OVO - The Nano-Hub for Urban Logistics

In Geneva, OVO offers micro-logistics capacity solutions to some 30 customers.

June 7, 2024 by

FlexiModal

To promote "short circuits, sustainable development and energy efficiency", Ovo has developed three "Nano-Hubs". Located in half a parking space on the outskirts of town, they are the entry point for the last mile.

Carriers, equipped with a secure access code, can drop off 2 pallets or standard containers as well as parcels.

Since 2023, 15,000 kilometers have been covered by Ovo couriers rather than by commercial vehicles.

Multimodal Logistics

Multimodal logistics, advocated by many urban logistics players, is the key to efficiency. Complementarity between modes means that we can draw on the strengths of each mode at the right moment in the supply chain: trucks and commercial vehicles for streamlined massification of flows towards the city center; and cargo bikes for their ease of access to city centers, their use of bicycle paths and their human contact, ensuring satisfied end customers.

This nano-hub also limits the impact of load breaks for both carriers and cyclists. Equipped with FlexiModal solutions, OVO's BicyLift fork for pallets, lifts and delivers pallets directly from the nano-hub, without the need for additional equipment.

Micro-Hub Operation

Working on a just-in-time basis, OVO requires no storage or sorting space to operate the multimodal link. To ensure the sustainability of its business model, the company diversifies its activities and transported flows: logistics, shopping, deposit collection, parcels, restaurants. To achieve this, OVO's couriers have Rolls, a Parcel Container, a Tray Rack and isothermal containers. One vehicle, several modules to suit their needs.

Dans cette optique, OVO livre tant en B2C qu’en B2B. Ils approvisionnent, par exemple, les chantiers de la ville en compteurs électriques. A Noël dernier, un projet visait à collecter les sapins des particuliers et à les replanter ensuite.

Such a gamble in Switzerland was no easy feat! Regulations governing vehicles authorized to use cycle paths restrict the use of certain vehicles, due to the maximum width and length authorized. However, exemptions do exist, allowing OVO to operate in the heart of Geneva. OVO's d’opérer en cyclologistique dans le cœur de Genève.

Software Support

Managing such a logistics scheme requires software support: directing partner carriers to the Nano-Hubs, coordinating pick-ups to free up space for the next deliveries with the right module for the flows deposited, notifying end-customers of the arrival of their delivery while transmitting delivery documents to the carrier, informing partners of regular access code updates, etc.

The company has developed its own software to ensure multimodal transition and the success of “micro-logistics” delivery.

A Solution on the Move

In a single day,OVO's couriers can make up to 200 stops on 7 rounds, each stop a different end customer. A success story for this logistics model, which comes very close to FlexiModal's initial vision.

In fact, micro-hub and mobile hub solutions are being considered and already in place by some players to optimize the challenge of urban real estate, which is often too expensive, difficult to access by truck or too small to store pallets for city-center professionals.