Ideal Location Selection for Contactless Parcel Pick-Up Points

Abstract

The post-Covid era has witnessed the adoption of various new habits in our daily lives, particularly in relation to the ubiquitous e-commerce platforms that have become essential for urban populations. The surge in e-commerce activities and the intensified volume in delivery of packages during the pandemic sparked innovative ideas. This study explores one such creative concept: parcel pick-up points. We conducted a pioneering research endeavor to determine the optimal locations for these pick-up points in Istanbul, Turkey. Our methodology employed a novel hybrid approach, combining the Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The evaluation of criteria importance was facilitated by a literature review and experienced high-level managers in the cargo industry, who determined the criteria weights using the Spherical Fuzzy AHP method. Subsequently, the TOPSIS method was employed to identify the most ideal locations, leading to the selection of Kadikoy, Umraniye, and Atasehir. This study provides valuable insights into the selection of the optimal locations for parcel pick-up points in Istanbul, Turkey, which can inform policymakers, e-commerce companies, and logistics stakeholders. The proposed hybrid approach demonstrates the integration of modern smart technologies with fuzzy decision-making techniques, offering a robust framework for decision support in the field of e-commerce logistics. Future research can further explore the implementation and effectiveness of these pick-up points to enhance the efficiency and convenience of last-mile deliveries in urban areas.