I am an avid 49ers fan, the 5-time Superbowl winning 49ers, to be exact. Now I believe their success has been a result of the marriage of offensive innovation and strong defensive commitment – In other words, changing with the times when needed that is how I am seeing the logistics and supply chain business today. I am heading to Home Delivery World in 2 weeks, and I am hoping to see insightful presentations, meet with peers, and visit some of the booths.
First and foremost are companies embracing new approaches, technologies, and partnerships? I have noticed that many of the new companies that entered the logistics market are keen on challenging the status quo. As someone at one of the companies that are creating a new way to deliver small packages across the country, I want to see how interested companies are truly challenging the established logistics players. In my experience, many want an alternative to UPS and FedEx, but it is difficult for many to try new approaches – it is a very risk-averse industry.
Another factor I hope to gain insights into my company and find very important is the customer journey. I find it amazing that even with all the technology in the front office cart abandonment rate of about 70%. Now one of the top 3 reasons for customers leaving their carts are the fees that are charged as part of the checkout process and shipping is one of them. So, how are marketing, sales, and logistics working together to ensure a simple seamless customer experience?
The speed of shipments truly fascinates me because of the “Amazon effect.” All companies are trying to combat Amazon – many of the start-up companies that are driven by innovation are helping to combat that effect. We all know customer want their products as fast as possible and want to match 2-day delivery. Does 2-day delivery the standard we need to meet to make customers happy? And now that Amazon is testing 1-day delivery is the pressure going to be ramped up for all to move even faster? I want to know what my peers think at Home Delivery World.
Innovation is important whether the San Francisco 49ers or a jeans apparel company. Events are important it does provide us a venue to discuss items openly, learn from our peers and see what is going to be possible. And as I am excited to see Chris Grey present “Alternative Delivery Networks” to disrupt and benefit the bottom line in the home delivery world – Chris is the George Kittle of SmartKargo!