DHL HOLDS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE IN DUBAI

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Updated : April 16, 2015 0:0  ,
By Editor

The Logistics giant launches “Internet of Things in Logistics” trend report at the conference

DHL, the world’s leading logistics service provider, and Cisco Systems released a new white paper entitled “Internet of Things in Logistics” at the DHL Global Technology Conference in Dubai today.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the networked connections of physical objects – not limited computers in the classic sense of network connections, but in all aspects of the physical world – for example, shoes that can tell its owner the number of steps taken, sensors on parking meters that can inform drivers of available parking lots. In the logistics and supply chain industry, IoT will have game-changing consequences from creating more last mile delivery options for customers to more efficient warehousing operations and freight transportation.

Rob Siegers, President, Global Technology Sector, Customer Solutions and Innovation, DHL said: “We are just at the cusp of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. The DHL Trend Report estimates that less than 1 per cent of all physical objects that can be connected to the internet are connected today. By 2020, Cisco estimates that computers (including PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones) will represent just 17 per cent of all Internet connections – the overwhelming 83 per cent will stem from IoT, which includes wearables and smart-home devices.”

The report was unveiled at the DHL Global Technology conference, held from 14 to 16 April in Dubai. Themed “Connecting Markets, Trends and People, the conference was attended by over 150 C-level executives from the leading companies in the technology sector and focused on innovation and major emerging trends.

Commenting ahead of the forum, Nour Suliman, CEO, DHL Express Middle East and North Africa, said: “As the figures show, technology growth is impacting and driving our business and as such we need to stay ahead of the curve. Products too are evolving at a speed where existing business models are ever-changing and new players are surfacing. As leaders in the provision of logistics, there is a tremendous opportunity for DHL to observe how we can shape the industry with our customers; and ensure we are continuously at the forefront of the next wave of technology.

“The UAE and Dubai in particular are keeping up with these changes and moving towards becoming a Smart City. All these dynamics coupled with Dubai’s geographical location make it an excellent global logistics hub connecting the world in a fast paced industry that is constantly innovating to meet customer demand. Dubai is the perfect location to host this conference as we shift towards increasing our footprint in emerging markets of Middle East and Africa and the city acts as the spring board to reach these markets and close the gap.”

“The IoT is offering a whole new level of opportunity for technology leadership in Dubai. IT will be in the spotlight to enable actionable information, build new connections and open new revenue streams for organizations throughout the country. As Dubai continues to invest in technology today and in the future, the implications are already transformational as it enjoys a stronger economy, job growth, and improved education, healthcare, and citizen services. By leveraging the IOT and the new era of the Internet of Everything (IoE) Dubai can achieve a potential value of AED 17.9 billion (USD 4.87 billion) by 2019.” said Dr. Bernd Heinrichs, Managing Director IoE EMEAR & Open Berlin IoE Innovation Center.

The Trend Report is part of DHL’s ongoing efforts in exploring technology innovations which would revolutionize and positively impact the logistics industry. The logistics leader has been a pioneer in leveraging innovative technology solutions to continually explore the use of cutting edge technology for the industry. Recently the company announced the use of augmented reality in operations in warehouses, during transportation and last-mile delivery which could be enhanced by computer-generated sensory input such as videos or graphics. The company was also behind the world’s first commercial deployment of the DHL Parcelcopter, which delivered emergency medications and other goods to the North Sea Island of Juist.

The IoT and its possibilities of enabling new business models promise benefits for the entire logistics value chain, including warehousing operations, freight transportation, and last mile delivery. Difficult operational and business challenges of today may be solved by improved operational efficiency, safety and security, and customer service. The IoT enables monitoring the status of assets, parcels, and people in real time and removes operating blind spots throughout the value chain. In addition, new automated processes and applied analytics are expected to optimize how people, systems, and assets work together and to result in lower costs.