Last-mile automation: How is delivery optimization evolving? 2024-01-22 przez iLabs - Kamil Automated vehicles and autonomous robots in warehouses Last-mile logistics is not just about delivery by courier. It is a multi-stage process that starts in warehouses, where is now increasingly common for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated mobile robots (AMRs) to replace workers.It is estimated that by 2030 the entire warehouse robotics sector will be worth more than USD 51 billion. Meanwhile, automated warehouse systems in the e-commerce industry can improve warehouse throughput by up to 40%2. Artificial intelligence in last-mile logistics The efficiency of last-mile logistics is heavily dependent on software. The future of the industry lies in artificial intelligence, which makes it possible to efficiently plan the loading and unloading of goods by analysing huge amounts of data on orders, returns, product availability and picking times. Today, algorithms can even be used to ensure that packaging is filled to the right percentage to save space. Expansion of parcel machines Parcel machines have become very popular in Poland, where they can be found not only in large cities but also in smaller towns. They provide considerable savings in last-mile logistics. This process will continue.An InPost parcel machine recently appeared at Warsaw Chopin Airport3. In Spain, a pilot programme has been underway for the installation of similar machines in metro stations4. The challenges of last-mile logistics are indeed difficult, but there is much to suggest that couriers and the e-commerce industry will be able to overcome them by automating the process. https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/a-com-migration/r3-3/pdf/pdf-148/accenture-sustainable-mile-pov.pdf#zoom=40 https://obserwatorlogistyczny.pl/2023/03/09/automatyzacja-dostaw-ostatniej-mili-jest-konieczna-dla-calego-lancucha-dostaw/ https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/paczkomat-inpost-lotnisko-chopina-warszawa https://www.mecalux.pl/artykuly-logistyczne/automaty-paczkowe-logistyka-ostatniej-mili
Ultra Low Emission Zones – the new direction for European cities? 2024-01-15 przez iLabs - Kamil Clean transport zones in Europe In 2022, there were 320 clean transport zones in European cities, with access restricted to vehicles that meet strict emission standards. Germany and Italy are leading the way in introducing these measures. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be more than 500 such zones across the continent1. Is this an effective solution? Tangible results can be seen in London, which has both low and ultra-low emission zones. Nitrogen oxide concentrations in the city fell by 44% in the few years after the new law was introduced. There has also been a reduction in levels of PM2.5 – a pollutant that damages the respiratory system. As a result, some parts of the city now meet WHO standards. Ultra Low Emission Zones and challenges for courier companies Kraków and Warsaw are among the cities planning to introduce similar solutions. What will be the impact of Ultra Low Emission Zones on the courier industry? Analysing the experiences of other European cities, the authors of the report “Last Mile Transformation. Zero emissions in city logistics”2, published by the Electric Vehicles Promotion Foundation (FPPE), came to several conclusions: Last-mile logistics is the most difficult and costly challenge for courier companies, and the growth of the e-commerce industry will exacerbate existing problems. Zero-emission transport in city centres reduces delivery time. Despite the initial cost of replacing fleets with, for example, electric vehicles, low-carbon last-mile logistics will result in lower costs in the long run. Low and ultra-low emission zones drive the logistics industry towards zero emission technologies. https://transport.um.warszawa.pl/strefy-czystego-transportu-w-europie https://fppe.pl/raport-transformacja-ostatniej-mili-zeroemisyjnosc-w-logistyce-miejskiej/
Changing consumer expectations of delivery 2024-01-08 przez iLabs - Kamil Customer loyalty does not come once and for all, so online shops need to constantly improve their offering to better meet consumer needs. Delivery of goods is an important area of their activities. Customers’ expectations in this respect are well described in the Gemius report “E-commerce in Poland“. Let’s look at the opinions expressed by respondents in 2023 and 3 years earlier. Multiple delivery options continue to drive purchases Over the past hree years, online shoppers have greatly appreciated the variety of delivery and collection options available in online outlets. In both 2020 and 2023, 53% of respondents considered them an incentive to buy online. Do consumers still prefer the same delivery methods? The dominance of parcel lockers In 2020, parcel machine delivery was already the most popular method of collecting online purchases. It was used by 61% of consumers, with direct delivery chosen by 55%. The third most popular method was delivery by a postman (33%), followed by delivery to a partner outlet (19%) and to a post office (10%). A survey conducted three years later (2023) highlights some clear trends. Parcel machines are now used by up to 82% of shoppers. Direct delivery by courier is chosen by 42% of respondents, which indicates a decline. Partner outlets are used by 18% of shoppers, while 17% still prefer the postman. Only 6% of online shoppers now visit post offices to collect their purchases. What are the conclusions? Environmentally friendly parcel machines that offer flexible collection times are gaining market share. Still, online retailers should not neglect other forms of delivery, especially direct delivery and partner outlets, as this could mean missing out on potential customers!
