Jun 29, 2020|
Top Industry Magazine Highlights JD’s Anti-epidemic Efforts
by Ling Cao
JD was highlighted in the June issue of Parcel and Postal Technology International, a London-based leading logistics magazine. The article focused on how major Chinese e-commerce companies like JD cope with challenges posed by COVID-19 by relying on “next-generation tech and community spirit”.
The article highlights that “delivery drivers have become a vital lifeline in the fight against Covid-19, and this could not be more true than for those in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the epidemic.
Jun Fan, head of JD Express at JD Logistics, said in the article, “JD Logistics spared no resources to help livelihoods and transport medical supplies during Covid-19. Our couriers have been on the frontline during the entire epidemic. Ordinarily, they would deliver directly to customers’ doors. However, with the virus, in order to reduce human-to-human contact, we implemented numerous contactless delivery methods.” The article also highlights JD’s application of autonomous delivery robots in Wuhan to support last mile delivery, as well as prioritization of staff safety.
Post and Parcel Technology International also drew attention to the importance of demand prediction and scheduling in the supply chain to quickly adapt to changing needs. “JD scientists detected the path of the epidemic at a very early stage thanks to the integration of the SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered) disease model and demographic data in its supply chain management system. This enabled the company to ensure that medical materials were available to high-risk areas and to determine demand for specific products in specific areas,” writes the article. It quotes Fan: “To reduce delays at the peak, we leveraged our experience in logistics and our technology driven network to do rescheduling that ensured products were delivered in a timely manner.”
Supporting the community is also highlighted in the article as one of JD’s major efforts. “To cope with demand and instead of relying solely on the stock in JD warehouses, the company used its omnichannel fulfillment platform to calculate which brick and mortar store nearest to the customer had the items in stock, and then sourced the inventory from there instead. This has enabled JD to speed delivery and in some cases products arrived within 15 minutes of the order being made.” To further cope with demand for grocery delivery, JD launched a new service in early February, Mobile Fresh Basket. Fan explains that JD launched the service “to provide a convenient and reliable way for people in Hubei province to get fresh produce that was already around them instead of it having to come from elsewhere.”
Going forward, “JD Logistics is working hard to improve its AI and 5G capabilities in the future. “Bing Fu, JD Logistics head of strategy, affirms in the article, if there is one positive to come out of the pandemic, it is the impact it has had on the implementation of digital solutions. “While COVID-19 is not welcomed, it has promoted the digitization of consumption, which concurrently drives supply chain upgrade. Only by shortening and digitizing the fulfillment process can we increase efficiency and access customers faster with increased precision,” he explains.
This magazine, with its print and online versions, has 21,000 professional readers in 135 countries and regions worldwide.
Sep 27, 2024|
Leveraging AI to Drive Innovation, Reduce Costs, and Create Jobs: Insights from JD.com’s Chief Economist
At the 2024 FORTUNE Global 500 Summit in Guangzhou on September 26th, Dr. Shen Jianguang, Chief Economist of JD.com, shared how the company utilizes AI to transform its operations across retail, logistics, and more, while driving significant workforce expansion. “By integrating advanced technologies throughout our business, JD.com has more than tripled its workforce in the past six years from 180,000 to 620,000, all while increasing salaries,” Dr. Shen explained during the panel discussion titled “‘Changes and Opportunities’—Chief Economists’ Perspectives.”
AI tools have enabled JD.com to boost efficiency and elevate the customer experience. For example, JD’s AI-driven digital human livestream hosts have helped over 5,000 brands increase off-peak hours’ sales conversion rates by 30%. Additionally, AI-powered customer service representatives offer more personalized support, and logistics couriers use AI to deliver packages faster and with greater sustainability.
JD.com’s customer service representatives
“The competition in China is so fierce, and that’s what drives innovation—you have to innovate to survive,” said Dr. Shen, underscoring the role of innovation in reducing costs and increasing productivity. This is especially crucial in China’s e-commerce landscape, where consumers are becoming more price-conscious. “Consumers are looking for the ‘extreme quality-to-price ratio,’ meaning they want high-quality products at lower prices,” he added. At the same time, Dr. Shen noted a growing trend in rural and lower-tier markets, where significant growth opportunities are emerging.
