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Capstone Project-Ivery case study Amazon Logistics

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Abstract

"In 1994, Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos that is currently one of the most valuable companies. Amazon has become a global leader by selling more than a million products." (Duffy, 2018) In this report, potential issues and future opportunities have identified that further explained with various analysis tools by considering impact analysis. Finally, solutions and strategies have evaluated and further demonstrated with individual implementation plans. Moreover, a description of strategies relating to the development of sustainability and financial value has illustrated. “The key supply chain challenges online retailers are lack of authenticity of the product and suppliers, outsourcing of third-party suppliers, increased cost of shipping, and disrupted quick delivery.” (SCCG, 2020) The issues we identified are increased shipping cost, higher dependency on other logistics companies, Disruption in last-mile delivery, Low focus on Amazon online retail store as compared to Amazon Web Services, and loss of supplies due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, impact analysis with a relative root-cause analysis had assessed. Also, there are different opportunities have identified for future opportunities that are flourishing online grocery sales, Amazon Prime Air delivery service, and expansion of Whole Foods to turn into multitasking stores. The significant impact of these identified issues and opportunities are late deliveries, increased cost of shipping, reduced customer satisfaction as well as overall profit. The objective here is to improve the supply chain by diminishing the impact that decreases the overall efficiency of Amazon. To solve issues, and to improve opportunity, provide pick-up location to the customer, improve the supplier selection process as well as last-mile delivery. To add on, changing business model similar to "Reliance JioMart" helps enhance quick delivery. Also, sustainability has primarily focused on environmental and social benefits. To improve environment pillar, implementation of the latest gadgets and electric vehicles increase "the prediction made by Amazon on carbon reduction." On the other hand, the social pillar should implement by empowering employees and encouraging their talent, the company's growth could be increased in the situation of COVID-19. Similarly, the financial analysis and its improvement have explained by the installation of lockers in various locations including convenience stores and shopping centers to solve the short-term solution.
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Capstone Project- Ivery case study
Amazon Logistics
18TH AUGUST 2020
RAJ PATEL
TRUPAL PARMAR
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Supply Chain Challenges.................................................................................................. 6
Project Purpose and Objectives ........................................................................................................... 7
Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 7
Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 7
Deliverables & Scope ............................................................................................................................ 8
Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Project Work Plan................................................................................................................................ 10
Issues and analysis ............................................................................................................................. 11
Increased shipping cost ..................................................................................................11
Higher Dependency on other Logistics Companies ............................................................12
Disruption in last-mile delivery ........................................................................................12
Low focus on Amazon online retail store as compared to Amazon Web Services ..................13
Loss of supplies due to Covid-19 .....................................................................................14
Improvement Opportunities and Analysis ......................................................................................... 15
Flourishing online grocery sales.......................................................................................15
Amazon Prime Air delivery service ...................................................................................15
Amazon can expand Whole Food stores and turn into multitasking stores ...........................16
Recommended Solutions and Strategies with implementation plan ............................................... 18
Short-Term solution Provide Pick-up location to the customer .........................................18
Medium-Term Solutions: ................................................................................................19
Improve supplier selection process to improve the authenticity of products .....................19
Improve the efficiency of last-mile delivery ...................................................................19
Long-Term strategy- implement JioMart business strategy ................................................20
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Sustainability .................................................................................................................21
Financial value added .....................................................................................................22
Appendices .......................................................................................................................................... 23
References ........................................................................................................................................... 39
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Executive Summary
"In 1994, Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos that is currently one of the most valuable
companies. Amazon has become a global leader by selling more than a million products."
(Duffy, 2018) In this report, potential issues and future opportunities have identified that
further explained with various analysis tools by considering impact analysis. Finally, solutions
and strategies have evaluated and further demonstrated with individual implementation plans.
Moreover, a description of strategies relating to the development of sustainability and financial
value has illustrated. “The key supply chain challenges online retailers are lack of authenticity of
the product and suppliers, outsourcing of third-party suppliers, increased cost of shipping, and
disrupted quick delivery.” (SCCG, 2020)
The issues we identified are increased shipping cost, higher dependency on other
logistics companies, Disruption in last-mile delivery, Low focus on Amazon online retail store as
compared to Amazon Web Services, and loss of supplies due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Also,
impact analysis with a relative root-cause analysis had assessed. Also, there are different
opportunities have identified for future opportunities that are flourishing online grocery sales,
Amazon Prime Air delivery service, and expansion of Whole Foods to turn into multitasking
stores.
The significant impact of these identified issues and opportunities are late deliveries,
increased cost of shipping, reduced customer satisfaction as well as overall profit. The objective
here is to improve the supply chain by diminishing the impact that decreases the overall
efficiency of Amazon. To solve issues, and to improve opportunity, provide pick-up location to
the customer, improve the supplier selection process as well as last-mile delivery. To add on,
changing business model similar to "Reliance JioMart" helps enhance quick delivery. Also,
sustainability has primarily focused on environmental and social benefits. To improve
environment pillar, implementation of the latest gadgets and electric vehicles increase "the
prediction made by Amazon on carbon reduction." On the other hand, the social pillar should
implement by empowering employees and encouraging their talent, the company's growth
could be increased in the situation of COVID-19. Similarly, the financial analysis and its
improvement have explained by the installation of lockers in various locations including
convenience stores and shopping centers to solve the short-term solution.