More progress on decarbonized transport: how political decisions affect the move toward climate neutrality 2023-12-18 przez iLabs - Kamil More progress on decarbonized transport: how political decisions affect the move toward climate neutrality The Paris Agreement aims to have the European Union achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It is estimated that transport is responsible for 1/4 of greenhouse gas emissions within the Union, and it is this sector that is currently doing the worst in implementing the commitment1. What political decisions are about to change that? Only zero-emission vehicles from 2035 In March 2023, the Council of the European Union adopted a rather radical solution to allow only the sales of zero-emission new passenger cars and vans in the Community from 2035. In addition, a 55% reduction in emissions for cars and 50% for vans is to be achieved between 2030 and 2035. Heavy-duty vehicle tolls In November 2021, the Eurovignette Directive was amended. The new regulations went into effect in March 2022, and require the drivers of heavy-duty vehicles to pay tolls for the use of certain parts of the road infrastructure in order to help reduce CO2 emissions. Euro 7 Cars contribute not only to CO2 emissions, but to air pollution as well. For this reason, the European Union has been working on the Euro 7 standard which is expected to further reduce the level of additional pollutants, for example, from tires, brakes and batteries. The regulations, which have been in the works since September 2023, are expected to apply to passenger cars and vans as well as trucks. It is worth noting that decarbonized transport solutions apply equally to passenger car and truck owners, forcing the logistics industry to take radical steps. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/pl/policies/clean-and-sustainable-mobility/#goals
How are global brands adapting to sustainability requirements? 2023-12-04 przez iLabs - Kamil How are global brands adapting to sustainability requirements? ESG, the non-financial corporate assessment model being implemented by the European Commission, has made sustainability a hot business topic in again. How are e-commerce giants approaching it? Here are some examples. Amazon’s ambitious goals US Amazon certainly deserves its title of giant. The company has set itself an ambitious goal – to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. To this end, it is investing in renewable energy, such as the 3,900 solar panels that power its robotics centre in Świebodzin. The company is also committed to green transportation. It plans to be using 100,000 electric vehicles by 2030 to reduce CO2 emissions by several million tons. In addition, Amazon is constantly improving its supply chain, promoting eco-friendly packaging and the idea of recycling1. Sustainability by Allegro How is sustainability being implemented by Polish giants? Let us take a look at the 2022 ESG report presented by Allegro. In terms of ecology, it says that 98% of the warehouse waste generated by the company is recycled. Allegro boasts a 10.4% reduction in CO2 emissions in its supply chain, as well as the introduction of nearly 4 million eco-friendly packages into the market. There is an eco-friendly tint to Allegro’s One Box parcel lockers, as while they are powered by electricity from the grid, the company purchases energy certified with green certificates. In addition, the lockers are covered with vegetation and measure air quality in the area. ESG strategy at Alsendo Group The development of ESG initiatives is a priority for the Alsendo Group. Our business models are developed and implemented in accordance with UN recommendations aimed at minimizing the negative impact of businesses on the global environment. Demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental protection and social responsibility, we are committed to sustainability and environmental neutrality in every aspect of our operations. Part of this process is an emphasis on developing low-carbon forms of courier services, launching educational projects to promote environmentally friendly forms of sending and picking up parcels, and driving change in our daily work. The effects of our decisions are already visible – we have sent more than 50,000 emails encouraging the use of PUDOs and parcel lockers as the most environmentally friendly courier service option, our paper consumption has been reduced by 35%, and electricity by 15%. Alsendo Group expects to continue its sustainability strategy by launching new projects in the area of environmental impact, labour and social relations, and corporate governance. https://mycompanypolska.pl/artykul/7-sposobow-na-zrownowazony-rozwoj-w-e-commerce/12553
