Local authorities in Graz have inaugurated their latest smart city project – the SoWAS parcel boxes that are meant to prevent the need for unnecessary trips by shipping companies and ultimately save time for consumers and businesses while simultaneously protecting the environment.
A functional and easy-to-use system
“SoWAS” is the short form for “Scalable, open goods exchange system. It is a parcel box station based on a locker principle, which is available to logisticians, but also for private purposes and is intended to help avoid empty delivery kilometres.
A first system has been put into operation at the TU Campus Neue Technik in Stremayrgasse. The system has been developed thanks to the joint work between the city and A1, as well as several other local institutions. A1 will also be handling its operations.
For local companies and their customers, the A1 Parcel Station has extended its opening hours because it is accessible around the clock and you can pick up your parcels when you find the time. In addition, the two parcel service providers DPD and GLS can also use the A1 Parcel Stations at their leisure and should it be required.
The system can be used by all commercial service providers, but also privately, and thus follows the principle of the “sharing economy”. Objects can also be deposited by business people or private individuals or stored for exchange with other people.
“The aim of this parcel station is to reduce delivery and pick-up routes,” explained City Councilor Elke Kahr, emphasizing the added value of the system in terms of transport policy. “This makes it possible to make the growing urban distribution of goods more sustainable and to process it more efficiently using an alternative delivery concept.” After all, the last mile is the most inefficient and expensive part of the supply chain, accounting for up to 28% of total transportation costs.
Source: TheMayor.EU
