Elly Yates-Roberts |
DHL has been working with Microsoft and Blue Yonder to adapt to and address supply chain needs created by the Covid-19 pandemic. The logistics firm has been using a software platform built on the Microsoft cloud to support customers with digital and automation solutions.
Earlier this year, DHL launched its robotics platform with the two companies to speed up the implementation of new automation devices into warehouse facilities and use artificial intelligence technologies to improve business processes.
Since then, it has continued to work with Microsoft and Blue Yonder to continue its digital transformation journey and deliver essential items to various industry partners worldwide.
In Spain, DHL created a healthcare logistics function for a new field hospital. Microsoft says that, in a matter of days, the company delivered around 400 tons of products including PPE, respirators and medical supplies to treat Covid-19 patients.
“The importance of access to real-time information was evident pre-crisis, but the pandemic exposed an even greater need for end-to-end visibility across the supply chain to enable fast response,” said Henrik Venter, EMEA CEO for DHL Supply Chain. “A solid IT infrastructure and powerful tools to predict and analyse terabytes of data in real time is helping us make supply chains smarter.”
Microsoft says that DHL’s ability to provide these services was down to its significant investments in digital transformation, “working in partnership with Microsoft and Blue Yonder on the strategic deployment of automation and digital solutions.”
DHL will continue to use its robotics platform to deliver smart supply chains fuelled by data, as it prepares for the global distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine.
“This may sound superlative, but I can’t recall having seen any operation of that scale,” said Venter. “We are preparing for that, and we stand by to execute as soon as we will be assigned to do so.
“Smart supply chains will not only save businesses and keep industries afloat – but in the truest sense of the word, smart supply chains will save lives.”