Ethics and digital awareness in online shopping: how do consumers respond to privacy and data security issues? 2023-11-13 przez iLabs - Kamil Ethics and digital awareness in online shopping: how do consumers respond to privacy and data security issues? According to the E-commerce in Poland 20231 report by Gemius, of the approximately 30 million Internet users in Poland, as many as 79% make purchases online. Survey participants were asked about factors motivating them to buy online, and 16% mentioned secure forms of payment. At the same time, 16% of respondents who forgo online shopping cite payment security concerns as the second most frequently identified reason. Given this dissonance, is it possible to summarize consumer perceptions of privacy and data security in online shopping? Patchy understanding of cyber security An interesting discussion of the issue of data security in online shopping is provided in the Safe While E-Shopping 2022 report published by Santander Consumer Bank2. The study reveals some paradoxes. 24% of buyers rated their level of knowledge as definitely good, 30% as good, while 33% gave a neutral answer. Against this backdrop, it may come as a surprise that as many as 84% of shoppers have not heard of phishing, and 77% of skimming – arguably the two most important dangers while e-shopping. Perhaps some of those surveyed are familiar with these phenomena, but cannot name them. On the positive side, 80% of those surveyed said they were familiar with dangers present on the Internet, and they mainly relied for their knowledge on online articles and bank and government websites. It seems that the media and institutions have the potential to improve the Poles’ understanding of cyber security. Online security in practice The authors of the report also verified how consumers protect their data. Here are the most common answers: do not open suspicious attachments or links – 78%; use antivirus software – 63%; be careful when sharing information online – 58%; use strong passwords – 54%; do not use unknown WiFi networks – 48%. The fact so many Poles trust online stores is a proof of their safe and informed shopping practices. On the other hand, there is still a considerable reserve regarding knowledge on cybersecurity. https://www.gemius.pl/wydawcy-aktualnosci/id-79-internautow-kupuje-online-raport-e-commerce-w-polsce-2023-juz-dostepny.html https://www.santanderconsumer.pl/gfx/santander/userfiles/_public/raport_ppw_bezpieczni_na_e-zakupach_2022.pdf
Fullfilment, dropshipping, own warehouse – how to tailor logistics solutions for cross-border e-commerce? 2023-10-20 przez iLabs - Kamil Logistics tends to be the biggest challenge for Polish companies starting cross-border e-commerce or export operations. Let us take a look at some of the logistics, warehousing and delivery solutions that can be successfully used in this industry. Fulfillment Fulfillment is the outsourcing of all logistics operations to a local third-party service provider, with the online retailer only taking care of the sales process. To be successful, this model requires a reliable logistics partner, the ability to monitor delivery performance and a favourable contract. In the most cost-effective option, the client only pays for the storage space actually used, without having to commit to a volume in advance. Dropshipping With dropshipping, the retailer is also solely responsible sales, while deliveries are made directly from the manufacturer and distributor. This model works best when the goods come from a single source. Also, this solution is most appropriate when manufacturers operate in the local market. Private labeling This solution is similar to dropshipping. The difference is that the manufacturer or distributor is involved not only in the shipping, but also in the preparation and packaging of the goods under the seller’s brand. This model is most effective when distributors are present in the local market. Own warehouse in the country Is renting warehouse space or building a warehouse abroad too expensive? In some industries, shipping goods abroad from a Polish warehouse is not necessarily a doomed solution. Consumers are willing to wait a little longer for delivery if the retailer offers a unique range or is highly competitive on price. The same applies to custom-made or premium products. Logistics can be taken to the next level with solutions such as Innoship’s software, which automates shipping processes based on the best price or delivery time.
