JD.com is one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms, but it also has ambitious plans to grow beyond its home market. In this article, Jeff Towson explores how JD is using its smart logistics network to enter and succeed in new regions, such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities that JD faces in its global journey.
Category Archives: Logistics
Cainiao Is Staying Focused on Network Growth and Tech Innovation (2 of 2) (Tech Strategy)
Cainiao is not just a logistics platform, but a network orchestrator that leverages data and technology to optimize the delivery process. Cainiao’s network growth strategy involves expanding its coverage, capacity, and capabilities across different regions and scenarios. Cainiao’s technology innovation strategy focuses on enhancing its digital infrastructure, smart warehousing, and intelligent delivery solutions.
How Cainiao and AliExpress Choice Shocked Everyone (1 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
In 2023, AliExpress Choice and Cainiao made waves in the tech industry. Their strategic moves surprised everyone, impacting e-commerce and logistics. Explore the details in this eye-opening Tech Strategy Daily article.
Lessons from my Visit to Cainiao (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
Cainiao is Alibaba’s logistics affiliate and is one of the largest logistics companies in China. It was founded in 2013 and has since grown to become one of the most important players in the Chinese logistics industry. Cainiao has been instrumental in helping Alibaba achieve its goal of delivering packages anywhere in China within 24 hours.
ANE Logistics and 3 Types of Economies of Scale in Physical Networks (3 of 3)(Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
In Part 1, I laid out how to think about physical networks. For logistics, that means lots of warehouses and trucks doing various routes between them. In Part 2, I talked about one of the big competitive advantages of logistics networks, which is network effects. Note: These are significantly different than the network effects we […]
An Intro to ANE Logistics and Franchised Physical Networks (1 of 3) (Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Lesson / Update)
Logistics in China / Asia has been on my short list for a long time. There is a lot to like about this space. Logistics has a long-term secular growth trend. As countries and regions develop and grow, they generally ship more and more things around. It’s a slow but steady trend. We see that […]
An Intro to ANE Logistics and Franchised Physical Networks (Asia Tech Strategy – Podcast 110)
ANE Logistics is a Chinese logistics company that uses a franchise model to operate a network of warehouses and trucks. The company’s founder, Jeff Towson, argues that ANE’s model has several advantages over traditional logistics companies. First, it allows ANE to scale more quickly and efficiently. Second, it gives ANE access to a wider range of talent and expertise. Third, it allows ANE to provide a more personalized level of service to its customers.
3 Questions About the Challenging Future of Full Truck Alliance (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
In Podcast 89 (Truck Alliance’s Fight for Complicated Network Effects), I laid out some of the basic information about the company – and why it is a “next level” marketplace. If selling books was simple ecommerce and selling groceries was advanced, then Didi is simple mobility and Truck Alliance is advanced. It’s just a much […]
JD Logistics vs. DHL in Smart, IOT Logistics (Tech Strategy – Podcast 84)
In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses the competitive landscape in smart IoT logistics, comparing the strategies of JD Logistics and DHL. He argues that JD Logistics has a number of advantages, including its large network of warehouses and delivery drivers, its data-driven approach to logistics, and its focus on customer experience. He concludes that JD Logistics is well-positioned to win the race to become the leading provider of smart IoT logistics services in Asia.
JD Logistics and the Dream of Smart, Automated Logistics at Scale (1 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
I have been thinking about JD’s logistics operations for like 4 years. I visited a couple of their warehouses. I toured their robotics laboratory. And I am always looking for their cool logistics videos (see here or below). But it’s hard to see the whole system. Most logistics is behind the scenes. But JD Logistics […]