DHL Express hub in Hong Kong

DHL Express is continuing its digital transformation as part of parent Deutsche Post DHL Group's EUR2 billion technology investment.

DHL Express Asia Pacific CEO Ken Lee says logistics companies are increasingly aware of the need to harness technology to stay competitive in a fast-moving industry.

"We've introduced solutions to streamline vital processes, automate time-consuming repetitive tasks, and help our teams become more productive," says Lee. "These include autonomous guided vehicles to enhance our operations, chatbots to complement customer service operations, and shipment sensors with track-and-trace capabilities."

The COVID-19 pandemic has further proven how essential the company's digital transformation efforts and investments are to addressing the surge in cross-border e-commerce demand and driving greater efficiency and productivity.

"Before the pandemic, we were cognisant that digital transformation was an imperative to maintain and elevate our service levels as a logistics provider. The pandemic accelerated our plans to allow our work force to collaborate and work virtually from any location," says Jimmy Yeoh, chief information officer, DHL Express Asia Pacific.

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have been a key element of the technology upgrade at DHL, with automated units handling cargo pallets and containers safely and efficiently and helping to scale throughput capacity as and when needed.

DHL is also using autonomous mobile robots as couriers that provide on-demand deliveries.