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Introduction
"Amazon.com Inc. was founded by Jeff Bezos in July 1994 and it’s headquartered is
located in Washington. The company is known for its online shopping service in the world along
with other services." (Duffy, 2018) "Initially, the company was launched to set to become an
online market for books but expanded its product line to electronics, households, software,
furniture, and lots more. In 2018 Amazon surpassed Microsoft as the most valuable public
company in the world." (Amazon, Who we are, 2020)
"Amazon products and services are not just limited to e-commerce but it has also
started to produce its products. Additionally, Amazon web services contribute a major role in
the company’s growth and success.” (Amazon, Who we are, 2020) The founder of the company
was declared as the world’s richest man in 2018. Amazon has crossed many horizons and since
the company has been founded it has added 30 product categories in its bag from furniture to
electronics." (Cuccinello, 2019) "Amazon's primary products and services are Amazon.com,
Amazon Fresh, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, Echo and Alexa,
Kindle, Amazon Flex, and Amazon Web Services." (Amazon, Who we are, 2020) "Amazon Web
Services provides on-demand cloud computing services to individuals, companies, and
governments." (Amazon, Open Data on AWS, 2020) “Apart from this, the company has built
many physical store networks, delivery stations, fresh food distribution networks, fulfillment
centers, and much more.” (Duffy, 2018)
"The company has also invested and started new operations in the supply chain section
and named the venture as 'Global Supply Chain by Amazon' which has feature amazon as a
global logistic provider. It aims to automate and revolutionized the system of supply chain and
eradicate with document handling, freight booking, etc. Therefore, the middleman is no longer
required and the suppliers can directly book with amazon which will have better transparency
and get competitive pricing over others." (Duffy, 2018)
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Supply Chain Challenges
“The difficulty with E-commerce is to implement a fail-safe web-based online
communication system with customers. They want to have real-time visibility over their orders
track numbers are not enough. Expectations are huge, deliveries must be exactly as per
specification, on-time and, complete. According to a recent Forrester Research Inc. report,
consumers own an average of 4.5 digital devices, and they expect a smooth, consistent shopping
experience regardless of what device they’re using. E-retailers may be understaffing their
customer service teams, and that can lead to missteps and frustration.” (SCCG, 2020)
“Lack of expertise in e-commerce and the cost of technology tools are creating many
companies to consider outsourcing accomplishment to third-party service providers (3PLs).
Specialized 3PLs focused on e-commerce are more likely to often have material handling tools,
systems, and expertise to process online orders more efficiently. Each has its own strength based
on its delivery network and hub locations. The main issue is a contract with one dedicated logistics
company or uses two or more? There are some risks in both options; having multiple delivery
vendors may increase costs due to idle time but it means there is a backup service. According to
the Forrester report “retailers, master logistics will command a market advantage through faster,
more reliable customer delivery experiences. (SCCG, 2020)
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Project Purpose and Objectives (Raj)
Purpose
Objectives
Discover the solution for issues which obstructs the growth of Amazon’s logistics services.
Devise strategies and solutions for the sustainability of the supply chain.
Learn the utilization of various tools and procedures that aid supply chain
Evaluate insufficiencies regarding diverse Amazon’s freight forwarding service.
Develop and implement every recommended action related to supply chain disruption.
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Deliverables & Scope
The project scope and deliverables have described in appendix 1. The project scope
statement involves the determination of the end goal by considering the project deliverables,
functions, and tasks. Here, we have determined tasks by considering them as in-scope and out-
of-scope.
In-Scope:
outcomes of every challenge face by Amazon
Suggest the improvements for Amazon's supply chain and Do growth analysis
Out-of-scope:
Amazon's research and development in terms of marketing and promotions
Statements and news regarding upcoming products and services
Project deliverables:
The key project deliverables are beginning from identifying the issues related to
Amazon's supply chain to the submission of the reports. In between these major deliverables,
discussion about history and growth, opportunities analysis, and solutions found have
discussed. The description of the details deliverables with described tasks can be found in
appendix 1.
Methodology
The six-sigma methodology is a measurement-based strategy that looks at process
improvement through defined projects. This project has approached to solve the supply chain
problem face by Amazon with the help of the DMAIC process. DMAIC Process is the problem-
solving approach that drives Lean Six Sigma. However, control process has not analysed here.
It features five Phases:
Define: Design goals that are consistent with customer demands and the enterprise
strategy.
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Measure: Identify characteristics that are critical to quality, measure product capabilities,
process capability, and measure risks.
Analyze: Analyze stage help to develop and design alternatives
Improve: The implementation plan is drawn up of how the improved process might
introduced.
Additionally, by research and assessing every possible solution as well as findings we will
come up with the different tools which are indicated below.
Tools to be used:
o SWOT Analysis
it is a compilation of the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
The primary objective of a SWOT analysis is to help organizations develop a full awareness of
all the factors involved in making a business decision.
o STEEPLE Analysis
STEEPLE analysis is a strategic management method that is used to examine the
external factors affecting the growth and performance of an organization.
o Product Life Cycle
It is a strategy that offers support to service organizations in enabling them to realize
their gross revenue potential.
o Cause & Effect Diagram and C/N/X Analysis
The tool calls for the collection of historical data, analysis of data and then
systematically eliminating causes of defects by using various problem-solving techniques.
