On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation, or simply ORION developed by UPS, has several major advantages. Due to the efficient routing, ORION improves each delivery’s cost efficiency, as fewer roads are covered, and fuel consumed. Consequently, it leads to the improvement in customer service and the environmental impact of the company. The improvement in customer service is addressed to the timely delivery of the packages. At the same time, every mile saved through the ORION routing has reduced fuel consumption and led to a reduction in CO2 emissions by 100 000 metric tons annually (Holland et al., 2017). This indirect impact of the ORION development helps to operate the company in a more sustainable way.
The upgrade in the form of UPSNav further expands the existing capabilities of ORION through the provision of detailed directions towards loading docks and delivery destinations or boarding sites that are not easily recognizable. In addition, it allows fast renovation of maps to address the change in delivery or pickup point. Overall, it can be considered as the renewed version of ORION with higher quality mapping functions.
The improvements that can be brought to the system include the incorporation of smart and sustainable vehicles. Commercial electric vehicles with autonomous driving options are a major step in the development of sustainable, comfortable, and cost-efficient business models (Zeziulin et al., 2019). Software problem of such solutions is one of the major constraints towards availability of technology (Zeziulin et al., 2019).
However, the existing routing systems of UPS, such as UPSNav, can possibly be used to create and enhance the capabilities of self-driving cars. Moreover, it is also possible to apply the artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities of ORION routing for the development of aerial logistics for which the company plans to use drones. The deployment of drones will indicate the transformation of delivery services in the near future.
References
Holland, C., Levis, J., Nuggehalli, R., Santilli, B., & Winters, J. (2017). UPS optimizes delivery routes. Interfaces, 47(1), 8–23. Web.
Zeziulin, D. V., Tyugin, D. Y., Tumasov, A. V., Dorofeev, R. A., & Fadeev, E. A. (2019). Development of commercial electric vehicles platforms adapted for the use of self-friving systems. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 272, 032060. Web.