António Pita, Avenidas' Growth and Strategic Manager, recently offered insights in an interview with Supply Chain Magazine, delving into the complex challenges of urban distribution. He underscored Avenidas' steadfast commitment to sustainability and outlined the company's trajectory for continuous growth.
In his discussion, António emphasised that Avenidas is currently prioritising both B2B and B2C operations, due to the burgeoning e-commerce landscape. He mentioned the company's exploration of innovative solutions to ensure customers receive their items conveniently and promptly.
Regarding logistics, António explained that Avenidas is strategically targeting swift deliveries, aiming for an impressive timeframe of 15 minutes to two hours using motorcycles. He detailed the company's comprehensive approach to managing storage, collection, picking, sorting, and product delivery, with services tailored to individual customer needs, including shippers and carriers. Avenidas boasts a team of 120 distributors, with approximately 30 dedicated to parcel services, including rapid delivery for e-commerce transactions.
António also touched upon the company's sustainability initiatives, noting that all motorcycles are electric, along with about 30% of the light fleet. He highlighted the company's commitment to this sustainable model, citing not only environmental benefits but also long-term operational cost reductions and enhanced appeal to customers with a sustainability focus.
Discussing distribution partnerships, António outlined Avenidas' tailored approach to meeting customer needs and market demands, enabling swift adaptation to fluctuations in demand and ensuring comprehensive urban distribution coverage. He also said the company focuses on enhancing operational professionalism through investments in employee training, cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and a customer-centric approach.
Looking ahead, António outlined Avenidas' strategic plans to expand its distribution network, develop innovative technological solutions for service optimisation, and maintain its unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Avenidas is currently focused on both B2B and B2C aspects, with a particular emphasis on B2C due to the e-commerce boom. They are exploring alternatives to ensure customers receive their items simply and at the most convenient location.
In terms of logistics, Avenidas is prioritising fast deliveries, between 15 minutes and two hours, using motorcycles. They handle storage, collection, picking, sorting, and product delivery, as well as offering distribution services tailored to customer needs (shippers and carriers). Avenidas employs 120 distributors, with around 30 dedicated to the parcel service, including fast delivery services for e-commerce orders.
The distributors managing this service are responsible for route management, picking, and delivery, supported by a fleet of 90 motorcycles and 30 light commercial vans. All motorcycles are electric, along with approximately 30% of the light fleet. Avenidas has not purchased combustion cars for three years and plans to continue this sustainable approach.
Aside from the environmental benefits, there are also long-term operational cost reductions and increased appeal to customers with a sustainable outlook. They have partnerships for distribution based on each customer's needs and market demands. This flexible approach allows them to quickly adapt to demand fluctuations and ensure effective urban distribution coverage.
Avenidas is focusing on professionalising operations through investments in employee training, cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and a customer-centric approach. Their investment plans for the future include expanding the distribution network, developing innovative technological solutions for service optimisation, and maintaining their commitment to sustainability.
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