Dr. Shen also discussed China’s recent economic stimulus packages. “Policy initiatives are important. When people perceive a shift in policy, the market responds,” he said, referring to the government’s subsidies for home appliance trade-ins introduced earlier this year. This program has stimulated demand for affordable, high-quality products, as reflected in the increased sales of subsidized items.
Guangzhou, the host city for the summit, launched a new round of consumer goods trade-in subsidies on September 1st, positioning online platforms like JD.com as essential providers of seamless trade-in services. Over 800 home appliance brands have partnered with JD.com in Guangzhou, offering more than 8,500 products. Additionally, JD.com is working with its brand partners on a Customer-to-Manufacturer (C2M) model, leveraging consumer insights to drive innovation for more tailored products.
JD.com provides one-stop trade-in services for home appliances and home goods
The panel discussion featured Dr. Shen alongside Minggao Shen, Global Chief Economist at GF Securities, and Robin Xing, Chief China Economist at Morgan Stanley, with FORTUNE Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell moderating. The panelists agreed that while AI is still in its early stages, its potential is vast. With China’s stimulus policies and a functioning capital market, the private sector is well-positioned to unlock considerable industrial and social value.
JD.com ranked #47 on the 2024 Fortune Global 500, moving up five spots from the previous year. Guided by its mission to “Make Lives Better through Technology,” the company remains committed to cost management, operational efficiency, and enhancing user experiences, while continuing to invest in employee development and upskilling to foster both business growth and workforce advancement.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
Apr 1, 2024|
JD Chief Economist: Tech-Driven Supply Chain Revolutionizes Gen-Z Consumer Engagement in China
At the inaugural FORTUNE Innovation Forum in Hong Kong on March 28th, Dr. Jianguang Shen, chief economist of JD.com, highlighted the transformative impact of tech-driven supply chain solutions in meeting the dynamic needs of Gen-Z consumers in China.
“Gen-Z consumers are very discerning and pragmatic,” said Dr. Shen. “They don’t care if the brand is local or global.” Dr. Shen began by discussing the increasing sophistication of younger Chinese consumers. “The rising popularity of local products can be attributed to China’s supply-side reform, which has enabled brands to provide lower-cost products with higher quality,” he said. Shen also emphasized the strategic advantage that brands can achieve by leveraging advanced digital supply chains, which offer deep insights into consumer behavior, thereby tapping into substantial market opportunities.
Joining Dr. Shen were industry leaders including Angela Wei Dong, Global Vice President China at Nike; Pontus Erntell, President and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA China; and Doreen Wang, CEO of Kantar China and Global Head of BrandZ. Together, they shed light on the shifting preferences of China’s youth towards quality, sustainability, and enhanced social engagement in their retail experiences, especially amid economic headwinds, prompting brands to adapt swiftly.
Drawing examples from JD.com’s platform, Dr. Shen discussed the rising popularity of eco-friendly mini refrigerators among Gen-Z consumers. These products, aligning with Gen Z’s penchant for tech-savvy and environmentally conscious offerings, underscore the necessity for brands to evolve and align with consumer preferences.
Furthermore, Dr. Shen discussed the positive impact of a new government policy encouraging trade-in of consumer goods, which is expected to boost consumption. Leveraging JD.com’s robust supply chain capabilities, customers not only can easily trade in old appliances for more modern and eco-friendly goods but also benefit from a suite of JD’s attentive services such as doorstep pickup, installation, and recycling.
The conversation also touched upon the strategic collaborations under the Consumer-to-Manufacturer (C2M) model between JD.com and numerous brands, aiming to streamline the journey from product ideation to distribution. This collaboration has welcomed over 4,000 brands to JD.com’s C2M platform, drastically reducing product research and market introduction times by 80% and 70%, respectively, thereby fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem for brands, retailers, and consumers.
Dr. Shen concluded by emphasizing JD.com’s commitment to technological innovation, with its deployment of AI-driven chatbot customer service, highly automated warehouses, autonomous delivery vehicles, and integrated retail solutions that bridge both online and offline domains. These innovations are designed to meet the dynamic preferences of consumers, enhancing the overall shopping experience and setting a new standard in consumer engagement.
JD CENTRAL Joins Online Trade Fair in Thailand
