This Future of Logistics conference session takes a deep dive into how e-Commerce is shaping the supply chains of tomorrow with express deliveries and same-day fulfilment becoming coming of age.
The session featured CEO of Emirates Post, Peter Somers; Tobias Meier, CEO MENA, Saloodo!; Madhav Kurup, Regional CEO (MESA Region) – Hellmann Worldwide Logistics; and Albert Kraak, Smart Solutions Logistics, DP World.
Lars began the session by asking the speakers to simply define e-commerce, which may sound rudimentary, but aids the conversation in the sector a great deal in simplifying an arena that’s become vague and complex.
Albert Kraak explained e-commerce as the blend between the digital and the physical, while Peter Somers stated e-commerce is essentially about demand and speed, with the modern consumer expecting products very quickly, even immediately.
Madhav Kurup outlined how e-commerce is a demand-led process, as opposed to supply, which is the norm in the supply chain meaning it can be more dynamic and volatile.
Finally, Tobias Meier stated that it was about uniting the supplier and buyer in new ways.
Key Insights
Another key element of the conversation revolved around public and private involvement, with Lars Jensen pointing out that it is sometimes necessary to have a hybrid approach, while Peter Somers pointed to changing consumer demands.
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Not only do consumers want their products quickly they also want them to be sustainable.
This is leading major players to build large regional facilities that cut travel time and provide a closeness to the communities they provide.
Tobias Meier and Madhav Kurup also discussed the importance of the first mile rather than the last, stating that this too needs focusing on as well as providing opportunities for strategic locations such as Dubai.
The conversation then moved onto the importance of data integration, with Albert Kraak stating that data has become ‘critical’ across the many stakeholders.
He stated that this has led DP World to monitor data across the chain to build a holistic picture, while Tobias Meier pointed out the implications of both data security and the legal frameworks around what businesses can and cannot share.
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