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Project Work Plan
Project Work Plan is a better way to display primary deliverables. It constitutes the
deliverables from the beginning of the report to the submission of the report. Additionally, the
deliverables have put with the Gantt Chart in appendix 2. Also, the primary and most important
deliverables are listed as follows.
Identify and state purpose and objectives with the scope of the project.
Identification of issues and opportunities by doing various analyses.
Evaluate solution and strategies from identified issues & opportunity
Draft report and presentation submission and Final submission.
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Issues and analysis
1. Increased shipping costs
2. Higher dependency on other Logistics Companies
3. Disruption in last-mile delivery
4. Low focus on Amazon online retail store as compared to Amazon Web Services
5. Loss of supplies due to Covid-19 pandemic
Increased shipping cost
“Amazon Prime established in 2007, which provides a one-day delivery membership
program to Amazon Prime subscribers.” (Staff, 2020) In addition to increased shipping costs,
prime membership has a direct association with it. “In 2018, Amazon prime subscribers reached
more than 100 million that brought high demand for products to ship.” (Duffy, 2018)
Various causes affect the increased shipping cost,
“Implemented Business-To-Business prime, free shipping on eligible orders for businesses
that creates sudden demand. Therefore, Amazon needs to request 3rd party logistics
providers to ship their products.” (Website, 2020)
“Every product has different dimensions. Therefore, while shipping in containers it is very
difficult to manage space which ultimately affects transportation costs.” (Donnelly, 2020)
Goods handled by Amazon are ship through the distribution centers that include the cost to
manage the distribution centers and pay wages to employees.
Impact Analysis
“Amazon’s shipping cost raised to a whopping $8.1 billion from $6 billion in the year-ago
quarter. An increase in shipping cost could reduce the marginal benefits and give short term
bearish opinion towards Amazon stock. (Chhatwal, 2019)
“Shipping costs are higher expense contributors for Amazon, but the reasons behind
high costs are also a positive impact on the company. Amazon built various fulfillment centers in
the past years. It is now watching to develop its delivery service by decreasing the dependency
on UPS, FedEx, and other shipping partners. The subscription incomes have been rising quickly
for the past few quarters. A good delivery system is key to achieving and holding more
subscribers. With the launch of one-day delivery, Amazon should see another hike in the
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subscription revenues as the importance of Prime membership progress. This should be a big
boost for Amazon.” (Chhatwal, 2019)
The cause and effect analysis with C/N/X analysis can be seen in appendix 3.
Additionally, 5-Why analysis in terms of product return is done that can be seen in appendix 4.
Higher Dependency on other Logistics Companies
“Amazon is dependent on other logistics providers such as UPS and FedEx.” (Richter,
2017) “Amazon prime deliveries can not keep up with the demand for shipping in holidays.”
(Herrick, 2019) "Additionally, UPS or FedEx was unable to deliver the parcel to the customers
on Amazon’s required period. Therefore, Amazon lost millions due to delivery issues and
refunds.” (Duffy, 2018)and Amazon failed in customer satisfaction during the busy seasons.
“Amazon encroaching to 3rd party logistics providers” (Duffy, 2018) that may affect the sharing
portion of margin.
Impact Analysis
“The Amazon has been reliant on third-party logistics’ service providers for ensuring on-
time delivery to its users. Dependency on the third-party service providers has had its influence
on Amazon’s market in terms of delivery costs, the timing of delivery, and customer satisfaction.
The shipping costs of Amazon were $11.5 billion, $21.7 billion, and $30 billion in 2015, 2017,
and 2018, respectively. The constant rise in shipping costs has acted in Amazon trying to
control the end-to-end processes for the delivery of its goods.” (M, 2020) PLC analysis is
explained here and the analyzed picture can be seen in Appendix 5.
Disruption in last-mile delivery
“Last-mile delivery explains the delivery to the customers within a day.” (Duffy, 2018)
Amazon has been struggling to find a solution for last-mile delivery utilization that includes,
utilized cost and on-time delivery. Amazon’s concept of prime membership disturbs the shipping
patten. “The only available alternative for Amazon is 3rd party services. Though they are
providing on-time delivery but take a large portion of margin from the overall profit.” (AUTHOR,
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2020) Period of delivery of product from distribution center to customer determines customer
satisfaction as well as the intensity of product return.
The fishbone diagram is explained factors affecting last-mile deliveries which can be found in
the appendix 6. Additionally, according to C/N/X analysis, there are various noises that are
identified. As we cannot remove or solved these noises, it is better to focus on experimental
and constant factors. The noises are environment conditions including, weather conditions, risky
road, environmental aspects, etc.
Impact Analysis
“If Amazon would not able to deliver the product on time then, it may be losing its business
because rivals such as eBay already figure it out the same day last-mile delivery option by eBay
express (Khan, 2017)
Low focus on Amazon online retail store as compared to Amazon Web Services
“Amazon creates revenue from its Prime membership and Amazon web services. It
would be difficult for Amazon to keeping up its E-commerce growth because its rivals such as
Walmart and E-bay are aggressively entered in E-commerce business.” (Gaus, 2019) Though
Amazon is focusing on the whole e-commerce sector, the primary focus has not established
correctly. Currently, "Amazon is focusing on the development of the store with no check-out
required." (Amazon, About Amazon Go and Amazon Go Grocery, 2020) Amazon is focusing on
automation and advances retail technologies to compete with large stores like Walmart.
