Putting Delivery at the Heart of Growth – GFS at EDX 2018

The presentation highlighted the key forces influencing delivery today:

• The demanding consumer: Shoppers expect speed, choice, convenience and transparency at every stage.
• The rise of marketplaces: Platforms like Amazon, Alibaba and JD are opening new markets but also increasing competition and margin pressure.
• Cross-border growth: Global eCommerce is booming, with China, the US, UK, Japan and Germany leading the way, alongside emerging markets like Brazil, Russia and Southeast Asia.
• Uncertainty and risk: Brexit and other trade barriers add complexity, costs and potential delays, making contingency planning essential.

The GFS Four-Point Delivery Strategy for Growth

GFS outlined a practical framework for businesses looking to turn delivery into a competitive advantage:

1. Use technology to streamline multi-channel despatch: Integrated systems reduce errors, simplify labelling and enable flexible delivery options.
2. Make delivery customer-centric: Offer choice of speed, location and method at checkout to prevent basket abandonment.
3. Improve efficiency across the business: Ensure delivery solutions support sales, warehouse, finance and customer care teams.
4. Choose the right delivery partner: Work with experts who provide access to global carriers, market insights and pro-active support.

Case Study: Mamas & Papas

A standout example came from GFS’ long-term partnership with Mamas & Papas. By integrating GFS solutions with their warehouse and online systems, the retailer has achieved:

• Seamless delivery from checkout to doorstep
• Greater agility with real-time control over delivery options
• Multi-carrier tracking, reporting and customer service
• 10% uplift in customer satisfaction and 15% faster packing times

This demonstrates how the right delivery strategy can boost efficiency, sales and customer loyalty at the same time.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and the Future of Delivery

The session also explored upcoming technologies such as drones and autonomous vehicles, which are set to reshape the supply chain. While regulation may slow adoption, the investment being made by leading marketplaces shows these innovations are inevitable.

Key Takeaways

• Delivery is no longer a back-office function; it’s a growth engine.
• Customer choice and transparency are essential for conversion.
• Global eCommerce offers huge opportunities, but businesses need the right partners and tools to manage complexity.

If you are keen to put delivery at the centre of your growth strategy, book an appointment with a GFS delivery expert.