TRANSPORT
TRANSPORT AND MATERIALS HANDLING
and contactless payments. Their use of social media is sophisticated. They can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for industry insights and tool reviews.
“Although, a key differentiator is that younger tradespeople expect, and will test, fast service, next-day or same-day delivery (including click and collect). They understand lead times. They are less patient with delays and mistakes. They’re also more open to self- service tools with brands online and in apps. This includes chat, FAQs; and they are happy to check out current stock levels instead of talking to a sales rep.”
The BMF report claims convenience, personalisation and sustainability are some
of the key factors that a builders merchant ‘branch of the future’ must consider as it evolves. But what has come to light is the importance of offering a digital ecommerce purchasing and delivery experience via apps, web, phone or in branches. All these systems must be linked and support access to current stock data, pricing and delivery capability. Merchants must now ensure that they can offer tradespeople frictionless services including click and collect; on-time last-mile delivery to sites; a drive-in or drive- through model that supports the move to click and collect; and 24/7 collection lockers. Naturally, ‘online’ opens more doors for partnerships and a stronger range of options, something that appeals to the price-conscious younger tradesperson.
One area that is ripe for improvement is across merchants’ fleets of last-mile delivery vehicles. It’s one thing to offer convenience to today’s modern customer. But, how ‘green’ are deliveries? How can merchants reduce mileage on deliveries to keep costs and CO2 emissions down? Reducing mileage, fuel use and emissions starts with better route planning for deliveries, consolidated drops and smarter
ALRIK AND HYRMA TO DELIVER SMART LOGISTICS INTELLIGENCE
A
lrik, the transport intelligence platform for construction, and Hyrma, the ERP for equipment rental and tool hire, and part of Infobric, have entered a strategic partnership to modernise logistics for the rental industry. The collaboration all Hyrma users can now integrate with Alrik’s AI-powered transport platform to streamline delivery operations, reduce empty runs, and receive automated cost and emissions data for every transport. This partnership connects Alrik’s transport intelligence with the industry reach of Hyrma and its parent company, Infobric, a construction tech leader with over 20 years of experience serving thousands of customers across the Nordics.
By integrating Hyrma with Alrik, rental companies can run delivery operations with greater precision and flexibility, cutting transport costs by up to 30% reported among Alrik users. For the customers of the rental companies using Hyrma, this means automated emissions data on every delivery and project, which in turn support sustainability goals without added administrative work.
“This partnership connects the dots between rental operations and construction
logistics,” said Axel Enblad, CPO of Alrik. “By connecting Hyrma with Alrik’s platform, users can improve efficiency, lower emissions, and future-proof their delivery operations - without adding admin. This is what transport intelligence looks like: proactive, integrated, and delivering measurable impact.” “For us, this partnership is a natural step in our mission to digitalise, streamline and create a more sustainable industry,” said Simon Fogbring, CEO & head of business area, Infobric equipment & assets. “By integrating Alrik’s transport intelligence with Hyrma, our customers gain immediate transparency and smarter logistics without changing how they work, which strengthens our customers profitability and sustainability efforts.” The partnership means a deeper integration leading to easier workdays for rental companies. By optimising transport routes and reducing empty vehicle runs, the collaboration contributes directly to a more sustainable construction sector and fewer trucks on the road.
The integrated solution is already active among multiple customers and is now available to all Hyrma users across the Nordics. Founded in 2022, Alrik helps companies optimise deliveries, track emissions
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net 23
vehicle loading. AI-enabled routing tools help planners pack vehicles effectively and select the most appropriate fulfilment point, cutting unnecessary journeys while improving delivery reliability. Telematics, meanwhile, supports safer driving and lowers fuel usage, ensuring last-mile operations align with cost and sustainability goals.
Tavenar continues, “The BMF report has provided merchants a clear insight into how they can continue to thrive. Meeting the needs of older and younger tradespeople requires a frictionless, connected buying and delivery experience across branches, online channels, phone and apps. Where these options aren’t yet available, merchants should define a roadmap to introduce them.
“Convenience and sustainability must also shape last-mile operations. Routing and telematics can optimise fleet use, with AI helping planners load vehicles efficiently and meet urgent delivery windows. Integrated systems allow tradespeople to choose suitable delivery slots, reduce the risk of theft through just-in-time arrivals, and minimise mileage, CO2 and cost. Strong communication and electronic proof of delivery round out a modern, reliable service, helping merchants improve transparency, resolve issues quickly, and build loyalty.” BMJ
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