PROFILE
ultimately improving the way we collect, use
and share data.
Data control is undeniably the future of
supply chains. Our industry is on the brink
of disruption and the right integration
environment (Enterprise Architecture) is
the foundation for future service offerings
based on the combination of hardware
and software.
A standardised process library will enable us
to design customer-centric solutions with
reduced effort and risk, providing the basis
for advanced data analytics and algorithmic
optimisation of logistics.
How does technology allow you to
operate with a unique selling point,
giving you an advantage over other
logistics companies?
Technology is empowering us to fully realise
the potential of supply chains. Our customers
are always looking for new ways to streamline
their supply chains while meeting the
demands of a globalised world. And DHL is
just the right partner – we have an innovative
portfolio that offers fit-for-purpose solutions,
real time and transparent data as well as
standard way of executing our operations.
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These developments and our constant foray
into technologies such as wearables, AI
and robotics are all ideas that excite us, our
customers, and our customers’ customers –
ideas we know will have customers thinking
of DHL when they think of logistics.
Why is DHL Supply Chain so
successful in implementing
new technologies?
What makes our approach unique is that
we have a dedicated global digitalisation
agenda which helps standardise the process
of unearthing new technologies, testing them
under real-life conditions and – if they add
value to our operations – implementing them
quickly and deploying them on a large scale.
What is the outlook for 2020? How
will automation and digitalisation
change the logistics industry?
Speaking for DHL we will continue the
large-scale deployment of the automation
devices – physical and software based –
that have brought a great improvement to
our operations.
With robot process automation, IoT
solutions and devices like smart glasses,
DATA CONTROL
IS UNDENIABLY
THE FUTURE OF
SUPPLY CHAINS.
watches and ring scanners we have
identified some of the best technologies
available at the moment.
I also see a very strong trend – and speaking
for DHL Supply Chain a very strong use case
– in using AGVs for the indoor transport,
as well as collaborative work between man
and machine. These technologies I see as
the strongest drivers for the near future.
And broadly speaking, by the end of 2020, I
expect nearly 80% of all DHL Supply Chain
warehouses worldwide will feature some
form of digital innovation, or automation
process implementation.
That doesn’t mean the warehouses will be
fully automated, but that the deployment
of devices will significantly speed up in the
coming years. n
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