CHICAGO - [August 16, 2017] - APICS, the association for supply chain management, and JD.com, China's largest retailer, signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to introduce an omnichannel benchmark system that will advance best practices in the end-to-end supply chain performance of the e-commerce industry.
Leveraging APICS' Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) and JD's technology platform, the benchmark system will provide major suppliers of JD with real-time comparisons to their competitors and their respective industries at both regional and global levels. In addition, APICS and JD will establish a SCORmark Omnichannel Benchmarking special interest group to develop best practices from their cooperation for global e-commerce supply chains.
"Supply chain management has become increasingly complex as consumer demand has shaped omnichannel retail experience expectations," said APICS CEO, Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CAE, CPA. "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."
"Smart supply chain is a strategic imperative for JD's growth, and our work with APICS is an important step in that," said Yongli Yu, president of supply chain R&D for JD.com. "We are focusing on opening our capabilities to suppliers and partners to further the development of AI-powered, technology-driven smart supply chains. This strategic partnership will provide insights derived from real-world surveys, allowing us to deliver a performance-driven measurement and improvement platform for real-world solutions."
Businesses turn to APICS as the authority that advances supply chains through benchmarking, performance improvement, process management and talent development. JD.com operates the largest retail supply chain in China, setting the standard for online shopping through its commitment to quality, authenticity, and unrivalled nationwide fulfillment network. In addition to sourcing only quality, authentic goods from around the world for more than 236 million customers, JD operates an in-house nationwide logistics network, down to the last mile, and was the first e-commerce company to provide same-day service at scale and to deploy delivery drones.
Via this agreement, APICS and JD.com can further each organizations' role as leaders in omnichannel supply chain and continue to cultivate an international supply chain community focused on improving global supply chain performance. The MOU builds on an existing strategic agreement between APICS and JD.com from March of this year.
About APICS
APICS is the association for supply chain management and the leading provider of research, education and certification programs that elevate supply chain excellence, innovation and resilience. The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM); APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP); APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD); and APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference-Professional (SCOR-P) designations set the industry standard. With more than 45,000 members and approximately 300 channel partners, APICS is transforming the way people do business, drive growth and reach global customers. For more information, visit apics.org.
About JD.com, Inc.
JD.com is both the largest e-commerce company in China, and the largest Chinese retailer, by revenue. The company strives to offer consumers the best online shopping experience. Through its user-friendly website, native mobile apps, and WeChat and Mobile QQ entry points, JD offers consumers a superior shopping experience. The company has the largest fulfillment infrastructure of any e-commerce company in China. As of March 31, 2017, JD.com operated 7 fulfillment centers and 263 warehouses covering 2,672 counties and districts across China, staffed by its own employees. JD.com is a member of the NASDAQ100 and a Fortune Global 500 company.
Media contacts:
APICS, Shelley Nall
INK Public Relations
512.632.1487
apics@ink-pr.com