Common mistakes when entering foreign markets 2023-10-15 przez iLabs - Kamil With no barriers to trade and business within the European Union, Polish companies are tempted to expand abroad. There is no one universal strategy for how best to enter a given market. It all depends on the industry and the preferences of local customers. The most common problems encountered by Polish e-commerce businesses when entering foreign markets include: lack of knowledge of the local market, lack of a coherent strategy or lack of a market-specific offer. Here is our advice on how to avoid them! Lack of local market knowledge Failure to understand the local market can include ignoring the preferences of customers in a particular country. For example, neighbouring Poland and Slovakia may have similar purchasing power, levels of digitalisation and even online shopping habits. Although the preferred forms of delivery or payment methods may vary, through seamless integration with existing platforms, online retailers can easily extend the range of their services to meet the expectations of their target market. Before entering a particular market, companies should get to know their potential customers, for example through: Local online surveys of consumer preferences or international market research; Own research (if budget allows); Reports prepared for Polish exporters (e.g. available on Trade.gov.pl). Using Poland and Slovakia as an example, these countries are home to Apaczka and Zaslat – online platforms offering courier services, both part of the Alsendo Group, a leader in logistics and technological solutions for businesses. Another similar mistake involves failing to research potential competitors in a given country. If the market is saturated, it will be difficult to get a slice of the local pie without a lot of investment and competing with strong, established players. Local regulations are a separate issue, but this is not relevant for the e-commerce and trading industry within the European Union, where uniform regulations apply. Lack of a coherent strategy The mistake of adopting the wrong strategy often stems directly from the first point, which is unfamiliarity with the market. For example, a marketing strategy that may have worked well in Poland will not always be successful in a neighbouring country – even one that shares the same culture. Consumers in each country make purchasing decisions based on different factors. An offering that is not adapted to market needs This brings us to the third mistake, which is failing to adapt the product range to the needs of local consumers. When expanding abroad, retailers need to keep in mind that an offering that works in Poland will not always be successful even in neighbouring countries such as Slovakia or the Czech Republic. This is due to different needs, shopping patterns and consumer habits. In many industries, pricing strategy can also make a huge difference to sales. When selling abroad, it is important to remember that people in some countries may buy more premium brands than others. This mainly depends on their level of income. Consumers in less affluent areas will be looking for ways to save money. Lack of experienced business partners and tools Working with local providers is a good strategy for entering a foreign market. A local marketing agency is by its very nature familiar with the consumers for whom it develops communications on a day-to-day basis. A local law firm will have a very good knowledge of local law. When exporting, it is worth considering working with a foreign distributor to get products to buyers more easily, even if the margin is lower. When it comes to tools, e-commerce retailing is a good example. If a company does not invest in a local warehouse, it will need to use tools to enable efficient cross-border deliveries. Polish retailers can benefit from the support of Alsendo Group companies, using services such as Apaczka Germany or Innoship software, which allows automated allocation of shipments to carriers, speeding up delivery times and reducing costs. In an age of easy access to information and sophisticated tools, it is really not worth risking potential mistakes when expanding into foreign markets.
Crossing borders. What are the key differences in e-commerce regulations in Europe? 2023-10-10 przez iLabs - Kamil Polish Online Retailers and EU Regulations Polish online retailers looking to sell within the European Union benefit from simplified processes in some areas. E-commerce regulations are largely based on EU legislation, making them consistent and universally applicable across the EU. Key European E-commerce Regulations The following are some of the main rules governing the e-commerce market in the EU: 14-day complaint resolution – Online retailers in the EU are required to process complaints within 14 days. Price disclosure – According to the Omnibus Directive, sellers must display the lowest price an item was offered at in the past 30 days. Warranty – Buyers have up to two years to prove that a product does not conform to the contract. Disclosure obligations – Sellers must inform customers if they are a business, if they use paid advertising, and provide their business address. 14-day withdrawal period – Customers have the right to withdraw from a purchase within 14 days, without needing to provide a reason. Returns and complaints policies – Every online retailer must have clear terms for handling returns and complaints. To streamline these processes, Innoship offers an automated delivery and returns system that supports efficient management. Personal data protection – GDPR regulations apply throughout the EU. Selling Beyond the European Union Retailers looking to expand outside the EU face more challenges. Local e-commerce regulations may vary significantly from EU laws, and shipments are often subject to VAT and customs duties, which are usually the buyer’s responsibility. For these reasons, it is generally advisable to focus cross-border e-commerce efforts within the EU first.
