SCALE - Soft Computing to Accelerate fulfilment & Logistics Efficiency - Bezos and Liverpool University

**Business Need** - E-commerce is rapidly increasing as a % of retail, driven by SME retailers. However, SME e-commerce retailers are under pressure due to increasing demand for fast/free delivery, low margins associated with e-commerce and complex/fragmented logistics systems.

**Innovation** - Bezos have developed an MVP of a cloud-based Fulfilment-as-a-Service platform for SME e-commerce retailers, connecting existing assets in logistics and fulfilment systems.

To dramatically increase last-mile logistics efficiency, Bezos will facilitate a novel form of delivery method (combining vans, bikes and walkers) they term 'multimodal mobile logistics hubs'. These hubs will increase delivery speed, whilst reducing cost and emissions.

The SCALE project enables Bezos to collaborate with Liverpool University and expert subcontractors to develop a platform to support 'multimodal mobile logistics hubs'. The platform will combine strategic logistics distribution network optimisation and tactical logistics fleet and route optimisation to significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of fulfilment and last mile logistics.

**Opportunity** - UK SME e-commerce Logistics Market forecast at £17.9bn by 2025 and European market worth £38.4bn by 2025\.

**Exploitation** - SCALE outputs (Bezos prototype including logistics distribution network, fleet and route optimisation) offer UK Micro-SME Bezos a step-change in capability and significant competitive advantage for rapid commercialisation post-project, meeting UK needs and providing opportunities for international exploitation.