Advance Auto Parts expanded its partnership with last-mile delivery software company OneRail to support same-day, store-based fulfillment, according to a June 17 press release.
OneRail’s “delivery orchestration” platform uses API connections for flexible integration and full platform support, per the press release.
The platform works by helping coordinate delivery decisions and routing processes, OneRail Founder and CEO Bill Catania told Supply Chain Dive. Advance Auto Parts maintains control of fulfillment decisions and inventory, while OneRail manages the logistics layer to transport goods faster and more efficiently.
“Advance determines where inventory is located, and OneRail helps optimize how orders and inventory move through the network,” the CEO said. “That can include routing drivers to multiple store locations to complete an order, coordinating more efficient delivery paths and helping reduce reliance on slower scheduled movements when a faster option is available.”
The two companies have worked together since 2022, Catania said, adding that OneRail has helped the retailer make better use of inventory across its store network.
“In practice, that means Advance can use OneRail’s OmniPoint platform and routing capabilities to send drivers to additional locations to pick up parts needed to complete an order, rather than waiting for a scheduled hub run,” Catania said. “That helps reduce time to serve customers and gives Advance more flexibility in how it uses its store network.”
The partnership has also helped the auto parts retailer optimize hub routes, reduce unnecessary miles and support on-demand movement of inventory, the CEO added.
According to the press release, OneRail has helped with deliveries across more than 4,000 Advance Auto Parts locations.
The expanded partnership comes as Advance Auto Parts continues to invest in supply chain modernization, inventory management, market hubs and fulfillment across its store network, per the release.
For instance, the auto parts retailer has been consolidating its distribution footprint into a single operation to increase efficiency. This month, Advance Auto Parts reported that it was nearing the completion of the consolidation initiative, with plans to open up 15 market hubs this year. To further streamline operations, the retailer opted to operate its distribution network under a single warehouse management system. The retailer has also been slashing unproductive SKUs as part of a larger inventory overhaul.
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