Oct 14, 2020|
JD’s Drones Completed Trial Delivery in Japan’s Mountainous Region
by Yuchuan Wang
A drone from JD just finished a remarkable job in Japan.
Rakuten, Inc., a global leader in internet services, has completed a successful demonstration of delivering supplies via drone flight beyond visual range. This marks the first time in Japan that a drone was used to deliver supplies in a mountainous region where the difference in altitude between takeoff and landing locations reached approximately 1600m. The drone and technology were provided by JD.com, China’s largest retailer.
The alpine village of Hakuba, a popular winter sports destination for tourists in Japan, faces significant challenges in transporting supplies between mountain huts. Currently staff either carry supplies on foot or have them delivered via helicopter. The cost of the trips, however, is rising sharply and helicopters cannot be used under poor weather conditions. Thus, Rakuten has focused on drones.
Trials were conducted from mid-August to mid-September along a route that is approximately 5km long, from Sarukuraso (1,250m above sea level) at the foot of Mountain Shirouma (2,932m) in Hakuba, to one of Japan’s highest mountain huts, Hakuba Sanso (2,832m), at the summit and the Hakubadake Chojoshukusha hut (2,730m). Implementing drones shrunk delivery time to around 15 minutes, as compared to traveling seven hours by foot.
The drone delivered peaches, pears, and other supplies weighing up to 5kg from the foot of the mountain to the destination without tarnishing their quality.
Rakuten will look to apply the knowledge gained from the success of this alpine trial to expand drone delivery solutions across Japan.
Last February, JD and Rakuten signed an agreement in which Rakuten will leverage JD Logistics’ drones and autonomous delivery robots to power Rakuten’s unmanned delivery solutions in Japan.
Left: The delivery box being filled with supplies (peaches) at Sarukuraso (1,250m); Right: The drone in flight
Left: Landing at Hakuba Sanso (2,832m); Right: Delivering supplies to the mountain hut attendant
Apr 25, 2024|
JD Logistics and MINISO Announce Expanded Partnership to Enhance Logistics Efficiency
JD Logistics (also known as JINGDONG Logistics), a leading global logistics provider, recently announced the expansion of its partnership with MINISO, the renowned household and consumer goods retailer. This collaboration, which began in 2022 with operations in Australia, now extends to MINISO’s network in Malaysia.
JD Logistics’ robust global supply chain infrastructure includes nearly 90 bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses across key markets such as the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Committed to replicating its proven supply chain management expertise from China in international markets, JD Logistics provides extensive support to a broad spectrum of clients, including international enterprises and Chinese brands expanding overseas.
MINISO’s diverse product range and rapid restocking requirements, combined with its strategic store locations in bustling commercial areas, present unique logistical challenges. These include critical delivery lead times and the need for off-hours operations to ensure uninterrupted customer experiences. JD Logistics has effectively met these demands through reliable and adaptable warehousing and fulfillment service solutions.
Notably, the trust built with MINISO has led some store managers to entrust their store keys to JD Logistics’ drivers to facilitate smooth and timely deliveries. Among them is JD Logistics driver Nick Yang, responsible for delivering goods to all MINISO stores in Sydney. Yang’s daily schedule involves commuting between JD Logistics’ warehouse and approximately 10 MINISO outlets throughout the city.
Over the next three years, JD Logistics will continue to develop its comprehensive global supply chain logistics network, which integrates overseas warehouses, international transshipment hubs, local distribution networks, and transnational transportation networks.
This partnership is not only a testament to JD Logistics’ proven expertise and global operational capabilities but also underscores the commitment of both companies to foster innovation in supply chain management for retail operations worldwide.
Apr 18, 2024|
JD.com Awarded 2024 INFORMS Prize for Excellence in Operations Research and Analytics
JD.com is honored to announce that it has been awarded the 2024 INFORMS Prize. This recognition makes JD.com the first Asia-based enterprise to receive the award, highlighting its pioneering use of advanced analytics and operations research/management sciences (OR/MS) within its business operations.
The INFORMS Prize is awarded an organization that has repeatedly applied the principles of advanced analytics and OR/MS in pioneering, varied, novel, and lasting ways. Previous recipients include Walmart, Wayfair, Amazon, UPS, Booz Allen Hamilton, BNSF Railway, Walt Disney Company, U.S. Air Force, General Motors, Intel, HP, IBM, Ford, Procter & Gamble and GE Research.
Speaking on behalf of the selection committee, Mehmet Gumus, 2024 INFORMS Prize committee chair, remarked: “JD.com is showcasing data science as a source of business success and a necessary element to achieve customer satisfaction with continuous and dedicated practice. JD.com is truly deserving of this prestigious prize, and the entire O.R. and analytics community joins INFORMS in thanking them for their priceless contributions to the field and the business world.”
JD.com’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and customer service through OR/MS has been integral to its success. The company has developed an independently managed intelligent supply chain system that utilizes cutting-edge operations research algorithms to optimize warehouse management and logistics operations. This includes the operation of hundreds of intelligent warehouses and dozens of “Asia No. 1” intelligent logistics parks.
“We are honored to accept the INFORMS Prize and will continue to be steadfast in our dedication to leveraging the transformative potential of operations research,” said Sandy Xu, CEO of JD.com. “Our company’s supply chain not only aims to lead the industry, but also enhance the efficiency and well-being of our entire ecosystem.”
By the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, JD’s supply chain infrastructure assets had grown to RMB 153.8 billion, an increase of 16% year-on-year. Managing over 10 million self-operated SKUs, JD has achieved a global leading average inventory turnover of 30.3 days. This operational prowess enables JD to fulfill 95% of retail orders within 24 hours, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and setting new standards in the industry.
JD and A National Lab Launch China’s First Smart Supply Chain Index