How to build lasting relationships in cross-border e-commerce? Acquiring and retaining customers in new markets 2023-10-04 przez iLabs - Kamil Loyal customers buy up to 90% more often and spend 67% more. It is important to remember that without high levels of customer retention, it is difficult to be successful in cross-border e-commerce. How do you achieve this? Customer acquisition in cross-border commerce Acquiring customers abroad can sometimes be more difficult than in your home market due to differences in consumer habits and needs. Here are the key steps to attracting shoppers: Analysis of the local market – The ideal solution is to conduct your own market research. If your budget does not allow for this, use existing sources such as reports on foreign markets published on www.trade.gov.pl. Research carried out by local institutions can also provide valuable information. Optimisation of the shop’s website – In many markets, customers are much more likely to trust websites that have a local domain name. Other ‘must haves’ include content in the local language, as well as local currency and payment methods. SEO – It is virtually impossible to promote a shop in a given market without SEO activity. Alternative solutions could include working with influencers, using recommendations or affiliate marketing strategies. Competitive advantage – Cross-border e-commerce is almost only viable if the shop stands out from its competitors, either in terms of affordability or the superiority of certain products over local goods. This makes consumers more willing to accept inconveniences, such as longer delivery times. Retaining customers in a new market Another challenge for the retailer is to retain the customers that have already been acquired – they are the group that guarantees a steady profit. Retention rate is the difference between the number of customers at the end of a given period and the number of customers acquired, divided by the number of customers at the beginning of the period, for example a year. It is expressed as a percentage and the average retention rate in retail is 63%. What you can do to improve your retention rate: Customer service in the local language – this enhances the experience and also improves customer loyalty. Loyalty programmes and promotions – these are universal mechanisms that can be used effectively in any market. Gathering and using customer feedback – this helps to build a positive experience and can be useful in marketing and sales strategies. Efficient logistics – long delivery times can deter customers from making repeat purchases. Therefore, it makes sense to ensure safe and timely delivery with the services offered by the Apaczka platform – an experienced partner in shipping processes. Ongoing communication with customers – through all possible channels, using personalised offers but also content marketing. Cross-border commerce is a great solution for retailers looking to expand into new markets, but it can only be successful if the retailer invests in attracting consumers and building loyalty.
Value of the global e-commerce logistics services market 2022-2027 2023-09-01 przez iLabs - Kamil According to Statista.com, the value of the global e-commerce market reached USD 5.7 trillion in 2022[1]! And experts are forecasting its growth in the years to come. It is no secret that online sales have been driving the CEP industry for a long time now. The value of the global e-commerce logistics market is also set to grow significantly over the next five years. Close to EUR 700 billion in 2027 According to estimates by the research agency Transport Intelligence, the global market was worth more than EUR 418 billion in 2022, while the current year should close with a figure of over EUR 451 billion. The projected growth in the sector’s value up to 2027 is impressive. Worldwide customers are then expected to pay more than EUR 683 billion for e-commerce logistics services. This means that the market would have grown by as much as 63%[2]. Significant share of cross-border commerce logistics Retailers from different countries are looking for new markets abroad. Many online trading giants are now operating globally. In 2022, cross-border logistics services for the e-commerce industry totalled more than EUR 66 billion, which represented a share of almost 16%. In 2027, the figures are expected to look similar. The value of cross-border logistics services in this sector is to exceed EUR 114 billion, with a share of almost 17%. Logistics for e-commerce in Europe E-commerce is also the driving force of the European CEP sector. In 2022, the value of e-commerce logistics services in Europe reached EUR 81.638 billion. Interestingly, the share of cross-border operations in the region was lower than the global average, at just over 14%. The markets with the highest value are the UK (EUR 23.9 billion), Germany (EUR 16.49 billion) and France (EUR 12.14 billion), followed by Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden and Turkey. Signs are that the booming e-commerce market will favour the logistics industry in the coming years. Sources: [1] https://www.statista.com/topics/871/online-shopping/#topicOverview [2] https://i.gremicdn.pl/image/free/5415d1479c2ba975ae2b79d259026680/krzysztof-oflakowski?t=crop:1714:1063:nowe:88:0,resize:fit:1920:1189
Green Last Mile – what is it and how does it affect T&L? 2023-08-04 przez iLabs - Kamil Green Last Mile – what is it and how does it affect T&L? There is no doubt that transportation has a negative impact on the environment. However, with the right changes to the logistics chain, its impact can be significantly reduced. Here we discuss one of the latest trends, namely the Green Last Mile, and how it affects the T&L industry. What is the Green Last Mile? The Green Last Mile is a reference to the Last Mile Delivery, i.e. the final leg of delivery. It is extremely important, as it has the greatest impact on delivery time and the recipient satisfaction. Estimates show that it accounts for approximately 40–45% of operational costs. With the growing awareness of the need to take care of the natural environment and the resulting changes to laws and standards, the T&L industry is striving to be more eco-friendly. This is because deliveries, both on a global and local scale, generate immense CO2 emissions. The Green Last Mile is an initiative to reduce the impact of deliveries to final recipients. Sustainable supply chains include better route planning, reducing empty runs, and reducing the use of paper and plastic (e.g. packaging, waybills, documents). However, if logistics is to be more eco-friendly, changes are necessary at the last mile. The Green Last Mile and eco-logistics – what are the new trends in T&L? Last year’s Report by Last Mile Experts showed that solving the last mile emissions problem is difficult. The growing popularity of electric vehicles in cities is set to become the dominant trend now. However, fleets will only be replaced gradually due to the high costs involved and the insufficiently robust infrastructure, most importantly the small number of charging stations. One of the most important issues is optimising deliveries in the B2C channel. The most efficient solution, which is also well-received by customers, is the option to pick up deliveries out of home, i.e. at parcel pickup machines and PUDO (Pick Up Drop Off) points. In addition, carriers are highly likely to warm up to the idea of introducing cargo bikes and micro-hubs, which is already happening in Austria.