Moreover, “Amazon Web Services is primary source of income to Amazon that gets primary
focus because of having number of clients for cloud support. Among many customers,
Coursera, McDonald’s, Honeywell.” (Containers Customer Stories, 2020) Amazon is more
focusing to provide the most excellent service to these clients rather than concentrating on
logistics development. (Cuccinello, 2019) the SWOT analysis to evaluate and find an
association with a specific issue ‘Bidirectional growth’ is set out in appendix 7.
Impact Analysis
“E-commerce is taking a bigger share of retail sales about 13% last year but
Amazon continues to take a larger cut of that share for itself, accounting for almost 42% of U.S.
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online sales last year, according to data discussed by Internet Retailer Editor-at-large Don Davis
Wednesday at IRCE.” (O'Shea, 2018)
If Amazon would not be focusing on its specific categories in e-commerce such as
fashion and more then it would be difficult to take more market shares again because rivals like
eBay and Walmart aggressively focus on specific sectors in e-commerce.
Loss of supplies due to Covid-19
“COVID-19 is the most important issue for every supplier all over the world because of a
shortage of supplies. Also, supplies from China stopped fulfilling products that create huge
demand for supplies.” (Matt Leonard, 2020) Currently, as a pandemic is not affecting every
logistics providers, few manufacturing facilities are yet to open. “Amazon has applied specific
restrictions on its items and quantity of purchase. i.e. in India, delivery of the non-essential
product had stopped in the beginning." (Emont, 2020) “A Shipping delay is the current issue as
supplies got disrupted. The reason for this late delivery of the product is because of the high
demand for online shopping with having fewer resources to fulfill it” (Paler, 2020) The issue
analysis is listed in the appendix 8.
Impact Analysis
The change sent Amazon sellers many already facing other confusions caused by
Covid-19 scrambling to find new approaches to get their products to consumers. Freight times
have begun growing, from as little as 24 hours to weeks or more, according to a precipitous
decline in sales. People are not going to want to order items when they won’t ship for a
month. (Thompson, 2020)
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Improvement Opportunities and Analysis
Flourishing online grocery sales
"The impact of COVID 19 has created an opportunity for amazon and increased its
sales in the online grocery sector reaching three times the figures gained last year. Also,
Amazon has more than 500 grocery stores and it’s been increasing the grocery delivery
capability by nearly 160% with increased pick-up location during the second quarter. This
situation gives Amazon a chance to expand the online grocery sector. To add on, this immense
growth provides an opportunity to widen the business in the sector of fresh vegetables and
fruits." (Brown, 2020)
Impact Analysis
The growth of Amazon online grocery gives freedom to every customer who wants to
shop groceries from home. Additionally, the “fast-forwarding logistics service plan for the United
Kingdom will increase customer satisfaction because of quick delivery. It will be benefited to
business as well as freight forwards that they will get the opportunity to expand their business.”
(Smithers, 2020)
“Amazon growth of online supermarket is changing the way to do grocery shopping.
Especially for United Kingdom, Amazon has plan to invest $1.5tr to capitalize the grocery
delivery to ship every shopped grocery to the doorsteps of customer. Other than that, Amazon
is focusing on specifically logistics and fast delivery. There is different type of shipping methods
with respect to hours to deliver. For instance, the cost for delivery for one-hour delivery and
two-hours delivery is £3.99($6.92) and £6.99($12.13) for order under £40($69.40).” (Smithers,
2020)Analyses of the opportunity is explained with Product Life Cycle analysis. It is explained
below and PLC analysis is explained in appendix 9.
Amazon Prime Air delivery service
"Amazon considers as an innovative company because of the latest innovation Amazon
is focusing on." (Amazon, About services, 2020) "Prime air delivery is an excellent example of
innovations. This Prime Air delivery is a shipping service made by drone delivery. Prime air is a
future delivery system that focuses on package delivery more safely with minimum time."
(Amazon Prime Air, 2020) This service reduces the intensity of late delivery faced by road
transport delivery service. Road transport has flaws in facing traffic and the worst road
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conditions that are not in the case of drone delivery. "Amazon implemented drone delivery in
2016 in England by focusing delivery within 30 minutes from Prime Air fulfillment center to the
customer's desired location. Especially for drone delivery, Amazon has a Prime Air fulfillment
center which is focusing on the proper packaging of products." (Amazon Prime Air, 2020)
"Amazon develops drone that is automated and works fully automatic. There is no
requirement of a drone operator that is an immense success for Amazon Prime Air. These
drones are self-driving and only need the location of delivery. The inbuilt Global Positioning
System (GPS) and self simulation provide a location-based service to locate the customer house
and deliver the package." (Amazon Prime Air, 2020)
Impact Analysis
Amazon Prime Air is important in the perspective of future growth of fast delivery as well
as improve last-mile delivery. Also, Amazon drones have limitations to flown into no-GPS
location. Currently, "the done service is developing in the direction of deep learning and all-
onboard computation. This technology helps to operate drones into GPS-denied areas."
