time browsing and queuing up in physical stores. So, to deliver orders on time, on-demand has turned to the hyperlocal model of delivery, which is to deliver products in the shortest possible time in the most optimized manner.

The sudden outbreak of the pandemic forced a surge in the need of on-demand products and services, and that’s leading to its extension and diversification to serve consumers as fast as possible, and one promising subset that wings out of on-demand economy is hyperlocal ecommerce.

In the recent few years, hyperlocal ecommerce applications have grown manifolds and have penetrated households. A study indicates that there were 44.8 million users worldwide using on-demand services such as AirBnB or Uber in 2016, and the number of users is forecast to increase to 86.5 million by 2021. Catching on with the hyperlocal wave, Amazon, Dunzo, Flipkart and several other online businesses have jumped on the hyperlocal bandwagon and several others are prepping up to launch their hyperlocal services.

Wrapping up

Hyperlocal ecommerce is becoming increasingly pervasive. Those who didn’t thought of making online purchases ever, had to do it. Call it hyperlocal fever or craze, such has been the grip of hyperlocal ecommerce. With a solid hyperlocal on-demand delivery model in place, the logistics and supply chain industry can reach new heights in the years to arrive.

However, the strain of rapid, even urgent, deliveries and the constant struggle with shifting consumer expectations can run businesses into the ground as well. Fortunately, technology can help produce the opposite outcome and unlock success in all key areas including security, smart route planning, ROI, and more.

While hyperlocal best practices are still considered works in progress, a few things are clear: going hyperlocal enhances transparency, enforces new business standards, supports local retailers, brings in more automation for tech-savvy businesses and creates a new competitive edge for the onboard businesses.

If you’re considering embracing this emerging business model, focus on localizing the right audience, building the right partnerships, and developing/partnering with an app that will hook your users to your network and make you lead the hyperlocal marketplace.

All these things are but symbolic of one thing, which is that hyperlocal ecommerce is catching every individual’s eye and it would not be wrong to say that the more automated a business gets, closer will it be to the future.