Growing popularity of parcel lockers 2023-04-05 przez iLabs - Kamil Growing popularity of parcel lockers The dynamic growth of the e-commerce industry has led to the development of new solutions that ensure the maximum convenience of the shipment and collection of products. Special machines for parcel shipping have become widespread, and they are used not just by businesses but also by private individuals. We will discuss the growing popularity of parcel lockers! Why have parcel lockers become so popular? The first Paczkomat® parcel locker of InPost was created in 2009. Automatic machines used to collect and send parcels have quickly gained popularity. They turned out to be a very comfortable solution because they made it unnecessary to wait for the courier – many people are out during the standard delivery hours and cannot collect their parcel themselves. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to the popularity of parcel lockers. In 2021, there were already 15 thousand parcel lockers[1]. That is because they were not only convenient but also safe – they did not require contact with the courier. Also, further features (e.g., the introduction of a special application) made the parcel collection/dispatch process even easier. How is the parcel locker trend developing? At this moment, InPost is the biggest operator of parcel lockers in Poland. Around the end of last year, it had 27,939 parcel lockers overall, 19,306 of which were located in Poland[2]. According to a report by Gemius, “E-commerce in Poland 2022[3]”, this is the form of delivery that is chosen most often by the users – 81% of survey-takers declare that they use it most often. The competition has already started to introduce similar solutions. Companies such as DPD, Allegro, Poczta Polska, Orlen, Aliexpress or DHL are installing their own versions of this equipment. In response to these actions, InPost has focused on the protection of its brand, reserving the name Paczkomat® as a word trademark[4]. [1] Source: https://inpost.pl/aktualnosci-mamy-juz-15-000-paczkomatow. [2] Source: https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/marki-drwia-inpost-odmieniaja-nazwy-przez-przypadki-kto-jest-zalozycielem-rafal-brzoska-balansuje-na-granicy-wielkosci-i-smiesznosci. [3] Source: https://www.gemius.pl/wydawcy-aktualnosci/raport-e-commerce-2022-juz-dostepny.html. [4] Source: https://forsal.pl/biznes/aktualnosci/artykuly/8654627,inpost-znak-towarowy-paczkomat.html.
Logistics is getting closer to going paperless 2023-03-30 przez iLabs - Kamil Logistics is getting closer to going paperless Using conventional documents is not only time-consuming and inconvenient – it is also unsafe and unsustainable. More and more sectors are trying to implement the paperless policy. We will discuss the situation in the logistics sector! Why should logistics go paperless? Time is critical in logistics – all parties want the goods to be delivered as soon as possible. Each successive link in the supply chain involves many formalities. It takes a long time to complete them all using conventional methods, which is why many different solutions have been created to digitise and automate the preparation and exchange of documents. Unfortunately, many documents are still used in paper form, e.g., consignment notes, external issue documents or pallet receipts. Surveys conducted by GS1 Poland[1] showed that out of almost 30 thousand participants (manufacturers, logistics service providers, chain stores, etc.), 70% want to take part in the Paperless Project. So far, this has not translated into any actual actions. The Paperless Project – how is paper use reduced in logistics? The Paperless Project initiated in the middle of 2021 is based on standardised digital documents – the DESADV system, which includes many different electronic EDI messages. This can eliminate paper documentation, automating and streamlining the flow of goods and documents. Thanks to the Paperless Project: the accounting and payment process is quicker and shorter, the delivery process is initiated faster, manufacturers and suppliers can sooner notify the customers of any difficulties and take adequate action, manufacturers and suppliers can better predict their orders and adapt the availability of products in a flexible manner, delivery queues are shortened, enabling more effective planning of unloading operations, costs of document printing are eliminated, the amount of waste and negative environmental impact are reduced. Activities in the logistics industry aimed at switching to the paperless model to streamline costs and processes are not only cost-efficient and convenient – they have become a necessity today. [1] Source: https://logistyka.rp.pl/produkty-i-uslugi/art19138821-dostawy-bez-papierowych-dokumentow.