JD to add more new tech to supply chain network

Chinese e-commerce giant JD will continue to increase investments in the supply chain network and apply more cutting-edge technologies, such as 5G, artificial intelligence and internet of things technologies into this sector.

Yang Haifeng, head of supply chain value management at JD Logistics, said these innovative technologies have been applied to the construction of intelligent parks, packages tracking, transportation, unmanned warehouses, and delivery drones and self-driving vehicles.

"The supply chain is the most key and competitive segment of JD," Yang said, while noting JD has worked with partners such as China Mengniu Dairy Co Ltd, the nation's leading dairy producer in terms of revenue, and multinational manufacturer Procter & Gamble (P&G), to jointly construct supply chain systems.

Zhai Songtao, head of JD supply chain products at JD-Y smart supply chain, said the supply chain technology is of great significance to the company, and the integration of machine learning with deep learning will bring about innovations to the supply chain.

Moreover, JD has launched a new supply chain innovation program that brings offline and online retail closer together than ever before, seamlessly and conveniently enhancing the shopping experience for customers.

The new program integrates multiple types of offline channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, some brands' offline stores and Dada-JD Daojia. As a result, JD is able to increase efficiency and get products into its customers' hands even faster.

The average delivery time with the program is two hours, but customers can receive orders in as little as 30 minutes. Further, brands participating in the program with JD are likely to see improved store traffic and turnover rates.