Chinese online retailer JD.com has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with supply chain management association APICS to develop an omnichannel benchmark system, in order to advance best practices in the e-commerce industry.
Focusing on end-to-end supply chain performance of the industry, the benchmark system is expected to make use of APICS’ supply chain operations reference model (SCOR) and JD’s technology platform.
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Using the system, JD's suppliers will have access to real-time comparisons to their competitors and their respective industries at both regional and global levels.
APICS CSCP, CAE, CPA chief executive officer Abe Eshkenazi said: “Supply chain management has become increasingly complex as consumer demand has shaped omnichannel retail experience expectations.
“We have a unique opportunity to work with the largest retailer in China, JD.com, to set standards, identify best practices, elevate supplier performance and then share the resulting knowledge with supply chain organizations around the world.”
The companies will also form a SCORmark Omnichannel Benchmarking special interest group to develop best practices for global e-commerce supply chains.
JD.com supply chain R&D president Yongli Yu said: “Smart supply chain is a strategic imperative for JD’s growth, and our work with APICS is an important step in that.
“We are focusing on opening our capabilities to suppliers and partners to further the development of AI-powered, technology-driven smart supply chains."
Through the partnership, JD intends to deliver a performance-driven measurement and improvement platform for real-world solutions, using insights derived from real-world surveys.
APICS advances supply chains through benchmarking, performance improvement, process management and talent development.
The current MOU comes after a strategic agreement was signed between the parties in March.
Image: Officials representing APICS and JD.com at the MoU signing ceremony. Photo: courtesy of APICS.
