IDA, SPRING Singapore and CapitaLand tie-up to boost last mile delivery to retailers

Over 300 retailers stand to benefit.

In a bid to boost the Singapore logistics sector, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), SPRING Singapore and CapitaLand Mall Trust (CMT) are banding together to trial an In-Mall Distribution programme (IMD).

According to the the IDA’s news release, the trial will be launched at Tampines Mall and Bedok Mall. About 300 retailers will be enjoying IMD trial. If successful, the model may further be rolled out to other shopping malls owned or managed by CapitaLand in Singapore to benefit other retailers in its network.

This initiative is the first step of IDA and SPRING Singapore’s nationwide Urban Logistics programme.

The trial will pilot a dock scheduler and queue management system which gives Logistic Service Providers (LSPs) and tenants their own delivery fleet to book specific delivery timings at the mall. By ensuring that delivery schedules do not clash, traffic congestion and trucks queuing outside the malls are set to decline.

A “change of custody” system will also be launched to improve efficiency during the handing and taking over process of deliveries. With this new system, receivers will no longer need to manually count items as it electronically secures the inventory of items at the shipment level.

The IMD also includes the creation of In-Mall Logistics Operators (IMO). IMOs will receive and consolidate deliveries from suppliers before distributing to retailers. They may perform additional roles such as such as providing value-added services like unloading bay facility management, and security pass issuance.

“In addition to IMD, nationwide Offsite flow through Consolidation Centres (OCC) are also being explored as part of the Urban Logistics Programme to enhance the processes of the logistics sector,” the release stated.