E-Commerce has outgrown its `infancy' and is rapidly moving into second-stage maturity. At the core of this stage is an effective e-Commerce supply chain that can constantly evolve and adapt to solve the challenges posed by this fast-growing business channel. E-Commerce continues to grow in topline revenue and as a percentage of retail sales. Similarly, cross-border e-Commerce is increasing in total sales and as a percentage of e-Commerce sales. More companies are expanding into the US, opening other non-native markets, and building omnichannel supply chains through cross-border e-Commerce. The origins of cross-border e-Commerce like domestic e-Commerce, can be traced back to the founding of online marketplaces with global reach and international payment gateways in the late `90s.
Since then, e-Commerce has steadily gained market share at the expense of traditional retail sales and is continuing to grow. As per eMarketer, it is projected to exceed $7 trillion in 2025 and account for more than 24 percent of retail sales with compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10 percent.
Several prospects of a significantly advanced Supply Chain await. Digitalization represents the next frontier in supply chain optimization. The foundation for this continuing evolution is already in place through the software platforms that control the flow of inventory within distribution centers (WMS) and digitalize transportation processes (TMS). Now, the opportunity exists to build on this foundation to further reduce costs and improve service levels while enabling the visibility required to optimize performance.
The next generation of omnichannel retail including webrooming, showrooming, and no-line commerce concepts require logistics networks to be not just present, but also proficient in tailoring to the needs of customers in all channels. Dynamic delivery, fulfillment, and return options necessitate seamless technological integration, data sharing, and collaboration among manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers.
This edition is dedicated to some of the global players in the global e-Commerce supply chain. As the keep the engines of the supply wheel turning, we hope your business finds a perfect match for your expansive needs.
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