In recent trials using the what3words addressing system, UAE-based logistics and delivery firm Aramex found that delivery times improved by 42% and that the total distance traveled by drivers was also reduced by 22%.
What3words is a global addressing system that has divided the world into 3x3m (10x10ft) squares, each with a unique address made of three words. The three-word address index.home.raft, for example, identifies the front entrance of the what3words office in London, UK. Three-word addresses are accurate to 3x3m (10x10ft), giving every front door, mall entrance and delivery point its own unique address.
The study took place in two well-addressed areas of Dubai: Al Khawaneej and Al Muhaisnah. Two teams of Aramex drivers, with two drivers per team, each delivered 100 packages to the same 100 locations. One team used street addresses, the other used three-word addresses along with route optimization software to generate the most efficient route.
The drivers who used street addresses spent seven hours and 49 minutes on the road, drove a total distance of 255km (158 miles), and had to make 25 phone calls asking for directions. The drivers who used three-word addresses drove for four hours and 28 minutes, covered a distance of 198km (123 miles), and made no phone calls to customers.
Over 100 deliveries, the three-word address drivers were 42% faster than the street address drivers. There was a 22% reduction in total distance traveled because what3words enables optimized route navigation.
Iyad Kamal, chief operations officer of Aramex, said, “We’re committed to using innovative technologies to provide better customer service, improve efficiency of current deliveries and to drive growth in poorly addressed areas, which is why we’ve integrated what3words into Aramex core systems.
“The business benefits for Aramex and our clients are undeniable. This offers a much better retail and delivery experience for the retailer and ultimately the end customer.”
Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words, said, “What3words’s format is global, universal, and three-word addresses are available in over 14 languages. The system is being used to meet friends easily and to get takeaway food delivered faster.
“It’s used by music festival organizers, emergency responders, and next year you will be able to use what3words for navigation in your Mercedes-Benz. Our partnership with Aramex means it can improve delivery times in all the cities it operates in, as well as deliver to a vast new market of customers who have never had an address before.”
October 17, 2017