Maximising DHL Cloud Logistics For Retail And Fashion E-Commerce

Cloud computing is the latest big innovation that is revolutionising the e-commerce and logistics industry. Cloud-based solutions provide companies with instant off-site access to essential processes such as servers, databases, customer analytics, and delivery arrangements. Application programming interfaces (APIs) further complement cloud logistics by enabling different applications to communicate and exchange information.

For retail and fashion e-commerce brands in particular – who often have to deal with large order volumes – this can greatly streamline back-end business processes, cut overhead costs, optimise productivity, and improve customers’ online shopping experience. Some common cloud services and APIs applied by these sectors include automating key logistics processes such as ordering, managing inventory, and sorting and processing shipping information.

As a leading global logistics provider, DHL has been broadening its menu of cloud computing services by leaps and bounds over the years. Businesses using DHL cloud and API services can now better manage their delivery and fulfillment even when faced with global supply chain challenges and disruptions.

Find out how DHL cloud computing services can help with your business journey today.

Modular cloud logistics marketplaces

Cloud computing and APIs give e-commerce businesses a way to integrate their product databases and inventory management systems with a logistics provider’s own platform. This ensures smooth communication of essential data between all points in the business’ supply chain – enabling the respective logistics providers, carriers, or shippers to determine the most cost-effective delivery solutions available.

DHL has improved its modular cloud logistics marketplaces to help retail and fashion businesses manage everything from shipping options to order tracking to last-mile delivery. These functions can be directly integrated into a business’ website or e-commerce platform, giving customers greater control and personalisation options over their online shopping journey.

For fashion and retail in particular, optimising the online shopping experience for customers is crucial to boosting sales and maintaining your market share amidst rising competition.

As customers become more selective in their spending on fashion items, being able to track the location of their parcel throughout the delivery process or opt for value-added delivery services is going to set businesses apart. To meet these ever-changing customer demands and attitudes, DHL Express provides enhanced last-mile delivery options such as order tracking, On-Demand Delivery, Go Green Climate Neutral shipments.

Giving customers a choice of value-added services enhances the transparency and reputation of the business by centering the customer experience in its business model. Many brands – in retail, fashion, or other sectors – have already seen this pay off in increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

H2 Navigating global supply chains through cloud computing

Another way cloud computing increases productivity for retail and fashion e-commerce businesses is through using digitalisation to minimise capital expenditure.

When businesses shift key processes to the cloud, this enables them to have a better overview of material flows and shipping channels. More importantly, this also means continuous oversight even through small-scale tech disruptions or global supply chain delays.

Retail and fashion brands who deal with international manufacturers, product suppliers, and logistics providers are particularly prone to time delays due to supply chain disruptions. Cloud computing and logistics can help e-commerce business owners monitor supply shocks or delays, while automatically updating product listings or delivery arrival estimates accordingly. This prevents single delays from having trickle-down effects that disrupt the customer experience – in turn helping the brand maintain a customer-centric e-commerce approach by building trust and loyalty.

Consolidating all aspects of the global supply chain into a single platform also helps to streamline operational efficiency, allowing for better business-wide strategic planning and management.

Cloud computing services can benefit retail and fashion e-commerce businesses in many ways. DHL Express is constantly striving to innovate new ways to integrate cloud logistics into our international distribution and delivery infrastructure to improve the e-commerce journey for business owners. Register for a DHL Express account today to learn how we can help your business grow.