Saudi Arabia’s national postal service, Saudi Post, is preparing to unveil the region’s largest super sorting center early next year, as part of an ambitious transformation strategy. This initiative was discussed by Anef Abanomai, president of Saudi Post, during the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh.
The new facility is expected to greatly enhance the supply chain, reduce delivery times, and bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub. Abanomai explained that the center will transition from manual sorting to an automated, robotics-based system, significantly boosting productivity and reducing costs.
Traditionally, sorting was a labor-intensive process prone to human error. The shift to automation is a key part of Saudi Post’s digital transformation, aiming to improve efficiency and service resilience. This change is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to leverage the Kingdom’s strategic location to enhance trade and connectivity across three continents.
The transformation is also driven by the need to invest in logistics capabilities, including ports and transportation infrastructure, to facilitate efficient movement of goods and people. This development is expected to positively impact various industries, from trade to manufacturing.
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for Saudi Post’s transformation, prompting the development of healthcare logistics solutions. During the pandemic, the organization swiftly implemented a system to deliver medications directly to patients’ homes. Beyond healthcare, Saudi Post has expanded into innovative logistics operations, such as transporting horses for the prestigious Saudi Cup.
Saudi Post aims to broaden its services beyond traditional postal operations, with a focus on e-commerce logistics. This involves enhancing last-mile delivery solutions and supporting merchants in reaching customers more effectively.
Adapting to evolving customer expectations remains a significant challenge. There is increasing demand for faster, more affordable, and customizable services, which pressures logistics providers to balance these demands with operational efficiency.
Abanomai highlighted the need for logistics companies to invest in large-scale solutions while providing customizable services to meet customer needs without disrupting standardized processes.
