Using DHL Express’ cloud computing services for your e-commerce journey

February 19, 2024 6 Mins Read

The past few years have brought forth several technological transformations. From blockchain technology to artificial intelligence and machine learning, many technologies have been changing the way businesses operate. Of all the technologies that offer a new level of flexibility and agility to e-commerce, cloud computing has revolutionised the way e-commerce stores keep pace with technology. As a matter of fact, according to Alibaba Cloud, even up to 77% of businesses in Indonesia are leveraging cloud-based IT solutions and over 80% believe that it can help them cope with global challenges, such as those posed during the pandemic.

The active adoption of cloud-based technology can be attributed to the fact that iIt efficiently navigates the disruption brought about by the pandemic by introducing a new way of storing and processing data. Now commonly used in e-commerce and logistics to enhance efficiency, this article discusses what cloud computing services are, their benefits, and how DHL Express’ cloud-based solutions can help you in your e-commerce journey.

What is cloud computing service in e-commerce?

Although the online shopping industry has been growing at astonishing rates, the e-commerce industry has long struggled with several issues ranging from efficient order fulfilment to delivery issues. This is where cloud computing, its top-notch elasticity, and its ability to enhance operations have become critical in today’s digital world.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computing services on the Internet. Some of these IT services include storage, networking, software, analytics, databases, and intelligence over the internet, ridding the need to buy and maintain physical data centres, servers, hardware and software that may go unutilised.

Ways that e-commerce benefits from cloud computing

As much as Indonesia is one of the largest online commerce markets in Southeast Asia, as found by McKinsey & Company, and has some of the most enthusiastic users of digital technology, e-commerce is still susceptible to some common problems. For example, e-commerce websites are, in general, different from other websites, necessitating the addition of other functionalities to set up, maintain, develop and follow up with sales, orders, and marketing. From a shopping cart to database support, there are several features needed to thrive in a competitive market. This is where the power of cloud computing comes into the picture, allowing e-commerce businesses to access necessary services with ease. Some of the other ways an e-commerce store can benefit from secure cloud computing technology include:

Operation cost reduction: E-commerce stores will not have to invest large amounts of money on in-house equipment as cloud technology allows these platforms to access the resources they need without the hassle. For example, by collaborating with cloud computing service providers and shifting logistics and supply chain management needs to the cloud, e-commerce businesses can streamline shipping processes by removing any additional operating expenses.
Advanced security: There is no denying that e-commerce stores handle loads of sensitive information, such as customer addresses and banking information. The cloud is secured by the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies and has policies in place to ensure a secure environment that caters to the needs of e-commerce market demands. As such, you can be assured that cloud-based e-commerce platforms offer greater security than other conventional data storage solutions.
Enhanced speed: Every business understands the need for flexibility and speed, and that is exactly what logistics cloud services can provide. When running an e-commerce business, things like policy management and custom workflows can be automated to increase efficiency. The cloud can do so, automating mundane and repetitive tasks so that manpower can be channelled to other aspects of the business.
Improved data management: Scalability in cloud computing allows e-commerce businesses to add and remove resources quickly. As a result of this scalability, e-commerce stores can recover efficiently from a disaster, eliminating the need for secondary data centres on-site for backup.

What are the benefits of cloud computing in logistics?

One aspect that the e-commerce industry has long struggled with is delivery issues. While customers are now able to place orders online from anywhere in the world, factors such as order fulfilment and shipping cost all add on to burden both the business and its customers. But cloud computing is an innovative way online businesses can streamline their complex logistics operations.

Many organisations now use cloud computing in logistics to reduce their reliance on local databases and increase transparency for all stakeholders. This is made possible as logistics cloud software can enable agile, real-time communications across stakeholders and supply chain components to increase operational efficiency and transparency. Using cloud technology in logistics is shaping the future of the logistics industry:

1. Streamlines inventory management

Inventory management is one of the most important aspects of any logistics organisation. By leveraging cloud-based logistics software, inventory management can be streamlined such that anyone in the supply chain may instantly access inventory numbers and information. Moreover, cloud servers create a continuous flow of data so that businesses are constantly able to meet customer demands and make the right decisions to increase revenue.

2. Improves transparency and communication

Cloud-based logistics solutions also allow real-time communication and collaboration among all users, permitting the sharing of information and data. This creates more transparency in the network, which is crucial in today’s digital world as it ensures that difficulties are promptly resolved, and minimal resources are utilised.

3. Increases security

Since data is saved on remote databases, even if a server area is momentarily down, the cloud will be able to redistribute the data, removing any worry about data losses. Cloud-based e-commerce and logistics platforms are also properly regulated to provide enhanced data and information security.

4. Cost management

Finally, by using cloud computing in logistics, organisations may cut costs as they would not need to employ an IT team and invest in local servers. Since demand and other market factors can influence everything from warehousing to transportation prices, utilising cloud-based logistics solutions can help navigate these changes swiftly while maintaining price consistency.

DHL Express’ modular cloud logistics platform

As one of the leading logistics companies, DHL Express understands that cloud computing is on the rise in the digital world. Committed towards enhancing our capabilities and helping clients improve their market positions, we have been improving cloud computing services to help businesses stay ahead of the game regardless of the changes seen in the logistics industry in the post-pandemic world.

DHL Express’ modular cloud logistics platform provides businesses with the option to integrate their data infrastructure with logistics providers’ platforms. This enables businesses and logistics providers to share data and ensure a continuous flow of data across the supply chain. For example, for everything from ordering to tracking, the DHL modular cloud logistics platform will be able to determine the most cost-effective option. Moreover, this integration reduces costs related to hardware upkeep while providing streamlined options for logistics services.

An example of DHL Express’ modular logistics platform is our integrated logistics marketplace, which provides customers with access to information on shipping, track and trace services, and last-mile delivery. This integration is especially crucial for the fashion and retail sector, where customers demand a personalised experience throughout their buyer’s journey. Customers will be able to compare different shipping options and even the pricing, offering them unrivalled transparency. Therefore, by using DHL Express’ cloud services, businesses may increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, to enable e-commerce business owners’ ability to coordinate and manage various steps in the supply chain, our digital marketplace provides access to available logistics labour during peak seasons, so that a better customer experience is established.

Open a DHL Express account today to start using our online logistics platform and cloud computing services to enhance your business operations, or reach out to our DHL call centres in Indonesia for more information on our logistics cloud services.