DHL today launched its Asia Pacific Innovation Center (APIC) in Singapore to develop innovative solutions to meet evolving supply chain needs in the fast-growing region.
The multi-million dollar facility is DHL’s first innovation centre outside of Germany, and the first dedicated centre for innovative logistics services in the Asia Pacific region. It is located within the €104 million DHL Supply Chain Advanced Regional Center (ARC) building at Singapore’s Tampines LogisPark.
Launched with the support of Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), the APIC showcases futuristic technologies that will transform logistics operations. These include augmented reality “smart glasses” for warehouse assembly-lines and product picking; drones for delivery of time-critical goods like medicines; Maintenance on Demand (MoDe) vehicles that use machine-to-machine (M2M) sensors to boost vehicle uptime by 30%; and driverless shuttles for faster, more efficient transportation.
APIC’s exhibits include the state-of-the-art centerpiece showcasing the trend of automation and robotics in the future of working; Solution Sphere, where visitors can experience the full range of Deutsche Post DHL Group capabilities and solutions such as parcel lockers, sensor technology and warehouse pick and pack using voice and lighting technologies; Trend Curve, which highlights future trends and their applications for the logistics industry; and Vision Wall, which enables visitors to discover inspirational scenarios on what the world of logistics might look like in the year 2050.
Besides showcasing the latest in logistics trends and innovative solutions, APIC serves as a regional platform for collaborative innovation between DHL, customers, industry partners, and independent experts. The centre will drive DHL’s Trend Research initiatives focusing on emerging trends in Asian logistics and economic activity.
The Singapore center is modeled after DHL’s first innovation centre in Germany, which has been highly successful and re-launched with a brand new look earlier this year. Besides providing a second customer-centric innovation platform that caters to the Asian market, APIC will also invest in capabilities in analytics, e-commerce and last mile solutions for Asia Pacific markets.
“I believe innovative ideas are key for our future success. Our focus on customer-centric innovations and the development of products and services that our customers need most, will help us to remain the logistics leader”, said Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL Group. “By analysing social, business and technology trends, and converting our innovations into marketable solutions, we will make our customers more successful.”
Bill Meahl, Chief Commercial Officer DHL, added: “With our emerging markets expected to generate 30% of DHL’s global revenue by 2020, our sustained industry leadership demands that we successfully differentiate our services in these markets through well-calculated forays into new technologies, processes, and products. The launch of the APIC in Singapore is a natural step to maintain our lead as a frontrunner in innovation, following the success of our first centre in Germany. Singapore’s position as an innovation hub, its excellent infrastructure and sophisticated workforce make it an excellent base from which we can achieve strong and consistent growth in the region.”
Lee Eng Keat, Director, Logistics and Natural Resources, EDB, said: “The launch of the APIC is another important step towards enhancing Singapore’s value-adding role in the realm of global supply chain solutions. With DHL as a strategic partner on this journey, Singapore is well positioned to serve the needs and harness the opportunities presented by the dynamic supply chain landscape and emerging technology and trends globally. This would continue to strengthen Singapore’s position as a world-leading logistics hub.”
