New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Quick-commerce platforms, faced with stiff competition and mounting profitability pressures, are incorporating 'batching' - grouping nearby orders into a single run-into their everyday operations by using algorithms that weigh proximity, order value, delivery time and rider availability to combine multiple orders. In doing so, the likes of Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto, Flipkart Minutes and BigBasket are turning what was once a delivery sprint into an intricate logistics puzzle.

Analysts said batching represents more than a mere cost tweak, and marks an inflection point for quick commerce. "Over time, these algorithms will start prioritizing customers," said Madhur Singhal, managing partner, consumer and internet...