Category: Logistics

  • 2027 Manufacturing Logistics Trends: AI, Automation, and Smart Warehouses Reshaping Supply Chains

    2027 Manufacturing Logistics Trends: AI, Automation, and Smart Warehouses Reshaping Supply Chains

    Manufacturing and logistics are moving toward a more connected, automated, and data-driven model as companies look for ways to improve efficiency, manage supply-chain disruptions, and respond faster to changing demand. Artificial intelligence, robotics, smart warehouses, digital twins, and multimodal transportation are emerging as important areas of investment. In India, growing manufacturing activity is also driving demand for modern industrial and logistics infrastructure. Industry forecasts suggest these trends could become more visible through 2027 and beyond.

    AI Moves from Experiment to Operations

    Artificial intelligence is expected to play a larger role in manufacturing logistics, particularly in planning, procurement, inventory management, and disruption management. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s 2026 roadmap identifies industrial data analytics, autonomous systems, digital twins, robotics, supply-chain optimization, and sustainable manufacturing as areas where AI and machine learning are enabling advances. AI-powered systems can analyze large volumes of supply-chain information and help companies identify potential disruptions earlier. Emerging agentic AI systems could also support tasks such as finding alternative suppliers and improving production planning.

    Smart Warehouses Gain Ground

    Warehouses are increasingly becoming technology-enabled logistics hubs rather than simple storage facilities. In India, technologies such as Warehouse Management Systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, robotics, RFID, IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital twins are being used to improve inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and supply-chain visibility. The expansion is also visible in market numbers: ICRA expects warehousing supply across eight primary Indian markets to grow 12–14% year-on-year to 550–570 million square feet in FY2027. Manufacturing and third-party logistics are expected to remain key demand drivers.

    Robotics and Automation Expand

    Automation is expected to move beyond repetitive production tasks and deeper into material movement, sorting, storage, and distribution. Physical AI is another trend manufacturers are developing, including more autonomous robots that can work in unstructured environments. Deloitte’s survey showed that 22% of manufacturers planned to use physical AI in the next two years, up from 9% at the time of the survey. In warehouses, autonomous mobile robots and automated distribution systems may become an integral part of the workforce, helping manufacturers handle increased volumes and improve operational consistency.

    Digital Twins for Real-Time Decision Making

    Digital twins are becoming another key aspect of connected manufacturing. They build virtual replicas of physical devices, processes, or facilities and use real-time data for monitoring, simulation, and decision-making. Industrial digital twins are an important technology in intelligent manufacturing, with multiple applications in predictive analysis and efficient resource management. For logistics functions, digital replicas may help model different scenarios before implementing changes in production, warehousing, or the supply chain network.

    Multimodal Logistics Gets More Attention

    Supply chains are also expected to rely more heavily on combinations of road, rail, air, and sea transportation. India’s National Logistics Policy, PM GatiShakti, and multimodal logistics parks aim to improve connectivity between production centers, warehouses, and consumption markets. The Unified Logistics Interface Platform is also designed to improve visibility across the logistics chain. The shift could become increasingly important as manufacturers seek greater flexibility and resilience amid geopolitical and transportation disruptions.

    Grade A and Automation-Ready Infrastructure

    Modern facilities that can accommodate automation and comply with compliance standards have become highly sought after by manufacturers. Light manufacturing leases in India’s eight biggest cities grew from 3.2 million sq. ft. in 2020 to 22.1 million sq. ft. in 2024, according to JLL data cited by The Economic Times. Leasing activity is estimated to rise to almost 34 million sq. ft. by 2027. JLL estimates India’s total warehouse needs to be about 1.2 billion sq. ft. by 2027, while Grade A warehouse inventory might be close to 400 million sq. ft.

    Sustainability Becomes Logistics Priority

    Companies are increasingly considering sustainability by weighing the environmental impact of manufacturing and delivery. Green logistics initiatives include renewable energy, energy-efficient warehouses, route optimization, and other ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly. India’s logistics and warehousing industry has also become more concerned with sustainability, alongside automation and digitization.

