Technology the Best Investment in Logistics

Q: How is DHL innovating distribution processes and what new technologies has it developed to improve logistics?

A: Mexico has great opportunities for growth as the country is at the forefront of investment. It is in a strategic location and is a pillar for logistics in Latin America. We are continuously working to provide logistics solutions that improve the supply chain in all industrial sectors. DHL has a permanent program for the development of new technologies and innovations that permit the efficient use of the supply chain in terms of security, resource optimization and aftersales. This allows us to provide quality services and close attention to our clients.

Our innovation center in Bonn, Germany, keeps us at the forefront of logistics and helps companies to achieve their objectives.

Q: How is the growth of online commerce influencing DHL’s growth and technological developments?

 A: After Brazil, Mexico is the second-largest market for e-commerce in Latin America. For that reason, we have a division completely dedicated to this area called DHL eCommerce. It focuses on speeding up logistics operations in developing markets and identifying new opportunities that will allow companies to grow by basing their services on flexibility and personalization. Companies should also focus on vertical and multichannel integrations through a logistics operator that can provide technological support and can grow alongside the needs of its clients and the market.

Q: DHL has a specific solution for the aviation and aerospace sector. What are its main advantages?

A: The development of the supply chain for the aerospace sector in Mexico is of the utmost. Clients of large, multinational aerospace companies require logistics providers that can offer them a fast response, a solid service and a guarantee regarding the efficiency of logistics operations. Operative models in the logistics sector must be flexible and scalable as they should combine standard processes, structures and functions throughout the supply chain. An efficient logistics model becomes a competitive advantage in such a complex industry.

In the case of Mexico, an emerging market, logistics has become a catalyst that supports the fast and dynamic growth of products and services from engineering and manufacturing.

Q: DHL is an innovator in the use of robots and drones for logistics, what are the benefits of these new technologies?

A: New technologies are impacting logistics practices in many sectors. With the use of new technological tools, we look for ways to optimize the use of resources and to improve the integral services we offer. From our Innovation Center, we develop solutions for the logistics industry and analyze the potential of emerging technologies, such as the use of drones, augmented reality, 3D printing and collaborative robots.

In 2016, DHL introduced a report on intelligence named Trend Radar, which proposes several solutions for the supply chain. The first is the use of augmented reality and the Internet of Things, which are two of the trends that DHL leads in terms of specific applications to support processes among the supply chain and packaging. The second is called Vision Picking, an augmented reality program that improves the process of order collection in warehouses through the use of Vuzix M100 glasses and Google glasses. The incorporation of this technology has allowed us to improve productivity by 25 percent. The third is the use of robots, such as EffiBOT, which are auxiliary tools within a warehouse, and the use of autonomous vehicles to collect packages. The final solution is the use of third-generation drones, such as Parcelcopter 3.0, designed to facilitate the delivery of packages in hard-to-access areas. Furthermore, in Mexico we have a Drone Surveillance Program that surveils the surroundings of our warehouses from the outside and supports inventory control inside.