(Philippe Martin Wyder, 2019)
The development of drones in the direction of delivery in the countryside without having
GPS is an advantage or Amazon. To add on, "drones are self-driven having an accuracy of
driving through the small area with higher precision than before." (Philippe Martin Wyder, 2019)
Amazon can expand Whole Food stores and turn into multitasking stores
"Amazon acquired Whole Foods company for $13.7 billion to connect two leading brands
as both companies are a customer-focused brand." (Banker, 2019) "Partnering with Whole
Foods will allow Amazon to expand its multichannel contribution and further enhance the
customer experience. Currently, Amazon is now facing the challenge of seasonality: 33% of
annual sales are made in the fourth quarter of the calendar year." Invalid source specified.
"To stock up and maintain inventory, Prime Whole Food app does the perfect job. Additionally,
there are different two-color labels to identify the difference in groceries. i.e. telltale blue and
yellow stickers to identify between organic grocery and grass-fed beef." (Banker, 2019) These
systems are helping Amazon to grow food stores faster and deliver products accurately.
Moreover, “coloration of Prime and Wholefood provides quality food to customers on time. This
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allows getting a 10 percent discount to every Amazon Prime member. To add on, Prime
customers get selected free delivery in selected ZIP codes.” (Foods, 2020)
Impact Analysis
“Amazon and Whole Foods collaboration attracts new customers by omnichannel
strategy. This brings more customers than usual Brick-And-Mortar strategy. Usually, Walmart
and other online stores use the Brick-And-Mortar strategy which is focusing on sending
groceries to customers. Whereas, Amazon uses an omnichannel strategy which is focused on
various channels. This includes delivery to various stores, customers as well as the collective
retail market.” (Stanca, 2018) This creates an opportunity for Amazon to have a strong
customer base with on-time delivery.
Whole Foods and Amazon Prime service open the doors of successful logistics as well as
customer satisfaction. They can provide better delivery to every customer including retailers,
stores, and customers because of the implementation of omnichannel. Logistics will be
improved as focused on quick delivery for everyone with a discounted price.” (Stanca, 2018)
(Foods, 2020)
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Recommended Solutions and Strategies with implementation plan
Short-Term solution Provide Pick-up location to the customer
Possible short-term/ immediate solutions to increased shipping costs are to offer
customers to pick up their items from a designated pick up point or to impose delivery fees.
Imposing delivery fees on items will help to offset high delivery charges. If the customer agrees
to pick up the item, they can be offered a discount. “This discount can motivate customers to
utilize this option and they can use those savings towards purchasing more items.”
(M.Carpente, 2008)
The impact of these solutions includes saving money on the company’s shipping
charges, which will ultimately lead to increased profit. and reduces the dependency on third-
party logistics companies. Furthermore, by having a central pickup point for customers, amazon
is reducing its transportation cost as there is no longer need to go to each household for
delivery. The fulfillment center has to dispatch the products to only one location, reducing the
chance of sending the package to an incorrect address. The third-party vendors can also send
the packages directly to the pick-up point rather than to the fulfillment centers. This will
increase the manpower efficiency as well as productivity at the fulfillment center.
This solution is relatively easy to implement because imposing delivery fees would only
require minimal software changes and does not have any infrastructure requirements. However,
creating a central pickup point would require route changes and bringing third-party vendors
onboard. These pick-up points may be formed by partnerships with local businesses or by
building a pick-up point.
From a customer point of view, these changes may be seen as negative because it is
now costing customers more money to purchase items from Amazon and it may be
inconvenient for the customer to go to the pick-up locations. Furthermore, the creation of the
pick-up points has large initial costs for the company. It may also be difficult to bring third-party
vendors onboard. The negative impact of implementing this solution is the difficulty of achieving
the anticipated benefits within expected time frames. The implementation plan with scheduled
implementation and the responsible individual is posted in appendix 9.
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Medium-Term Solutions:
Improve supplier selection process to improve the authenticity of products
The process to satisfy customers by proving authentic products has a direct link with the
Supplier selection process. “Quality of product as well as out of stock inventory.”
(ecommercetips.org, 2020) To have a better supplier selection process, Amazon should set
proper criteria to select a supplier. Every supplier has an individual price for the product.
Moreover, the “supplier selection process needs to improve in terms of quality of product and
inventory provided. The purpose should be to satisfy the customer by fulfilling their demand
with authenticated products to build a long-term relationship.” (Garfamy, 2018) Though
Amazon is using different verification processes by the use of machine learning, sellers provide
non-reliable and unauthentic products.
The solution to improved supplier selection process brings numerous benefits from
customer satisfaction to reduced frequency of returns. The potential advantages could be,
Increases customer satisfaction
Reduce cost related to product returns
Reverse logistics could be improved if fewer products have returned
equal price for the same products sold by the different supplier could be achieved
Contradictory to the positive effect of improved supplier selection process, there are
negative effects that are also present. Period to select the best supplier could take more time
than the usual process to select suppliers. Also, the latest updates and changes in policies make
the process lengthy. To implement the selection process of the supplier, a responsible person as
well as a period to implement is necessary. However, considering every detail that helps to
implement the plan has created and have put into appendix 10.
Improve the efficiency of last-mile delivery
In Amazon, once a package left one of Amazon's huge warehouses, the organization
had limited control over the status of that last mile of service.
