Tag / DHL

by Mike Poverello

DHL’s Trend Report on 3D Printing and Future Supply Chains

dhl-3d-printing-study3D Printing is an interesting invention which foresees some radical developments in the manufacturing and logistics space in years to come. It also suggests that Customs administrators need to monitor these developments as they may likewise have a profound effect on how the actors in this space operate, including possible changes to legislative and compliance models.

DHL has released its latest Trend Report – 3D Printing and the Future of Supply Chains. DHL has been testing a variety of both 3D printing hardware and techniques for several years and has identified applications that have potential to redefine manufacturing and supply chain strategies. While the 3D printing market is estimated to grow between US$180 billion and US$490 billion by 2025, the report however finds it will not become a substitute for mass-production but a complementary process.

Ther report recognizes 3D printing as a transformative technology. However, it is not a magic bullet that will render factory mass production and manufacturing obsolete. Its exciting potential lies more in its capability to simplify the production of highly complex and customizable products and spare parts – and this could bring logistics and manufacturing closer together than ever before.

Also known as additive technology, 3D printing involves manufacturing products by layering heated plastic or metal injected from the nozzle of a 3D printer onto a plate to create a three-dimensional object, potentially replacing processes such as forging and molding at a fraction of the cost. It can lead to improved product quality, multiple products being made by a single printer, new types of products – and new supply chain strategies and models.

Factors currently limiting more widespread adoption of 3D printing – around since the 1980s – include lack of management knowledge, economic and technological issues. Many printers can use only one material and costs are still high for industrial-grade 3D printer. As well as facing warranty, liability and intellectual property issues, 3D printing needs to become faster, more agile and more advanced before it can become a core production technology.

Ther report highlights opportunities for companies to team up with logistics providers offering 3D printing. These areas include ‘spare parts on demand’, a model that would cut enterprise storage costs; ‘end-of-runway services’ for fast production of time-sensitive parts, and ‘product postponement services’ to increase customization options and simultaneously reduce lead time to the customer. Source: DHL

by Mike Poverello

Africa – Strange Deliveries by DHL in 2013

Gorilla-weekinbrief-bigAn unusual cargo list has been released by DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa of their 2013 deliveries.

In Kenya live human eyes are transported frequently. Sumesh Rahavendra, head of marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “The corneas have an extremely short lifespan and are therefore highly perishable, which possess a significant challenge to us.

“What adds to the complexity is the fact that the recipient is booked and prepped for surgery while the cornea is in transit.

“The successes of these deliveries rely on prior customs releases, dedicated delivery vehicles and a passionate team of certified international specialists on the ground.

“When there is no margin for error and the result could affect another person’s opportunity for sight, every stop is pulled out from pickup to delivery.”

Rahavendra continued: “One unique shipment to mention is a 32kg consignment of Haggis which was moved from the UK to Tanzania for an event.

“The Scottish delicacy was swiftly transported through Customs and delivered in time for the prestigious event.”

For conservation, there was a transport of butterfly larvae in Kenya. Rahavendra said: “Any delay in the transport process would result in the premature hatching of the butterflies, from which they would not have survived. Following a similar operational process as the transport of the corneas previously mentioned, another successful, yet another unique delivery was completed.”

Another astonishing delivery was 1.7 tons of fresh flowers sent from Johannesburg to Douala in Cameroon for a wedding.

This personal request came from a customer whose two sons were getting married on the same day,” said Rahavendra.

“Fast forward a few short hours, and a splendor of colour was delivered to the event in time for the all-important nuptials.”

Other strange and prompt delivery requests included transporting nine gorillas across two continents, a specific heart internal defibrillator, the Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis trophy, and a customer’s laundry from the UK to South Africa for dry cleaning!

Rahavendra said. “Although sometimes challenging and stressful, such requests certainly help bring a smile to our faces on a busy day.” Source: APO (African Press Organization)