E-commerce (EB, electrenic business) is a new type of commercial operation based on the browser/server application mode in the open environment of the Internet to realize online shopping for consumers, online transactions between merchants and online electronic payment. mode. It has changed the foundation on which traditional business depends, and has formed an impact and challenge on traditional marketing strategies and market concepts. However, the final realization of the transaction depends on the logistics management of the latecomer. Only by correctly selecting the modern logistics management model can the e-commerce move forward.

Electronic logistics is the driving force for the development of e-commerce

Ideal for e-commerce

A complete e-commerce activity necessarily involves information flow, business flow, capital flow and logistics. Among them: logistics is the foundation, information flow is the bridge, capital flow is the purpose, and business flow is the carrier. For a long time, the biggest obstacle to e-commerce is the serious disconnection between logistics and information flow, business flow and capital flow. E-commerce relies on network ordering, and it is delivered by the logistics system. The goods are delivered to the users in time, and the space transfer (logistics) of goods is completed, which marks the end of the e-commerce process. Therefore, the efficiency of the logistics system and the ability to integrate social logistics resources are the key to the success of e-commerce. It is an ideal choice for e-commerce companies to entrust logistics business to e-logistics.

The connotation of electronic logistics

Electronic logistics is the electronic, networked and automated business of logistics services. It is the unification of information flow, capital flow and logistics services. It includes the organization, transaction methods and service methods of various business processes such as transportation, warehousing and distribution of logistics. Through the electronic realization of the logistics business, the organizational structure of the current logistics system can be reformed, and the logistics can enter a benign track that fully utilizes existing resources, reduces logistics costs, and improves logistics operation efficiency through standardized and orderly electronic logistics procedures.

Electronic logistics is the electronicization of logistics and logistics that support e-commerce. The evolution from electronic logistics to electronic logistics has added new connotations. It is the logistics that supports e-commerce. Due to the rapid rise of e-commerce in recent years, logistics, which is the basis of tangible commodity business activities, has not only become an obstacle to e-commerce, but also a key factor for the smooth development and development of e-commerce. How to establish a high-efficiency, low-cost logistics system to ensure the smooth development of e-commerce has become the focus of attention. Therefore, it has become inevitable to integrate the electronicization of logistics with the logistics services of e-commerce. This is the core content of the new connotation of current e-logistics.

The characteristics and functions of electronic logistics

The main feature of e-logistics is the integration of front-end services with back-end services. E-logistics front-end services include: consulting services (confirming customer needs), website design/management, and customer integration program implementation. The back-end services of e-logistics include six main types of business: order management, warehousing and distribution, transportation and delivery, return management, customer service, and data management and analysis.

The e-logistics business enables customers to use external service forces to achieve internal business growth, where customers are able to get tailored, personalized services, and the entire process is managed by third-party logistics service providers. The outsourcing service of e-logistics provides a constructive bridge between the manufacturers in the B2B business and the e-logistics service providers, as well as the manufacturers and their business partners in the B2C business.

Electronic logistics business model Electronic logistics information market system. The electronic logistics information market uses the Internet as the media to establish an information system. It will confirm the logistics information of the enterprise or the main transportation of the goods and the transportation company will confirm the movable vehicle information online, and the two parties sign a transportation contract. There are three functions of the system, namely: information query, release, and bidding. Subsidiary functions include: industry information, cargo insurance, logistics tracking, road condition information, GPS, etc.

Provide electronic logistics system for supply chain management for professional logistics companies. The system is characterized by the use of electronic means, especially the use of Internet technology to complete the coordination, control and management of the entire process of logistics, to achieve all intermediate process services from the network front-end to the most end-customer.

From the current e-logistics market, there are four main types of market participants: traditional logistics service providers, software vendors, integrators, and logistics service solution providers. On the surface, these market participants are engaged in specific services, but in the field of e-logistics services, most market participants provide customers with a comprehensive service. At present, no e-logistics service provider can provide all e-logistics services. Most of the vendors provide END TO END e-logistics solutions by leveraging their own strength and finding business partners.

The driving force of e-commerce development

In the two business models of e-logistics, the transaction method adopted by the e-logistics information market system cannot reflect the convenience, speed and low cost advantages pursued by e-commerce, while the e-logistics system that provides supply chain management for professional logistics enterprises is The establishment of an agile supply chain system provides strong technical support. It is conceivable that the processing of tens of thousands of information per hour from hundreds of suppliers and goods flowing to hundreds of retailers is an electronic means of communication that must be established between the parties in the supply chain.

E-logistics provides an electronic logistics information platform for the provision of electronic logistics information services. Through the safe and effective information exchange, the entire supply chain can be realized, including: manufacturers, distributors, third-party logistics providers, retailers and electronics. The integration of seamless logistics business processes between participants in various segments, including retail stores. At the same time, with the logistics information platform as the core, it provides a complete solution for the dynamic changes of product sales channels, the development of e-commerce and the optimization of supply chain. The program supports e-commerce business models and trading methods, while also supporting traditional business models.

