We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • ProMat 2023
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • ProMat 2023
    • Upload Your Video
Home » Xbox 360 marks the spot
newsworthy

Xbox 360 marks the spot

March 1, 2006
DC Velocity Staff
No Comments

If you scored one of the first Xbox 360s to hit the market on Tuesday, Nov. 22, you have DHL to thank. The express carrier/ global logistics company collaborated with Microsoft to whisk 1.5 million videogame consoles across three continents and into stores for the Nov. 22 launch of Xbox 360 in the United States and the Dec. 2 rollout in Europe.

Launch planning began in November 2004, when the two companies mapped out shipping strategies and began developing the information technology network that would serve as the project's central nervous system. They also hashed out schedules." Microsoft set specific deadlines and promised the world it would meet them," says Jane Sabin-Pass, global customer manager for DHL Global Customer Solutions, which handled the launch. That meant preparing for every possible contingency. "Microsoft challenged DHL ... to anticipate the unpredictable scenarios that often accompany a major product launch during peak season," she adds.

By August 2005, with the first of the Xbox 360s ready to ship, the project had shifted into high gear. EDI messages from production sites in southern China enabled Microsoft and DHL to monitor the Xbox 360s as they rolled off assembly lines onto barges bound for Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok airport. As workers loaded the game consoles aboard charters, DHL's system automatically triggered Advance Ship Notices to notify the U.S. and European distribution centers when the shipments would arrive, so they could arrange for added security and plan the final deliveries.

The launch may be over, but the joint program remains in place. Charters continue to arrive in the United States and Europe. DHL, which has also purchased significant ocean freight capacity to move consoles and peripherals (headsets, controllers, cables and the like), will continue to support the Microsoft rollout of Xbox 360s around the world. The partners are also working together to open a new warehouse in southern China to fill orders for Xbox 360s in Asia during 2006 and beyond.

This was not the first collaboration between DHL and Microsoft. They also worked together to launch the first Xbox in 2001, a launch Sabin-Pass characterizes as much more challenging because of a transportation capacity shortage, difficulty forecasting demand, and the need to maintain high security at multiple manufacturing points. Things went much more smoothly this time around, she reports. Microsoft has evidently decided DHL's got game. "We see DHL's solution as an enabler of future success," says Bill Best, senior logistics manager at Microsoft, "and we envision a deep integration of DHL into our processes as a result."

Transportation Air Global Logistics
    • Related Articles

      Rising e-commerce business marks sole bright spot on USPS' books

      PECO Pallet Marks 25th Anniversary Serving the Rental Pallet Market

      Envio 360 Joins the Advent eModal Platform

    Recent Articles by DC Velocity Staff

    DAT Freight & Analytics says new tool tackles spike in identity fraud

    Ryder rolls out BrightDrop electric rental vans at sites in CA, TX, and NY

    FourKites launches generative AI product to uncover insights from supply chain data pools

    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Most Popular Articles

    • Boston Dynamics will deploy fleet of robots in German e-tailer’s DCs

    • InPerson interview: Geoff Muessig of Pitt Ohio

    • TradeBeyond Acquires Pivot88

    • Warehouse yards to go digital

    • U.S. manufacturing resurgence faces headwinds

    Now Playing on DCV-TV

    20230922intralox vs large

    Intralox Parcel Automation: Never Stop Moving

    DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    Your business—and the flow of products through it—never stops. Intralox’s logistics and material handling specialists have the technologies, services, and expertise to keep you moving.

    FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

    • Rodent Radar: A Guide To Help Protect Your Business From Rodents

    • The Value of Genuine Parts and Service

    • Five questions to ask before electrifying your indoor forklift fleet

    • Unlock Success with Our Freight Tech Checklist!

    View More

    Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

    GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • ADVERTISING
    • CUSTOMER CARE
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
    • STAFF
    • PRIVACY POLICY

    Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing