OUR TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE

Today’s businesses need to adapt, not just to rapid innovation and shortening product cycles, but also to emerging markets, commoditization of products and changing customer buying behaviors. DHL is responding with innovative, flexible and agile supply chain models capable of accommodating variable volumes, variable product cycles and multi-channel distribution needs. Postponement, e-fulfillment, last-mile delivery and technical services are just a few key elements. Customers also benefit from our shared infrastructure, flexible commercial models and local expertise through our global reach and access to emerging markets.

Falling product prices and market consolidation are the effects of strong competition. In this new world, where customer experience has become as important as product features, we can help businesses stay customer-centric, while still optimizing cost and capital efficiency. Those outsourcing to DHL benefit from our best-in-class continuous improvement programs and our integrated supply chain solutions. Along the entire pre-sales to aftermarket cycle, we put the customer at the heart of everything, and through strategic partnerships we stay at the front of innovation.

Increases in regionally concentrated manufacturing, combined with local regulations, are adding to the complexity and volatility of the global marketplace. We respond by building reliable and resilient supply chains with global coverage and high levels of compliance, based on assessing, simplifying and managing diverse threats. As a single global partner we can offer you end-to-end supply chain visibility, integrated solutions, and expertise in compliance and customs regulations, including our specialized risk management tool – DHL Resilience360.

The shortening product lifecycles of items like PCs, notebooks, mobile devices, and consumer electronics in general, demand distribution models with greater flexibility. DHL is able to offer a variety of models and service levels, including dedicated and shared-use warehousing to adapt to any particular cycle. We can build an integrated, end-to-end value chain that covers physical, financial and information flows.

An increasingly saturated market for personal devices has resulted in the commoditization of products and intense price-based competition. Businesses are looking to capture the potential of attractive growth markets and product segments. Working in partnership with you, DHL can set up flexible commercial models and a variety of shared infrastructure opportunities. We will review supply chain outsourcing options, and our processes will drive continuous improvement in cost structures. 

Increasing demand from an expanding middle-class population with greater disposable income continues to provide global growth opportunities. DHL is able to define supply chain strategies for market entry that ensures scalability, compliance and connectivity to targeted segments. We have the capabilities and experience to develop and improve a variety of approaches, including omni-channel or multi-channel distribution and returns. Each benefits from flexible service levels, end-to-end visibility and global coverage.

Increasing data and connectivity needs are driving demand for higher server and storage capacity, as well as faster network systems. Data center consolidation and virtualization are keys to improving IT efficiency, while new standards such as 4G and LTE are boosting investment in communication networks globally. In response, DHL has created an end-to-end solution using consolidated data centers, and provides services to ensure seamless installation and maintenance support of the high-value equipment involved. Our flexible aftermarket technical and logistics services offer a variety of service levels, including two-hour or next-day delivery, along with processes for valuable equipment asset recovery in compliance with local regulations.

While hardware innovation is still crucial, pure "box providers" are at risk of their products becoming commoditized. Many are shifting their focus to the development of software applications and new service models. DHL is helping companies expand their product offering towards service-based businesses, to strengthen their market position and to avoid commoditization. We achieve this largely through the creation of a fully integrated, flexible and responsive supply chain that supports service business expansion. Some examples include inventory financing or aftermarket services, such as repair, return and service logistics.

Although still mainly used in communication and computing, growth areas for semiconductors are opening up in vertical industries, such as auto-mobility and manufacturing. DHL ensures the necessary quality of these high-value components throughout the value chain, by adopting a "zero defect" mind-set, based on continuous improvement processes and excellent visibility.  We leverage our expertise in relevant vertical markets, such as life sciences and healthcare, auto-mobility and high technology to help create a seamless customer experience.

The semiconductor segment is characterized by R&D intensity, costly manufacturing equipment, multi-step production processes and cyclical business development. It is also seeing unprecedented acceleration in merger and acquisition activities, as well as market consolidations. DHL designs flexible supply chains, which respond to growth, adapt to cyclical fluctuations in demand and avoid disruption of complex, high-cost manufacturing processes. Our best-in-class logistics support ensures that critical lead times are met, while satisfying the need for specific supply chain requirements, such as temperature-controlled and cleanroom services.

Next-generation technologies are subject to long development cycles and require heavy investment in their production processes. The multi-step manufacturing process of semiconductors makes their supply chains one of the most complex in any market. From material sourcing, through wafer fabrication, assembly and testing, to distribution, DHL is there to simplify the supply chain in every possible way. Particularly important elements of our service include inbound-to-manufacturing (I2M) delivery, distribution of finished goods and the provision of end-to-end visibility for high-value items.