    What 2027 Could Look Like

    The logistics sector for manufacturing will most likely be defined by a combination of artificial intelligence, automation, smart warehousing, digital twins, and multimodal networks. The industry is moving away from adopting technologies separately toward integrating technologies that connect production, inventory, transportation, and supply chain decision-making. The difficulty for manufacturers will be scaling up and managing all of these aspects together.

  • Flipkart Minutes Launches Standalone App for 10-Minute Delivery Across 250+ Categories

    Flipkart Minutes Launches Standalone App for 10-Minute Delivery Across 250+ Categories

    Flipkart has officially launched its standalone Flipkart Minutes app in India, intensifying the race for quick-commerce dominance. The Android app, rolled out on September 9, promises 10-minute deliveries across groceries, electronics, gadgets, and daily essentials.

    A New Identity for Flipkart Minutes

    The launch gives Flipkart Minutes a separate identity as competition heats up in India’s fast-delivery market. With the standalone app, Flipkart aims to attract urgent shoppers through faster access, a broader product range, and targeted offers and discounts.

    The app is currently listed on the Google Play Store for Android devices. The listing, updated September 8, shows the app occupies around 20MB. Previously, the service operated as a dedicated section inside the main Flipkart shopping app. The standalone app is expected to boost visibility around quick purchases.

    What Can Shoppers Buy?

    Flipkart Minutes covers a wide range of products, including:

    • Fresh fruits and vegetables
    • Groceries and dairy products
    • Breakfast items, snacks, and beverages
    • Home supplies and cleaning products
    • Gifts and festive essentials
    • Flowers and chocolates
    • Headphones, Bluetooth earphones, smartwatches, and LED lights

    The app description promises “everything you need & want in just 10 minutes,” while highlighting deals and discounts across its expanding catalogue.

    Expanding Fulfilment Network

    The standalone launch follows rapid expansion of the Flipkart Minutes fulfilment network. Flipkart now operates more than 1,000 micro-fulfilment centres across over 130 cities and 8,000 PIN codes. The service has also grown beyond basic groceries to cover more than 250 categories.

    Flipkart reported fivefold order growth over the previous year, with smaller cities gaining significant momentum. This expanded footprint gives Flipkart a stronger base to challenge established quick-commerce leaders such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart.

    Competing Beyond Speed

    The competitive fight now extends beyond delivery speed and grocery availability. Electronics and higher-value products could give Flipkart Minutes another route toward larger customer baskets. Recent industry data also shows Minutes narrowing the order-value gap with Blinkit. Excluding mobile phones, Minutes reportedly records a net order value of Rs. 500 to Rs. 530.

    The standalone app marks more than a branding change for Flipkart Minutes. It signals a sharper push to make quick commerce a major part of Flipkart’s growth strategy. The next phase could depend on store density, delivery reliability, and adoption across smaller Indian cities.

  • 10 Indian Logistics Startups Revolutionizing Supply Chains in 2026

    10 Indian Logistics Startups Revolutionizing Supply Chains in 2026

    India’s logistics sector is undergoing a profound digital transformation, driven by a wave of innovative startups. These companies are deploying artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and real-time data to tackle long-standing challenges in freight, fleet management, warehousing, and supply-chain visibility. As e-commerce and manufacturing expand, the demand for faster, smarter, and more transparent logistics solutions has never been greater.

    Here are 10 Indian logistics startups reshaping the nation’s supply chain ecosystem:

    Motive

    Motive builds hardware and software tailored to the physical economy, with a focus on transportation and fleet operations. Its AI-powered platform addresses driver safety, GPS tracking, dispatch, compliance, fuel management, and maintenance.

    GoComet

    GoComet offers a multimodal logistics platform for enterprises, combining data science and machine intelligence. It helps reduce logistics costs through freight procurement, real-time shipment tracking, dispatch management, and documentation. The company is based in Mumbai and Singapore.

    Botsync

    Botsync develops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and software for material movement in factories and warehouses. Its solutions make industrial automation flexible and easy to deploy.

    CargoFL

    Based in Pune, CargoFL creates an AI-driven technology ecosystem for logistics. The startup integrates software, data, and machine learning to improve transportation and supply-chain operations.