“Amazon carried things into its hands regarding two years ago and invested massively
and should more in future in improving its distribution flows to ensure greater position control
right to consumers' doorsteps. Those investments, involving electric-powered delivery vans,
drones, sidewalk robots, and partnerships with third parties, have met with varying levels of
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progress. Amazon should Achieve its medium-term goals by aggressively implementing its
strategies such as smart tools, electric equipment. (Scannell, 2020)
“The demand for Amazon delivery services from its e-commerce site and Whole Foods
has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic as users explore methods to get goods without
going to their houses. It created more demand for last-mile delivery and Amazon get the
chance to implement its medium terms strategies earlier.” (Scannell, 2020)
While some distribution systems are too new to give comments on, what's certain is that
Amazon's delivery service policy is sure to have ripple outcomes across the supply chain and
transport industry. Amazon could focus on customers' doorsteps delivery as a medium-term
goal to achieve success in the long-term. The implementation plan is created for the medium-
term which can be seen in appendix 11.
“However, Amazon needs to invest billions in the functions of doorstep delivery. Amazon
already invested 31 billion North America and planning to invest more by the year 2022.
Amazon's investment to sustain its role in the last mile delivery market, however, is converting
more expensive. In its third-quarter earnings report the company said it invested $1.5 billion in
its one-day transportation lead, which company officials said they hope will replace the two-day
Amazon Prime membership business. The $1.5 billion figure is twice what the company spent in
last year's second quarter. Then, in its fourth-quarter call, Amazon said it spent another $1.5
billion on its one-day delivery initiative with plans to spend another $1 billion in this year's first
quarter on the program. The cost of giving last-mile services considered for 41% of the overall
supply chain expenses, which is twice any different section including warehousing and
parceling, according to the record.” (Scannell, 2020)
Long-Term strategy- implement JioMart business strategy
“Amazon is primarily focusing on delivering the product from warehouse to customer. This
business model is most suitable for standard shipping. People who are not using Amazon Prime
are suitable customer segments for Amazon's traditional delivery service.” (Aazon, 2020), the
Amazon Prime customer is paying for two-day delivery which should be fulfilled. Therefore,
improvement in the business model or adding a new strategy is essential for customer
satisfaction as well as reducing the complexity of last-mile delivery.
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“JioMart owned by Reliance plays a vital role to improve the efficiency of last-mile delivery.
JioMart is a virtual store that gives the experience of convenience shopping by selling to have a
wide range of products from fresh groceries to pet food to household cleaning.” (Reliance,
2020) “Similar to Reliance’s JioMart, Amazon should implement the strategy of shipping
products from neighborhood shopping stores to house.” (Digital, 2020) Amazon should focus on
neighborhood stores, wholesale markets as well as specialty stores instead of big retailers.
The model should implement as a separate service or Amazon Prime specialty service. If
Amazon segregates various membership according to the period of delivery, it would be
benefited to them financially. For instance, except Amazon's standard shipping service and
Amazon Prime, quick delivery membership provides an additional financial profit. The detailed
implementation plan is posted in appendix 12.
Sustainability
"Amazon is developing its supply chain network to fulfill its customer’s needs and deliver
the parcels within the desired duration. Additionally, Amazon is also focusing on sustainable
business for its customers and the planet by reducing carbon emissions by 2040. To improve
sustainability, the affirmative development of Amazon Prime Air provides a positive impact."
(Amazon, Amazon Sustainability, 2020) (Philippe Martin Wyder, 2019) “In addition to it, these
gadgets help to achieve the goal of the fastest delivery. For example, Drones are part of the
strategies which will work on electric power and video recording of the delivery also possible by
a camera. Amazon is planning to purchase a million electric vehicles which can be a
revolutionary step for Amazon.” (Philippe Martin Wyder, 2019)
Secondarily, the social pillar of the sustainability of the Amazon has explained with
improvement needed. “During the COVID-19 emergency, Amazon added 175,000 new jobs to
support the customer's demand for primary commodities. Also, Amazon is helping with the
World Health Organization, providing excellent cloud technologies and technical expertise to
trace the virus, understand the disorder, and strongly hold its range." (Amazon, Amazon
Sustainability, 2020) These situations should be implemented to create an opportunity to collect
data and implement a new concept to develop logistics for the future. The STEEPLE analysis is
posted into appendix 13.
Amazon Logistics Page 22 of 46
Financial value added
"Shipping costs which include sortation, and delivery centers and transportation costs
were $27.7 billion and $ 37.9 billion in 2018 and 2019" (Amazon, Annual Report, 2019) "As the
exact break down of the transportation costs is not available from the Amazon financial results,
we can assume considering the high costs involved that the Amazon will be able to save a
considerable amount of money by implementing the short term solution of the customer picking
up their products from the pickup point. As regards to the putting up the pickup points, the
pickup hubs/lockers can range from $6000 to $20,000 depending upon the size of the lockers.
"Amazon can further reduce this installation and acquiring costs by making a strategic
partnership with the convenience stores or other chain stores as this will increase the foot
traffic to these stores where the lockers will be located. (Lunden, 2017) It can also do the
coloration with the cities to install the pickup lockers at the train stations or bus stations as it
will give ease of picking the stuff to the citizens and reduces carbon footprint which gives
demonstrate the commitment of local cities towards the green environment.
