Technology Week - Day 3
Inside the Subsectors: Imaging & Printing and Enterprise Computing
Nothing stays still in this subsector. Software companies buy hardware companies and vice-versa; technology develops and then becomes out of date; even in difficult economic times, it’s very dynamic.
Thus, while we are seeing consumption slowing in the US and Europe, business customers are nevertheless upgrading their IT systems and data management, and spending on this infrastructure to ensure better efficiency and a competitive edge. This means that for big imaging original equipment manufacturers like HP, Canon, Xerox, and Kodak, which make products both for businesses and retail customers, the situation is more stable for their business products.
Technology Week - Day 3
Inside the Subsectors: Imaging & Printing and Enterprise Computing
Supply chain risk is something companies in this subsector are very sensitive to – whether from natural disasters, geopolitical unrest, or fuel price fluctuations – and are looking for ways to de-risk the supply chain.
Some companies are considering bringing operations back from China, for instance, to Europe or North America – closer to customers, with less risk of disruptions in the supply chain. Most companies, however, continue to want the cost benefit of offshoring, while spreading the risk more and increasing flexibility by holding some inventory in the region of consumption.
Companies are also looking to maximize return on the product in after-sales support and service parts, as well.
Technology Week - Day 3
Inside the Subsectors: Imaging & Printing and Enterprise Computing
As part of our spare parts logistics offering at DHL, for example, we commit to providing spare parts to our customers within two to four hours.
DHL Freight brings spare parts to stock locations, and DHL Express then delivers the urgent spares to the engineers to make the repairs or maintenance.
We also have an integrated service that incorporates the repair into the logistics process. By integrating the repair process into the DHL Service Logistics Network, we can provide a number of valuable benefits to customers, including lowering transportation costs, as well as minimizing inventory sent for unnecessary repairs, shorter repair cycles, and reduced number of providers.
Technology Week - Day 3
Inside the Subsectors: Imaging & Printing and Enterprise Computing
At DHL, we’re committed to really understanding customer needs and providing cross-business unit solutions.