    Shipthis

    Shipthis provides software for freight forwarders, supporting air, land, sea, rail, and multimodal shipments. Its platform includes accounting, warehouse management, rate management, tracking, and customer portals, helping traditional freight businesses go digital.

    Shipmnts

    Shipmnts develops software for 3PLs, freight forwarders, and customs brokers. It addresses the complexities of global trade and multimodal transportation, covering documentation, compliance, customs, and logistics coordination.

    Senzcraft Technologies

    Senzcraft focuses on intelligent process automation, combining robotic process automation, AI, machine learning, computer vision, and conversational AI. Its solutions extend beyond physical transport to automate business processes.

    Intugine Technologies

    Intugine provides multimodal supply-chain visibility. Its platform monitors shipments across air, land, sea, and rail, and is used by over 75 large enterprises to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

    Swift

    Swift is a developer-first shipping platform that connects logistics service providers. Businesses can use its self-service interface or integrate via API, adding a technology layer to manage shipping services.

    FreightFox

    Headquartered in Bengaluru, FreightFox uses technology, data, and intelligence to address industrial freight challenges for manufacturing companies. Its platform moves logistics toward a Logistics 4.0 model.

    The Bigger Picture

    These startups represent different facets of India’s logistics transformation—from fleet optimization and freight digitization to warehouse robotics and end-to-end supply-chain visibility. The common driver is technology: better data, faster decisions, and connected systems are becoming essential. This shift matters not only for India but for global supply chains, as businesses demand greater visibility and control.

    What’s Next

    The next phase will likely see deeper integration across transportation, warehousing, inventory, and customer systems. AI, automation, robotics, and real-time tracking will become more embedded. But success will depend on demonstrating scalable, measurable improvements without adding unnecessary complexity. India’s logistics ecosystem is moving beyond traditional transportation, and these startups are helping to make software and automation a core part of the supply chain itself.

  • DoorDash Air Launches: The Rise of Drone Food Delivery

    DoorDash Air Launches: The Rise of Drone Food Delivery

    DoorDash has introduced DoorDash Air, its in-house drone delivery service designed to make food deliveries faster and more efficient than traditional methods. Using advanced autonomous drones, the service transports food orders directly from restaurants to customers via GPS-guided flight, bypassing road traffic.

    Key features of DoorDash Air include:

    • Lightning-Fast Delivery: Drones fly above traffic, enabling customers to receive meals much quicker, especially during peak hours.
    • Live Order Tracking: Customers can monitor drone flights in real time and receive accurate estimated delivery updates through the DoorDash app.
    • Safety Systems: Every drone is equipped with intelligent navigation, obstacle avoidance, and automated flight controls to ensure safe operations.
    • Restaurant Advantage: Businesses benefit from faster deliveries, reduced dependence on drivers, and improved customer satisfaction during busy periods.
    • Eco-Friendly Operations: Electric drones reduce carbon emissions and support cleaner, more sustainable last-mile delivery solutions.

    DoorDash plans to expand drone deliveries into more cities as approvals and infrastructure develop. DoorDash Air represents the next phase of food logistics, combining AI, automation, and aviation technology to transform how we receive food.

  • AI in Logistics: Maersk’s Resham Sahi on Moving from Visibility to Decision Intelligence

    AI in Logistics: Maersk’s Resham Sahi on Moving from Visibility to Decision Intelligence

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the logistics industry, helping organizations move beyond reactive supply chain management toward intelligent, connected, and data-driven operations. As global trade becomes increasingly complex amid geopolitical uncertainty, demand volatility, and evolving customer expectations, AI is enabling businesses to make faster, more informed decisions that improve resilience, efficiency, and operational agility.

    The convergence of AI with Digital Twins, predictive analytics, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and intelligent Control Towers is creating a new generation of supply chains capable of anticipating disruptions before they occur. From demand forecasting and inventory optimization to real-time shipment visibility, network simulation, and proactive risk management, these technologies are helping organizations optimize every stage of planning, execution, and fulfillment while reducing operational costs and improving customer outcomes.

    Industry leaders believe the future of logistics lies in connected intelligence, where data flows seamlessly across transportation, warehousing, customs, and fulfillment. By integrating AI-powered insights with digital infrastructure, businesses can move beyond monitoring operations to predicting challenges, automating decisions, and building supply chains that are both resilient and future-ready.

