DHL reveals new technologies being used in US operations

Influential technology trends

DHL has announced that it is piloting a range of new technologies in its US operations.

First, DHL Supply Chain, has introduced robotics – including the LocusBots and Sawyer collaborative robots – and augmented reality glasses in warehouse operations to improve productivity in the fulfillment of customer orders.

Second, DHL Express has been piloting artificial intelligence in its customer applications. Express has registered a 10% increase in shipment processing accuracy through increased automation at its hubs and gateways, while its On Demand Delivery online service has increased first-time delivery success for e-commerce shipments from 80% to 92%.

Finally, DHL eCommerce has launched DHL Parcel Metro, a service for online retailers that meets consumers’ increasing demand for same-day and next-day delivery. Parcel Metro utilizes customized software that allows DHL eCommerce to create a ‘virtual delivery network’ of local and regional contract couriers and crowdsourced providers to ensure maximum flexibility and capacity over the last mile.

Retailers are able to offer a range of delivery options to their customers. For consumers, the service creates a “seamless experience”: an online and mobile interface allows consumers to track shipments in real-time, communicate special instructions to their courier, reschedule a delivery and rate their delivery experience. The new service is available in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, and will be launched in Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington DC later in the year.

DHL Supply Chain President of Retail, Jim Gehr said: “Innovative technology is becoming an extremely important element in e-commerce logistics because of changing customer demands. We are using software technology to speed order flow and to more efficiently organize distribution centers. Hardware solutions like LocusBots allow for faster picking. What we look for is the smart combination of software and hardware.”

Source: Deutsche Post DHL Group