For smarter logistics, just add location intelligence

Ahead of next week’s Leaders in Logistics Summit in Berlin, HERE360 caught up with Bart Coppelmans, HERE’s Senior Director of Product Management, to get his take on the future of parcel delivery. His insights, rooted in game-changing tech like location intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data, are a goldmine for carriers, postal services, third-party logistics (3PLs) providers and retail logistics teams looking to stay competitive.

A perfect blend

For delivery businesses, inefficient routes mean wasted fuel, higher costs and delayed shipments. That’s where smarter route planning makes a real difference. “Our optimization tools help companies handle complex delivery schedules with ease, ensuring their fleets operate as efficiently as possible,” said Coppelmans.

HERE’s fleet solutions factor in real-world challenges—traffic conditions, time-sensitive deliveries and even local regulations—so businesses can stay on track. By leveraging advanced AI techniques, these solutions optimize route planning to identify the most efficient paths for every delivery. Whether companies use a mix of electric and traditional vehicles, the system makes it seamless to plan routes that consider EV range, charging needs and operational efficiency.

“With more businesses adopting electric fleets, we make sure they can integrate seamlessly into daily operations,” Coppelmans explained.

By optimizing routes, businesses cut costs, improve sustainability and keep deliveries running smoothly—ensuring every vehicle is used to its full potential. This not only boosts operational performance but also leads to faster, more reliable deliveries, improving customer satisfaction and fostering trust with every interaction.

Mastering the last mile—and last meter

With parcel delivery volumes skyrocketing every year, the last mile remains a top priority for cutting costs and keeping customers happy. But Coppelmans pushed the conversation further, emphasizing the importance of last-meter precision—getting packages not just to the right address, but to the exact spot the customer wants them.

“It’s not enough to deliver to an address,” he explained. “Precision means ensuring packages reach the exact unit in an apartment complex, the correct locker or a specified safe place.”

This level of accuracy comes with its own challenges, like decoding sub-address details, finding the right entrance for multi-unit buildings and following special delivery instructions.

“One big step forward here is micro-point addressing,” Coppelmans explained. “By tying sub-address data to main addresses, companies can plan with a level of accuracy they’ve never had before.”

Coppelmans also highlighted how feedback loops and historical data can fine-tune operations. “Using location intelligence to spot patterns—like where drivers usually park or which building entrances they use most—can make a huge difference in efficiency,” he added.

The AI advantage

AI and real-time data are no longer just buzzwords—they’re the backbone of modern logistics. According to Coppelmans, while these technologies aren’t new, their applications are getting smarter and more critical to everyday operations. “AI is already built into so many logistics systems, helping companies plan better routes, optimize fleets and cut costs,” he said.

One standout example is HERE’s integration of AI-driven tools for planning, routing and execution. “We’re exploring how AI can automatically pull insights from massive datasets—whether it’s finding the best parking spots or suggesting ways to handle unexpected delays,” Coppelmans shared.

And it’s not just about planning. With the HERE AI Assistant recently showcased at CES, Coppelmans envisions integrating these tools directly into drivers’ workflows, especially for last-mile delivery. The goal? To create what he calls “consistency between planning, execution and analytics” in real time.

Sustainability first

Sustainability was a recurring theme in Coppelmans’s vision for the future of logistics. He pointed to cities like London, where stricter vehicle access rules and emissions standards are pushing companies to rethink their fleets and operations.

One key strategy is better route optimization. “Simply planning smarter routes reduces the number of vehicles needed, which cuts emissions and eases congestion,” said Coppelmans. He also highlighted the benefits of dynamic delivery windows and reusing fleets to minimize miles traveled.

But for Coppelmans, the real challenge goes beyond electric vehicles or optimized routes. “Companies need to bake regulations—like restricted zones—directly into their planning systems,” he said. “Otherwise, they risk denied deliveries or hefty fines.”

By tackling these issues now, businesses can align efficiency with sustainability goals for the long haul.

Looking ahead in logistics

When asked about the next big things in logistics, Coppelmans pointed to automation and generative AI as game-changers. “A lot of operations are still manual, but AI opens the door not just to automation, but to smarter decision-making across planning, dispatching and execution,” he said.

Coppelmans' ultimate vision? For logistics companies to build systems that are as adaptable as they are efficient. “The winners will be the ones who adopt tools that make their business dynamic,” he concluded. “Whether it’s onboarding new drivers overnight or adjusting to unexpected changes, agility will be the defining strength.”