    In an exclusive interview with Analytics Insight, Resham Sahi, Senior Vice President – Technology and Head of Maersk Technology Centre, Bangalore, discusses how AI, Digital Twins, predictive analytics, cloud technologies, and intelligent logistics solutions are transforming global supply chains, strengthening operational resilience, and helping Indian businesses build smarter, more connected logistics ecosystems.

    From Visibility to Decision Intelligence

    According to Sahi, the notable trend is that companies are moving from visibility to decision intelligence. “In today’s environment of demand volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving trade patterns, resilience increasingly determines how quickly organizations can turn operational data into informed decisions. Companies can generate significant volumes of operational data through their supply chains; however, real value lies in translating data into actionable insights that enable improved planning and execution.”

    Through AI, companies are becoming better at forecasting demand, optimizing inventory, improving ETA, and managing exceptions. For example, Digital Twins allow companies to test different scenarios and assess how operational decisions may affect transportation, warehousing, and inventory positioning before changes are implemented in the physical supply chain. Using AI, Digital Twins can predict certain disruptions before they occur, helping make more informed decisions while reducing operational risk.

    “The true value comes through integration,” Sahi emphasized. “According to our recent Trade Momentum APAC research, although 74% of companies have operationalized their AI capabilities, only 47% have integrated it with their trade compliance and customs platforms, suggesting that many companies still keep their digital initiatives separate.”

    Maersk believes in the connected intelligence future, where decision intelligence will be built across the entire process of planning, execution, and fulfillment.

    AI-Powered Control Towers

    The function of Control Towers is moving from providing visibility to enabling intelligence, helping organizations move from simply monitoring supply chains to making better decisions. “In today’s environment, it is not enough to know the location of a shipment; it is more valuable to be aware of possible risks and implications and to be able to make a decision based on that information,” Sahi said.

    AI-powered Control Towers deliver this by connecting data from all sources—transportation, warehousing, customs, IoT assets, and enterprise systems—into a single view. This information is constantly analyzed through AI, identifying exceptions, forecasting delays, and proposing the optimal next step for operations, such as changing the route, reallocating inventory, or adjusting warehouse capacity.

    “The real value of a Control Tower lies not in aggregating more data, but in enabling faster, more confident decisions across the supply chain,” Sahi noted. By bringing together operational insights in real time, organizations can respond proactively to disruptions instead of reacting after they occur.

    Digital Twins for Smarter Network Optimization

    One of the most significant advantages of Digital Twins is that they can help make better decisions before any changes to the physical logistics network. This is even more important when reacting to disruptions yet to be encountered. For example, using weather data, Digital Twins can identify several vessel berthing options at ports and recommend the best scenarios for maximizing operational efficiency.

    “With increasing interconnectivity within our logistics network, we require more confidence in our decisions when it comes to logistics such as inventory positioning, transportation flows and warehouse capacity, and Digital Twins allow us to do scenario planning in a virtual environment,” Sahi explained.

    Digital Twins can be transformed from being merely simulation tools into intelligent decision support systems once integrated with AI and operational data. Organizations will be able to run different scenarios of the network, optimize asset use, and spot potential bottlenecks before they affect operations. In line with this, Gartner predicts that by 2027, more than 40% of large enterprises will combine simulation, Digital Twins, and AI to optimize operational processes.

    Building Future-Ready Supply Chains in India

    The rising importance of India in international manufacturing is contributing to the increasing requirement for intelligent and interconnected supply chains. As per the Economic Survey 2025-26, Manufacturing GVA increased by 7.72% in Q1 and 9.13% in Q2 of FY26, highlighting the country’s industrial strength. As businesses diversify supply chains and expand their participation in global value chains, logistics is becoming a strategic enabler of growth rather than simply a support function.

    At Maersk, the company is helping customers connect transportation, warehousing, customs, and fulfillment through integrated digital solutions. AI, cloud, and IoT strengthen that connected ecosystem by improving visibility, planning, and execution across the logistics journey. Cloud-based platforms enable customers to unify transportation, warehousing, customs, and fulfillment into one cohesive digital platform, making faster, better decisions possible.

