Logistics planning and logistics consulting – Image: Xpert.Digital / Flamingo Images|Shutterstock.com
The first online shop systems between 1995 and 2000 attempted to replicate the traditional department store and focused primarily on the mere presentation of products and the processing of purchases. It was only much later that the unique characteristics of e-commerce were recognized: its advantages in the marketing mix compared to traditional sales channels, its enormous flexibility on the supply side, the choice of multiple sales channels, and a significant reduction in transaction costs with business partners.
With the now extremely high market penetration of internet connections, the situation changed completely. E-commerce drove the rapid availability and flexibility of products. Strong industries have developed in the electronics, textile, book, and music sectors.
More and more challenges arose. Be it returns or the globalization of markets (see China), driven by digital platforms such as Amazon.
Online shop systems have kept pace with developments, or even significantly accelerated them. However, many logistics systems are still operating at a chaotic warehousing level. Automation is practically unheard of. Digitization, China, and autonomous power supply are further points that raise many questions. The will and interest for adaptation and change are generally present. But for most, the question is how?
A large percentage have already taken some steps in this direction. Implementations that once lasted a lifetime are now obsolete and outdated after just a few years. Therefore, the question increasingly arises: How can the flow of goods in the supply chain be designed to allow for quick and flexible responses to changes without requiring major new developments and investments?
- We offer organizational and planning ideas, all the way to turnkey solutions.
- If required, we can also provide market figures and forecasts for over 150 countries.
E-commerce and globalization: The perennial logistical challenges
Automation is only part of the solution. Global markets are also constantly changing. A fixed strategy and long-term logistics planning are not possible without modular and flexible agitation models.
Smart logistics not just for start-ups!
Smart logistics for start-ups – Image: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com
Ideally, a rapidly growing customer base, an ever-expanding product range, and increasing shipping volumes: when it comes to growth, e-commerce startups quickly reach their logistical limits. But that's not all. Increasing competitive pressure and newly added extras, such as free returns or delivery , further exacerbate the logistical challenges.
Those who fail to invest in efficient structures will quickly fall behind. A functioning logistics system is the key to the business success of online retailers. Therefore, it's essential to optimize processes for maximum efficiency if you don't want to lose sight of costs and, on top of that, alienate customers.
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With over 1,000 articles published, we cannot present all topics here. Therefore, you will find a small selection of our work here, and we would be delighted if we have sparked your interest in learning more about us:
What makes Xpert special? How does Xpert differ from the others?
Digital Pioneer Xpert.Digital
Digitalization is the driving force, logistics the key component. How we secure the infrastructure of our key industries will be crucial for the future!
It all started in 1988 with application-oriented knowledge processing, which dealt, among other things, with AI.
Industry development: From testing machines and test systems, we evolved through logistics/intralogistics to the photovoltaic industry.
Digital Pioneerfrom the beginnings of search engine optimization (SEO), through the first content management systems (CMS), to social media with projects totaling over 17 million followers The development rangessee Social Media PDF Library).
Xpert.Digital is an industry hub focusing on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics, and photovoltaics. With our 360° business development solution, we support renowned companies from new business development to after-sales service; market intelligence and smarketing are part of our digital toolkit.
Over the decades, we have developed comprehensive expertise in the areas of smart grid/city/factory, photovoltaics, and logistics/intralogistics. With the EU Green Deal, the solar panel mandate for new buildings , and autonomous power supply (see CO2 tax), we can present ourselves to you as a partner and a sustainably grown company that hasn't just jumped on this bandwagon due to recent headlines.
Currently, you'll find over 1,000 articles on these topics here. If you'd like to get to know us, we cordially invite you to read these articles and our over 300 PDFs on various topics free of charge.
- Are you looking for information and data on specific topics or issues and don't have the time or patience to search for these articles and PDFs yourself?
- Are you looking for help and support with your logistics? Warehouse optimization? Strategic planning? E-commerce experts?
Conquering the Chinese market: Data, figures, facts and statistics
Conquering the Chinese market: Data, figures, facts and statistics – Image: GrAl|Shutterstock.com
China is not only the world's largest market for everything from e-commerce to social commerce, it is also largely unknown to the Western world. Particularly in the B2B sector, the manufacturing industry has received massive support from the Chinese government. In 2019 alone, two-thirds of all e-commerce transactions in China were in the B2B market.
The country's main import products include machinery and electronics such as vehicles, integrated circuits, chemicals, metallurgical products, mineral products (crude oil, iron ore, etc.), rubber, plastics in primary forms, and textiles.
The Chinese agricultural sector has also become increasingly reliant on imports in recent years. China is the world's largest importer of soybeans and meat and is among the leading importers of dairy products, wine, other foodstuffs, and beverages.
In 2013, China became the world's leading trading nation, overtaking the United States. China's total imports and exports reached 31.5 trillion yuan in 2019. The trade value of goods imports exceeded two trillion US dollars that year, representing almost 14 percent of global imports and making China the world's second-largest importer. Regarding trade in services, travel and transportation-related service imports account for approximately 75 percent of all service imports into China.