Amazon Logistics Page 23 of 46
Appendices
1. Scope and Deliverables
PROJECT SCOPE STATEMENT
Project Name
Amazon’s Supply Chain solution
Project Deliverables
Identify the key
issues with Amazons
supply Chain
Group Meetings
We will do the virtual group meetings with Zoom App and discuss the key issues
which disrupt the Amazon’s Supply Chain.
Brainstorming
Every group member will read the case study and note the key issues, brainstorm
various issues with each other.
Research about the
Amazon including
history and growth
Discuss Amazon’s
dependency on other
logistics companies
Group Participation
In group, divide different duty between team members by using Asana App.
Each area would be researched by each member of the team.
Everyone can understand details with reference to Amazon. It includes how, what,
where, why to do the business.
E-commerce platform
Use of e-commerce by Amazon to growth its business. Identify importance of e-
commerce in Amazon.
Amazon cover almost every area in the market and all products became one touch
away.
UPS and FedEx
UPS and FedEx are major rivals of Amazon in the matter of providing logistics.
Amazon needs to determine and assign logistics service to UPS and FedEx to deliver
parcels to their customers. It is a million-dollar business that Amazon outsource due
to high demand of orders.
Facilities and network
UPS and FedEx have huge logistics and Supply Chain network around the globe.
They have warehouses, medium of transport, reliable name in market and more.
Amazon Logistics Page 24 of 46
Discuss in group
about opportunities
for Current
development of
Amazon’s Supply
Chain
Identify the key
possible solutions and
require actions
Prepare a Final Report
Submit the Final
Report
Amazon’s own supply Chain
Amazon expect to develop its own supply chain network, therefore, Amazon doesn’t
need to rely on other providers.
Group meeting about review
Discuss in group about what are the current situation of Amazon’s supply chain
according to case study and research.
Note all the solutions
In group meeting, note various solutions considered and evaluated by individual
team member.
form possible key solutions after discussion and review them with team.
Finalize the solutions
Collect all the paperwork
Collect individual report from team members and prepare one final report by
considering format given by professor.
Asana App would provide affirmative solution to Assign the work.
Each member has to consider and revaluate final document as per responsibility
divided by Asana App.
Review the Final Report
Review the Final Report and do corrections if required in group meeting.
Submission before Due Date
Submit the Final Report into given location before Due Date.
Presentation
Present the Final Report to the Professor.
Project Exclusions
College Library provides the useful insight for Research work
Professor will give the guidance in between the progress of the project.
Amazon Logistics Page 25 of 46
2. Project Work Plan
2.1. Project Work Plan Deliverables
Amazon Logistics Page 26 of 46
2.2 Project Work Plan Gantt Chart
Amazon Logistics Page 27 of 46
3. Increased shipping cost (Cause and effect analysis with C/N/X analysis)
3. 5-Why analysis for Increased shipping cost
Increasing shipping cost
Profit margin divided with third party logistic providers
To fulfil higher demand of two-days delivery/ Amazon Prime delivery
Non-developed logistics
Amazon Logistics Page 28 of 46
4. Product Lifecycle Analysis for higher dependency on other Logistics Companies
(kfknowledgebank, 2020)
Introduction
Growth
Maturity
Decline
“Amazon acquires the
market as an online
bookseller company,
but it added more
products continuously
on its website and
became a giant online
E-commerce company.
(Amazon: The Making
of a Giant, 2019)
Amazon continuously
upgrades itself and
became popular among
the customers.
“Amazon grew
continuously from it
stared as an online
bookseller to an E-
commerce or Tech
company.” (Amazon:
The Making of a Giant,
2019) “Amazon sales
were rapidly increasing,
and the company was
making good profits
from it. The company
reached almost all
products from kitchen
to industry, parts to
products.” (Amazon,
About services, 2020)
Amazon took help from
other logistics firms for
delivery. Amazon
became the platform
for a third- party seller.
Amazon allowed third-
party sellers to sell the
products on its website.
Amazon receives
millions of orders every
day. “Amazon has more
than 200K sellers on its
website. Amazon has
competitors like
Walmart but it’s still
way behind to Amazon
in E-commerce.”
(Duffy, 2018)
“Amazon has numerous
resources,
technologies, and
sources still in busy
seasons such as Black
Friday, Christmas, and
more it wasn’t able to
deliver products on
time because Amazon
deliver the products
through UPS and FedEx
and they were not able
to handle millions of
orders.” (Herrick, 2019)
“Amazon got the
motivation to develop
its supply chain and
logistics network to
save its lost in these
seasons. Amazon needs
to work on it and
improve its logistics to
satisfy the customers in
busy seasons.” (Duffy,
2018)
Amazon Logistics Page 29 of 46
5. Cause and effect analysis for disruption in last-mile delivery
Amazon Logistics Page 30 of 46
6. SWOT analysis for bidirectional growth
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESS
“The brand benefit of Amazon keeps
back buyers due to its wide variety of
products.” (Amazon, About services,
2020)
“Amazon's choice is the option that
sorts out goods with full of inventory
with its references.” (Duffy, 2018)
“Third-party dependency shifts
inventory hazards to third party
suppliers.” (AUTHOR, 2020)
“Amazon doing many businesses such as
Amazon Web Services as well as Amazon
Prime but for E-commerce, Amazon need
to do more focus on it because only some
categories like electronics, baby products
are more rewarding for them.” (Amazon,
About services, 2020)
“In holidays, Amazon is lacking research
regarding forecasting of their inventory
and inventory demand.” (Duffy, 2018)
OPPORTUNITY
“Various payment systems help
Amazon to have customer satisfaction.”