    “AI represents a once-in-an-era shift that can tackle complex problems, provide faster insights, enable proactive, data-driven decisions, and drive effective execution,” Sahi said. “We are putting AI to use by streamlining how frontline teams serve customers by reducing complexity, redesigning workflows, and improving customer access to insights.”

    At the end of the day, Maersk’s focus is on helping customers build connected and resilient supply chains by integrating data across every stage of the logistics journey, rather than optimizing individual functions in isolation. This will help both Maersk and its customers improve cost efficiency, reliability, and outcomes.

  • Real-Time Asset Tracking with Telematics: Smarter Monitoring for Business Operations

    Real-Time Asset Tracking with Telematics: Smarter Monitoring for Business Operations

    For many businesses, tracking physical assets remains a challenge. Vehicles, equipment, and tools are often spread across multiple sites, and manual methods lead to wasted time and delayed problem detection. Telematics-based smart asset tracking offers a solution by providing real-time visibility into asset location and status.

    What Is Smart Asset Tracking?

    Smart asset tracking uses connected technology to monitor physical assets in real time. A typical setup includes a tracking device on the asset, a wireless connection to transmit data, and a cloud platform where users can view the information. This gives businesses a live view of location and status.

    The key difference from traditional tracking is continuous visibility. Older methods rely on manual records, barcode scans, or team communications, which only provide occasional updates. IoT-based tracking turns assets into connected data points, allowing businesses to check status directly without waiting for reports.

    Benefits of Real-Time Asset Tracking

    Better visibility is the primary advantage. Teams can locate equipment instantly, saving time and reducing friction. Tracking also reduces risk by detecting unusual activity early—an asset moving outside normal hours can trigger alerts. This early warning helps prevent costly losses.

    Additionally, real-time data improves asset utilization. Businesses can see which assets are overused or underused, leading to smarter allocation and replacement decisions. Historical usage patterns also support long-term planning by revealing inefficiencies.

    Real-World Applications

    Asset tracking is valuable across industries. In logistics, it helps manage fleets and shipments across large areas. Devices like the GL53MG Plus ensure visibility even when continuous power is unavailable. In equipment rental, compact trackers such as the GL52RP simplify monitoring without complex installation. For industrial operations, the GV500MAP combines location tracking with vehicle data for maintenance planning.

    Best Practices for Implementation

    Start with high-priority assets—those that are expensive, frequently moved, or hard to replace. Define events that trigger alerts, such as unexpected movement or maintenance thresholds. Regularly review usage data to spot patterns and improve allocation. Finally, train staff to use the system effectively, ensuring adoption and practical use.

    Conclusion

    Smart asset tracking with telematics gives businesses a clearer view of field operations. Real-time monitoring reduces blind spots, improves control, and turns asset data into actionable insights. Whether managing trailers, rental equipment, or industrial machinery, this technology delivers reliable oversight.

  • Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS): The Flexible Business Model Transforming Industries

    Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS): The Flexible Business Model Transforming Industries

    Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) is rapidly emerging as a game-changing business model that allows companies to rent drone solutions rather than purchasing expensive equipment. This approach significantly reduces upfront costs while providing access to skilled operators and cutting-edge technology.

    By eliminating the need for hardware purchases, maintenance, software licenses, and pilot training, DaaS makes aerial services affordable for businesses of all sizes. Here’s how different industries are leveraging this model:

    • Agriculture: Farmers use drones for crop monitoring, precision spraying, field mapping, and plant health assessments, boosting productivity while cutting manual labor and resource waste.
    • Construction: Construction firms deploy drones for site surveys, progress tracking, inspections, and 3D mapping, helping projects stay on schedule and within budget.
    • Logistics & Retail: Retailers and logistics providers are exploring drone deliveries for medicines, groceries, and essential goods, especially in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
    • Infrastructure Inspections: Drones safely inspect bridges, power lines, pipelines, and telecom towers, reducing human risk while capturing accurate visual and thermal data.

    Global demand for Drone-as-a-Service is growing as regulations improve, technology advances, and businesses seek faster, smarter operational solutions. Artificial intelligence is making drones even more powerful, enabling image analysis, problem detection, automated flights, and actionable insights.