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Conquering the UK market: Data, figures, facts and statistics
Conquering the UK market: Data, figures, facts and statistics – Image: Stephen Finn|Shutterstock.com
In 2018, 50 percent of the European Union's total population were online shoppers. Within Europe, the United Kingdom had the highest percentage of online shoppers at 77 percent. Average per capita spending on online purchases was also highest in the UK, reaching €921 in 2019. Germany came in second, spending an average of €784 per year on online shopping.
It's also interesting that many companies integrate an English version alongside their native language when building their e-commerce platform. This is usually because the technology allows it, and often not based on data or figures. Access to the UK and US markets is seen as a "positive" side effect. In most cases, there's no strategic basis for this.
And even if the UK or US market is an integral part of the global corporate strategy, comprehensive information highlighting the differences in the respective national markets is usually lacking.
Xpert.Digital, as an information and content hub, offers extensive data, figures, facts and statistics that are ideal for use in revision, realignment or restarting.
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Conquering the US market: Data, figures, facts and statistics
Conquering the US market: Data, figures, facts and statistics – Image: Poring Studio|Shutterstock.com
If you ask 10 experts how to proceed, you'll get 31 or more answers. From the most expensive option to the stripped-down versions, various option models and modules – you'll find everything. But which one is right for you?
Next, we'll cover the various sub-disciplines such as social media, SEO, SEA, content development, affiliate marketing, and everything else that's out there.
And then there's a patchwork of different concepts, strategies, and measures that function more or less randomly and in some way from department to department. For the most part, most people are unaware of each other. The unique selling point? You usually only find out about it by chance. What management comes up with is often not communicated downwards because it gets bogged down somewhere, lost in countless meetings, becomes entangled, and ultimately leads to a dead end.
Usually, a lower level then takes the initiative and makes a virtue of necessity. Action becomes the order of the day. Based on figures and data? Not a chance. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bringing in external help for the relevant discipline also brings in the necessary expertise to mitigate the impact.
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Planning solar power systems with photovoltaic solutions for freight forwarding companies and contract logistics
Planning solar power systems with photovoltaic solutions for freight forwarding companies and contract logistics
The EU Green Deal is the centerpiece of the new climate protection law and is driving developments and measures forward. In some German states, legal regulations already mandate the installation of photovoltaic systems in new logistics buildings. The requirement for solar panels in existing logistics buildings and centers will follow. Initial announcements regarding this have already been made by politicians, as the EU aims to be the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
How we continue to secure the infrastructure of our key industries will be crucial for the future! In Germany today, key industries include the automotive industry, construction industry, food industry, chemical industry, electrical industry, energy production, mechanical engineering and shipbuilding.
The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has demonstrated that the functioning supply chain management of trade and industry is largely due to the logistical expertise of freight forwarders and contract logistics providers. The fact that there were "only" shortages like the "toilet paper crisis" will remain a humorous footnote in the future.
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Improved networking between business development and logistics managers and planners (3PL & 4PL)
Improved networking between business development, logistics managers, and planners – Image: wavebreakmedia|Shutterstock.com
Logistics industry know-how in e-commerce needs to be improved – The role of logistics manager and planner has developed into one of the most challenging professions in the last 20 years – 5 key points to consider.
Globally recorded merchandise exports increased more than 19-fold between 1960 and 2017. From 1970 to 2014, the volume of world trade rose from 0.3 trillion to 18.9 trillion US dollars.
The globalization of politics opened markets to a globalization of culture and language. The number of telephone connections on the global telephone network has increased tenfold since 1960. Alongside the telephone, new communication technologies are developing, including mobile phones, VoIP telephony, IP videoconferencing, fax machines, and the internet. Internet-based telephony enables globally networked collaboration through a cost-effective, permanent, and high-quality communication connection. Cross-border communication processes have multiplied, particularly via the internet, and the number of internet connections continues to grow exponentially.
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📦 Logistics consulting for industry and mechanical engineering - for logistics managers and warehouse managers
Do you need expert support in implementing your requirements? Do you have questions about Smart Factory, Smart Logistics, or digitalization?
🏬 Warehouse optimization and automation for industry, production and trade
Automating warehouses and supply chains is a key element of warehouse optimization. We can help you with that.
🛒 E-commerce warehousing solutions for returns, fast shipping (same-day delivery), and error-free order picking
E-commerce has specific requirements, and competition is constantly intensifying. It's no coincidence that e-commerce is considered a driving force behind market changes. Our strength lies in our digital expertise, which enables us to deliver innovative solutions and implementations.
Logistics consultants: Take advantage of our Xpert.Plus service for your logistics consulting, warehouse planning or warehouse management needs – for Wiesbaden, Mönchengladbach, Gelsenkirchen and Aachen
Xpert.Plus is a project of Xpert.Digital. We have many years of experience in supporting and consulting on warehouse solutions and in logistics optimization, which we combine under Xpert.Plus in a large network.
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 7348 4088 965 (Munich) .
I'm looking forward to our joint project.
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Xpert.Digital – Konrad Wolfenstein
Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry focusing on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.
With our 360° Business Development solution, we support renowned companies from new business to after-sales.
Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.
You can find more information at: www.xpert.digital – www.xpert.solar – www.xpert.plus
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