Page 36 - Logistics News - July August 2023

E-C O MME RC E
How logistics adapts to the

changing business landscape

By Natasha Parmanand, MD of FedEx Express Sub-Saharan Africa Operations
The global e-commerce revolution has transformed the business landscape and logistics
providers are navigating these waves of change. Here we explore how the logistics

industry is adapting to the evolving business landscape and supporting businesses in
meeting customer expectations.

he origin of the e-commerce industry can be traced increase in no-contact purchasing and online shopping sites
back to orders being placed from television shows and a have become easier to navigate.
T landline phone to sell just about everything. The Internet
has transformed modern-day e-commerce in the way we With low barriers to entry, e-commerce and the Internet
acquire and interact for goods and services. We have become mean businesses anywhere in the world are now able
accustomed to purchasing anything we want online, including to trade across borders. Even companies with small
industrial, aerospace, automotive and health care shipping production numbers can easily create a presence online.
solutions. With an increase in social media channels and platforms
that can help businesses directly target their desired
Growth and transformation in e-commerce audience, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
In South Africa, the e-commerce market is estimated to be are able to compete with retail giants on a global stage.
worth US$7.2-million and is predicted to grow by 17.9 percent Outside the traditional retail model, costs for e-commerce
by the end of 2023. Even traditionally hesitant online shoppers traders can be kept down and lower prices can be passed
have adopted e-commerce. COVID-19 also accelerated the on to consumers.

34 JULY/A U GU S T 2023 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a