Amadou Diallo on Fast Forward Challenge, labour retainment, blockchain, and much more…
- Explain the DHL Fast Forward Challenge in more detail.
The DHL Fast Forward Challenge is a global competition to encourage companies across the globe to showcase innovative technologies in the logistics industry, focusing on sustainability. The challenge is part of the DHL Era of Sustainable Logistics Global Summit, a three-day event that brings together decision-makers, thought leaders and stakeholders to promote the development of cleaner, greener logistics. The DHL Fast Forward Challenge recently concluded its regional final, witnessing Kenya-based ARC Ride emerge victorious. The winner will be able to participate in the final in Valencia this April, competing with other champions from across the globe. All DHL Fast Forward Challenge finalists presenting their solutions at the Global Summit will benefit from increased visibility and reach by offering their solutions to an audience of senior executives from some of DHL’s largest customers. Cash prizes will also be awarded, with the first place receiving €50,000, then €10,000, and €5,000 for second and third place, respectively.
- What are your key takeaways from the Fast Forward Challenge this year?
There were some genuinely outstanding ideas at the Fast Forward Challenge this year. Every single one of the ideas and pitches at the regional edition was path-breaking, but ARC Ride showcased a robust, scalable model that incorporated a fleet of electric vehicles and the infrastructure for battery charging. We witnessed a definitive shift and growing commitment among young entrepreneurs to pursue sustainable business ideas. There was also increased collaboration using technology in transformational new ways.
- Can you explain how blockchain technology eliminates the complexity of ports and shipping?
Blockchain can limit the number of known participants with access to business operations and thus mitigate any risk of malicious actors while supporting better performance. Blockchain also streamlines processes by replacing slow, manual processes that still rely on paper with digitized systems, thus accelerating the process while reducing any human errors. Moreover, moving the data to the digital space improves traceability, adding value by reducing any high costs of rectifying problems. Because blockchain has the potential to track tens of millions of shipping containers annually, it can significantly reduce delays and fraud, which could lead to billions of dollars in savings for the logistics industry.
- How does logistics impact the global economy?
Logistics is vital to the global economy and the backbone of trade and other entrepreneurial activities. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the world’s reliance on the global logistics industry. In the absence of flourishing trade and commerce, entire economies can stagnate. In the Middle East, regional investments in infrastructure, air, and road capabilities are increasingly driving the growing global trade and logistics demand.
- Labour is still challenging to find in many markets. What is DHL doing to attract and retain workers?
Labour shortages will continue to pose a challenge not just in the logistics sector but in other industries as well. Supply chain talent in the logistics sector is a significant concern for local businesses and global companies because future growth depends on increased sales. DHL Global Forwarding combines digitalization and skills training for better resource optimization. For example, we have a Labour Share app in some markets through which DHL’s warehouse operations personnel can easily facilitate workforce sharing among the company’s facilities where surges are in demand. Technology can create a better platform for engagement, maximize workforce skills, improve job satisfaction, and lead to more creativity, better customer service, and, ultimately, a better organization.
As a company consistently ranked as the Best Place to Work, we invest in our people and their professional growth through skills development programs and community outreach. We lead by example through various projects that foster inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. Through initiatives like Global Volunteering Day, SALAM, and other regional projects, DHL consistently builds on its core values to create an environment where people shine and grow with the company.
- How do you see logistics market conditions from a domestic and international perspective?
The logistics market, regionally and globally, is being driven by two major trends – digitalization and sustainability. In the Middle East and globally, retail e-commerce remains a crucial segment of the overall logistics market as an ever-growing number of consumers shift their shopping activities online. Since millennials account for 73% of all professional B2B purchasing decisions, companies invest in digital solutions to meet their needs. Meanwhile, decarbonizing the logistics and transport sector is also climbing the agenda by reshaping consumer behaviour and green offerings.
- Are there particular technologies that the logistics sector can focus on to improve operations?
Big data analytics, machine learning, sensors, IoT, and next-generation wireless are pivotal in strengthening supply chain resilience within the logistics industry. AI has enormous potential to improve supply chain efficiency by leveraging its prediction and vision-recognition capabilities, driving intelligent workflow automation, and delivering new customer experiences. It allows for high data transparency and availability in near real-time so that issues and disruptions can be identified quickly, and counter-measurements can be taken.
- Looking ahead, where would you like to see the market a year from now?
Economists worldwide forecast weak economic growth in 2023. While larger companies are expected to weather the stormy waters ahead, small, and medium-sized operations will struggle in these turbulent conditions. Therefore, the focus will be on the efficiency of supply chains and resilience and flexibility. At DHL, we remain focused on harnessing globalization, e-commerce, digitalization, and sustainability for the profitable long-term growth of our business. We want to intensify the trade between Asia and the Middle East (UAE) and expand trade in Africa. We are very focused on enhancing last-mile delivery, a crucial component of e-commerce fulfilment, which can be made more efficient by deploying artificial intelligence and automation. We are working on some innovations, service upgrades and expansion plans to further these ambitions over the next few years.