Nova Poshta introduces decentralized fulfillment model, to compensate publishers, stores for losses in Sviatopetrivske attack

Russian forces attacked Nova Poshta’s fulfillment center and sorting depot in the village of Sviatopetrivske, Kyiv region, on August 28, destroying the company's most advanced robotic fulfillment center. CEO Yevhen Tafiychuk expressed disappointment in the attack, noting that it has resulted in the loss of thousands of books from publishers such as A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA, Vivat, and Osnovy.

The company has assured publishers and stores that it will compensate them for all losses caused by the attack and is currently in talks with partners to identify their needs and devise individual arrangements to aid in their recovery.

Tafiychuk emphasized that Nova Poshta is shifting to a decentralized fulfillment model to reduce reliance on a single large center and maintain operations amid further attacks. The model will enable the company to quickly restructure, spread risk, and support its partners in any circumstances, not just in buildings or equipment.

Co-founder Volodymyr Popereshnyuk announced that distributed storage services will be offered to retailers and other clients across dozens and hundreds of locations throughout Ukraine. The new approach aims to keep inventory minimal and move it quickly, ensuring flawless logistics in the face of ongoing war, drone, and missile strikes.

Publishing house Laboratoriya confirmed on Facebook that it too is moving towards distributed inventory, spreading books across different locations and partnering with other warehouses. Don't create a single point whose loss could stop the whole company, warns Anton Martynov, founder of Laboratoriya. He emphasized the importance of building a system that remains functional even if one of its elements disappears, through decentralized inventory, multiple logistics points, and partner warehouses.

Martynov added that other crucial elements include digital tracking of stock, faster movement of books from printers to bookstores to readers, and reduced reliance on any single building. He acknowledged that the publishing house is already restructuring, although book shipments will be disrupted in the coming weeks. Like many other businesses, the publishing house is optimizing its operations not only for efficiency but also for survival.