    The future of DaaS looks bright, with rapid expansion expected across industries as organizations embrace flexible, technology-driven service models.

  • Digital Product Cuts Yard Transfer Time from Hours to Seconds with Full Automation

    Digital Product Cuts Yard Transfer Time from Hours to Seconds with Full Automation

    In large logistics operations, moving assets from one location to another is rarely simple. What appears to be a basic transfer often involves multiple teams, paperwork, phone calls, and coordination between facilities. In industries that manage thousands of physical assets, such as vehicles or heavy equipment, these manual steps can slow operations and increase the risk of errors.

    This challenge has led many companies to rethink how internal processes are managed. Instead of relying on manual coordination, organizations are building digital systems that automate routine workflows. At Copart, a global online vehicle auction company, one such effort resulted in a platform that can complete yard transfers in seconds, without any human intervention. Product leader Aditi Kapildev Vatse played a key role in designing and launching the system.

    Vatse works in operational technology—digital tools designed for internal teams who manage day-to-day logistics. During her time at Copart, she advanced from Product Analyst to Senior Product Analyst, gradually taking ownership of a broader operational product portfolio. She has contributed to numerous software releases across markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Middle East.

    Her work often involves bringing operations teams and engineering groups together. “One of the biggest lessons in building operational systems is that technology has to mirror real-world workflows,” Vatse said. “If the product doesn’t reflect how teams actually work on the ground, it won’t solve the problem.”

    One example of this approach is an internal vehicle transfer platform designed to streamline operations between locations. Before the system existed, transferring vehicles between yards could take hours, requiring staff to coordinate through calls, paperwork, and manual updates across multiple systems. Delays and misplaced information were common, particularly during high-volume periods.

    The platform replaced this process with an automated workflow. Once a transfer is initiated, the system synchronizes vehicle records across locations and completes the transaction almost instantly. “Our goal was to remove friction from the process,” she explained. “When routine operational work becomes automated, teams can focus on decisions that actually require human judgment.”

    The results were substantial. Administrative work tied to yard transfers dropped drastically, and incidents involving misplaced vehicles also saw a significant fall. Additionally, paper documentation was eliminated entirely, creating a more reliable digital record of every transfer.

    The project faced an unexpected test before its launch. As development was nearing completion, the product’s original lead left shortly before hurricane season in Florida, when disaster-response logistics place heavy demands on the organization’s operations. Vatse stepped in to guide the system through its final development stages and coordinate closely with engineering and operations teams.

    “When the leadership transition happened, the focus was making sure the system would still launch on time,” she recalled. “It needed to perform reliably when operations were under the most pressure.” That pressure arrived during the 2024 hurricane season. During disaster response operations, many thousands of vehicles were transferred using the platform, helping teams manage a surge in logistics activity without the delays that previously slowed the process.

    Another challenge involved translating operational knowledge into technical requirements. Disaster logistics teams understood their workflows deeply, but turning those processes into software specifications required close collaboration. Vatse organized workshops where operations staff walked engineers through real-world scenarios.

    “These conversations were critical,” she said. “Operations teams knew exactly what happens during a disaster response. Our job was to turn that experience into a system that could support them in real time.” Because real disasters cannot be easily replicated during development, the team also ran simulations based on historical hurricane data. These tests helped validate that the platform could handle high-volume transfers under intense operational pressure.

    Beyond these technical contributions, Vatse has also written about lessons from building operational technology systems. In her paper “Exploring Go-to-Market Strategies for Operational Technology Products,” she examines how internal platforms should be introduced to employees in the same structured way companies launch products for external customers. Her research on “Beyond the Snapshot: Leveraging Temporal KPIs Across the Product Lifecycle” explores how operational products should be measured over time, rather than at a single launch moment. She has also written about risk planning in product teams through “Pre-Mortems in Product Management: Psychological Safety and Risk Anticipation in Technology Teams,” which discusses how teams can anticipate operational risks before they occur.

    Across logistics and asset-heavy industries, projects like the one Vatse shared illustrate a broader shift toward automated operational platforms that reduce manual coordination. “The future of operational technology is about building systems that remove complexity instead of adding to it,” she added.