It is precisely because of the above characteristics of e-logistics, so various types of e-commerce have their needs, first of all BtoB, which is the most promising market in the three e-commerce models, it can be divided into two types , business to non-retailers and business-to-retailers. The former business characteristics are stable, non-concentrated, large-volume demand, relatively single varieties, and can be used to meet the needs of electronic logistics, but also self-operated. The latter is relatively large in variety, small in quantity, and stable in concentration of customers. The main problem is the timely distribution of products. In the case of insufficient capital and weak logistics capabilities, electronic logistics must be used. Followed by BtoC, the most important issue is timely delivery. For regional BtoC, the problem is easier to solve, the key is to establish a suitable distribution center. For cross-regional BtoC, relying on a single enterprise can't be done. Even if it is done, the cost can't be estimated. The final cost can only be added to the consumer, which is impossible for consumers to accept. Therefore, it can only be realized by using electronic logistics. Finally, CtoC, because companies only provide trading venues, do not provide logistics services, consumers only turn to electronic logistics. Therefore, electronic logistics plays an important role in the development of e-commerce.

Electronic Logistics Problem Restricting the Development of E-commerce

The development of logistics information system lags behind

The integration of information runs through all stages of e-logistics management. The integration of logistics information resources has become an important part of its core competitiveness. The level of logistics information system construction and continuous development and improvement directly affect the operational efficiency and customer service level of enterprises. . At present, the level of logistics information processing of China's electronic logistics enterprises is only equivalent to 2.1% of the world average. According to the survey results, only 37% of logistics companies in China have complete logistics information systems. This has led to inefficient operation of logistics companies and low levels of customer service. Due to the lack of support of logistics information system, it has caused great waste to existing logistics resources, resulting in problems such as high operating cost, slow operation speed, and inaccessible logistics information. Even if e-commerce enterprises have advanced information systems, they can speed up orders. Processing, but the high cost and low service level caused by logistics companies make it difficult for e-commerce companies to gain a competitive advantage.

Lack of logistics integration

The ability of logistics integration refers to the ability of e-logistics companies to design complete logistics solutions for e-commerce enterprises. In this way, e-commerce companies can exert their core expertise and focus on the processing of information flow and business flow. However, most e-logistics companies have a single function and can provide customers with high value-added enterprises. Therefore, e-commerce companies have to find multiple e-logistics with different functions, so they must focus on coordinating logistics. , causing the increase in logistics costs of enterprises.

Lack of professional talent

From the development experience of foreign electronic logistics, logistics practitioners have a certain level of logistics knowledge and practical experience. However, there are fewer colleges offering logistics majors in China, postgraduate level education has just started, and vocational education is even more scarce. The logistics practitioners, regardless of age, cultural level, and professional knowledge, are far from the requirements of logistics companies.

Lack of strategic cooperation with e-commerce companies

In foreign countries, the long-term alliance between e-logistics and e-commerce companies has formed a relatively stable strategic partner, which is quite common. By establishing a long-term cooperative relationship, both sides can show their strengths. However, this kind of alliance in China's e-commerce field is rare.

Development Strategy of Electronic Logistics Enterprises

Establish a continuous improvement of logistics information system

The development of information technology enables logistics enterprises to achieve rapid data transmission and accurate transmission, and improve the management level of order processing, procurement, ordering, loading and unloading transportation, distribution and shipping, and warehouse, so that ordering, packaging, storage, transportation, and circulation processing can be realized. Integration, fast response to customer needs, timely arrival, tracking feedback in real time, and minimizing safety stocks. In addition, logistics companies can more easily communicate and collaborate with e-commerce companies, and coordination and cooperation between enterprises can be completed quickly in a short period of time. The construction of electronic logistics information system includes: barcode technology (BC), electronic data interchange (EDI), management information system (MIS), total quality management (TQM), radio frequency technology (FR), geographic information system (GIS), global positioning System (GPS) and many other aspects. All logistics enterprises should include the development of information technology in the enterprise development plan and actively build it when conditions are met.

Enhance the ability of electronic logistics enterprises to integrate

First, develop a strategic alliance between e-logistics, and concentrate the scattered logistics elements of each other to form a new whole, in order to play the role that individual logistics elements cannot play. Second, establish an integrated logistics agency. Through the establishment of integrated logistics agencies, coordinate multiple functional logistics enterprises to achieve the sharing of resources and information, so that e-commerce companies can authorize integrated logistics agencies to design logistics problem solutions and improve the logistics service level of enterprises.

Pay Attention to the Cultivation of Logistics Management Talents

Encourage and allow qualified institutions to set up and set up relevant majors and courses, learn from and introduce internationally advanced logistics education programs, and formulate educational norms and standards for logistics practitioners in China. On this basis, guide enterprises and industry organizations to develop logistics talents. Training and education work should pay attention to the cultivation of comprehensive talents who understand information technology and understand logistics management.

Establish a strategic alliance between business enterprises and e-logistics enterprises

By establishing a long-term partnership, the logistics cost of e-commerce enterprises can be reduced, and the development of logistics enterprises can be promoted.

In the rapid development process of e-commerce, there are still many problems in concept, management, management and service. In particular, the current uncoordinated situation between e-commerce enterprises and logistics service industry will seriously affect the development of e-commerce. However, the development of e-logistics services has achieved certain market performance and played a good role in lubricating e-commerce. However, there are still many mature places in this emerging service field. There are still some blind spots in market operation for both supply and demand. Therefore, solving the problem of e-commerce distribution is not only a huge challenge for logistics companies, but also for e-commerce. The company's active participation and assistance, and thus promote the healthy development of e-commerce.