The Problem of Last-Mile Connectivity

Every industry I have worked with struggles with last-mile connectivity. The Chemical Industry faces challenges with logistics. The final piece of wiring is a headache for Telecom companies. Home delivery systems are a woe for E-Commerce and Food Delivery Companies. The list is endless.

The problem is with our thinking. The so-called last mile is the first point for the customer. Our inside-out view of the world is to be blamed. We figure out all the problematic parts of the business model. Then, we struggle with what we consider the least essential thing - last-mile connectivity.

The foundational principle of Lean Manufacturing is to look at the process backward - Customer to the Company. The same concept needs to be adopted by all businesses. Lets shun the word last-mile connectivity and instead consider it as first-mile. The changed perspective will help us serve the customers better.

Subodh (Oct 28, 2022)