A hub-and-spoke model follows a distribution method in which a centralized "hub" exists. We can divide them into two parts as per the distance

Intracity

LME (Last Mile Executive)/ Logistics person
In LME, the pick-up rider takes the specimens (Samples) from the Collection centers and drops them in the Satellite and Regional Labs or hub.

In some cases, the doorstep pick-up may not be possible, so the pick-up point is decided, where the collection center and company rider go to pick up the samples. It is fixed mutually with the client and pick-up rider.

Intercity

• Client or Collection center dispatching by bus.

Company pick-up rider takes this specimen by bus and drops the samples in Satellite and Regional Labs.

• Company pick-up rider will cover in given route by train

The collection center person is given the samples at the Railway station.

• Client or Collection center dispatching by Courier directly 

Clients can give the samples to the nearest hub, and the hub will dispatch these samples. 

• Company in-house logistics is the better option for different models for intercity and intra-city. 
• From regional Labs to CPL (Centre processing lab) through Air cargo

Process Followed for the Specimen Movement

• Create a route-wise WhatsApp group with a pick-up rider
• The client or Collection center sends a pick-up intimation to the operational team by WA or call.
• Then Ops. Staff are sending intimation to Pick up rider with time.
• Ops. Staff cross-checks with the pick-up rider to know whether the pick-up status is done or not in a given time.  If any issue facing immediately can resolve. All pick-up is done as per the pick-up rider.
• Then Ops. Staff cross-check with the rider for final confirmation.
• Client or Collection center, pick up rider, Operational staff, and phelbo should connect on WA & Call.
• Can use Mobile Application to monitor the whole process.
• Client or Collection center will pick up intimation with time - Pick up rider receiving the intimation in App.
• After accepting the pick-up, the image of the specimen is updated.
• The operational team should check the whole process and help if any staff face issues completing the task. 

This article was contributed by our expert Shahrukh K

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Shahrukh K

Q1. Are logistics associates in-house or outsourced? Does this model differ for intra-city vs. inter-city transport?

Company in-house logistics is the better option.

Yes, both are different models for intercity and intra-city. 

Dispatching mode from other states - From regional Labs to CPL (Centre processing lab) through Air cargo. 

Sequel: - Base amount 1250/- Can dispatch 10K (Above per kg 75 /-)

Bluedart:- Base amount 1000/- Can dispatch 10K (Above per kg 50 /-)

Depending from city to city.

Avg: TAT - 10 -12 hours 

1000-1200 Samples 

Q2. Is there any different process for collecting samples from B2B vs B2C centers?

For Intracity and Intercity process using in B2B model. 

For B2C model, Phelbo collects samples from the customer, basically it is home collection. Phelbo can give directly to Pick up a rider or can follow the Intercity and intracity process.