  • Why Real-Time Order Tracking Is the Key to E-Commerce Trust and Repeat Purchases

    Why Real-Time Order Tracking Is the Key to E-Commerce Trust and Repeat Purchases

    For anyone who has ever felt a sense of satisfaction while tracking a purchase online, the latest internet trend among Gen Z in Korea might feel oddly familiar. Known as dopamine sites, these platforms mimic food delivery apps and shopping websites, allowing users to place orders and track them in real time—without spending any money or receiving a product. The appeal lies in the same psychological gratification that comes from real online shopping, especially the anticipation triggered by live tracking.

    According to Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman, a licensed psychologist in New York, these sites tap into the emotions people get from genuine shopping experiences. The ability to track fake purchases in real time creates a powerful sense of anticipation and relief, which studies show can lead to customer retention. Here’s how real-time tracking can redefine the shopping experience and drive repeat purchases.

    Eliminates Purchase Anxiety

    Retail sites without tracking features can create a stressful experience because they conflict with the human need for predictability and control. Without order or delivery tracking, customers may question whether the transaction went through or fear they have been scammed. They also worry about lost, stolen, or misdelivered packages. This uncertainty can deter people from making online purchases.

    Integrating real-time tracking into e-commerce systems reassures customers and helps businesses know exactly where each order is. For example, the 3PL company Kase partnered with Amazon shipping to provide sellers with 24/7 warehouse-to-door tracking. On the customer side, platforms like Amazon immediately send an order confirmation and estimated delivery date after purchase. A survey found that frequent tracking updates reduce purchase anxiety by 38%, proving that real-time tracking is a valuable tool for improving the online retail experience.

    Creates Convenience

    Many customers schedule shipments for times when they are home to deter porch thieves—a strategy that can be frustrating and disruptive. A recent poll shows that 46% of customers plan their day around package deliveries, which can keep them housebound and hinder productivity. Real-time tracking with SMS or push notifications can alleviate this by keeping customers informed without needing to manually check or wait at home.

    Proactive updates on shipping and delivery dates reduce “Where is my order?” complaints, lower anxiety, and build shopper trust. Businesses should send notifications when customers are most likely to engage, using SMS for time-sensitive updates. By providing consistent tracking and visibility, companies can build goodwill and a positive reputation in a competitive e-commerce market.

  • Blinkit Surpasses 55 Million Weekly Active Users, Extending Lead Over Zepto in Quick Commerce

    Blinkit Surpasses 55 Million Weekly Active Users, Extending Lead Over Zepto in Quick Commerce

    Blinkit has strengthened its grip on India’s quick commerce market after adding 2.7 million weekly active users, pushing its total user base to a record 55.2 million, according to new data from CLSA. The Eterntal-owned platform now holds a commanding lead over competitors Zepto and Swiggy Instamart, signaling a shift from rapid expansion to sustainable growth and customer retention.

    The latest figures indicate that Blinkit’s user growth momentum remains robust. Over the past four weeks, the platform posted an average weekly active user growth rate of 13%, compared to 9% for Swiggy Instamart. BigBasket, DMart Ready, and JioMart also saw gains but from a smaller base, with JioMart showing faster percentage growth.

    Blinkit’s delivery network is also expanding. CLSA noted a rise in delivery partner downloads alongside customer growth, reflecting infrastructure ramp-up. The company now operates 2,243 dark stores — the largest network in India — and processed over 916 million orders during fiscal year 2026. For perspective, Zepto handled roughly 640 million orders, while Swiggy Instamart managed about 412 million orders in the same period.

    Financially, Blinkit parent Eterntal remains the only major quick commerce player reporting positive earnings per share. Smaller operating losses compared to rivals have strengthened Blinkit’s position as the industry increasingly emphasizes profitability alongside expansion.

    Competitors are not standing still. Zepto continues to attract premium urban customers with faster deliveries and higher average order values, while Swiggy Instamart maintains a strong presence in South India by leveraging Swiggy’s large food delivery customer base and competitive commission structures.

    Overall, the quick commerce race has entered a new phase where user base and sustainable growth matter more than sheer expansion. Blinkit’s steady gains highlight its ability to retain customers and scale efficiently, setting a benchmark for the sector.