(Help & Customer Service, 2020)
“Amazon has better advantage with
privacy and security of customers
because every data is store in Amazon
Web Services cloud.” (Amazon, Open
Data on AWS, 2020)
THREATS
Other e-commerce companies are
focusing on specific categories of
products, therefore they can focus on their
provided products better than Amazon,
For example eBay, Alibaba, etc.
“Cost reduction by other competitors create
potential competition and Amazon loses it
because of managing number of services
and products.” (Kumar, 2006)
Amazon Logistics Page 31 of 46
7. SWOT analysis for disruption in last-mile delivery
Strength
Weakness
Amazon is e-commerce company
provides shipping of product online that
means no physical contact to customer.
“Demand of products increased
significantly.” (Paler, 2020)
“Amazon have less delivery time as
compare to it’s competitors.” (Reuters,
2020)
“Amazon Prime delivery disrupted
by means of late delivery as well as
higher cost product.” (Paler, 2020)
Lack of inventory and supplies from
manufacturers and sellers.
Opportunities
Threads
“Customers are preferring to by product
online because of pandemic risk.”
(Emont, 2020)
Similar to Amazon products, Amazon
Prime video have better opportunity to
grow in lockdown.
“Sympathy from people as well as aid
from government can be gained as
Amazon donated millions of dollars in
the Covid-19 vaccine research.” (Duffy,
2018)
“Unlike Amazon, competitors like
Alibaba and eBay are giving surety
to provide products but with
possible delay.” (Reuters, 2020)
“Customers retention would be
difficult because of rivals like
Walmart who fulfil demand quickly.”
(Greene, 2020)
Amazon Logistics Page 32 of 46
8. Product lifecycle analysis Flourishing online grocery sales
Introduction
Growth
Maturity
Decline
“Amazon started its
online groceries in the
year 2007 it was
initially launched for
prime members in
selected cities and
started from Seattle”
(Page, 2020) and “in
2017 the company
purchased Wholes
Foods, and recently it
launched Amazon Go
convenience and
currently they are
scattered in 25
different locations.”
(Yashayeva, 2020).
Since the online
grocery and another
related service that
amazon is providing is
still currently in the
growth stage and there
are many aspects of
the industry to be
covered. “The
company's success and
growth so far doubled
in fulfilment of grocery
orders in Quarter 4 of
the year 2019. Also, the
sales of 2019 were
nearly $6.15B and also
the fastest-growing
category on Amazon.
And its share of grocery
is 23.7% of
eCommerce sales for
the grocery category.”
(Yashayeva, 2020)
Meanwhile, COVID- 19
has struck the globe it
has also been an
opportunity and also an
increase in sales of
online grocery. (Brown,
2020)
“As per records of
2019, only 4% online
grocery sales
projections place the
number will be
increasing to 10% by
the year 2025” (Brown,
2020). “Whereas 17%
of users have used the
online grocery store in
2018 and it has
increased to 37% in
2019. Hence the
maturity of the sector is
far and the opportunity
and growth for this
sector will have a close
watch by amazon.”
(Duffy, 2018)
“The potential of online
grocery has always
been an eye-catching
for amazon and has
also seemed profitable
as the results on the
fiscal year the online
groceries has seen a
big boost and these all
early results as the
sector is still in the
process to fire
worldwide the grocery
orders with a
combination of both
Amazon Fresh and
Whole Foods Market
doubled in the Quarter
4 year by year.
(Redman, 2020)
Amazon Logistics Page 33 of 46
9. Short-term implementation plan- Provide Pick-up location to customer
10. Medium-Term Solutions for- Improve supplier selection process to improve authenticity
of products
Amazon Logistics Page 34 of 46
11. Medium-Term Solutions for- Improve the efficiency of last-mile delivery
12. Long-term implementation plan for- implement JioMart business strategy
Amazon Logistics Page 35 of 46
13. STEEPLE Analysis
30 plus store categories and more than 90 cloud service categories at AWS
Amazon offered its one-day delivery services to more than 5000 Cities and towns.
Social
Dash Button Technology
Artificial Intelligence name Alexa where is features with 30,000 skills.
Technological
Amazon Air is carrying out cargo operations and the venture is said it has a
sustainable fuel of 6 Million Gallons
Environment
Amazon has reached his highest level ever with $702 billion
that 57 million households in United States paid $99 US Dollars
Economical
Initiated Public Website
Political
Challenges in the labor sector
Legal
Safe and healthy environment is maintained through an automated process
Ethical
Amazon Logistics Page 36 of 46
14. Amazon e-commerce value stream mapping (Fundamental)
15. Amazon e-commerce flow chart mapping
16.
Amazon Logistics Page 37 of 46
Team Project Log
Responsibility Metrix
Raj
Trupal
Mustafa
Ramnik
Compilation
Tool Expert
Leader
Project log Complier
Power-Point Lead
Meeting Coordinator
Report Lead
SWOT ANALYSIS
ASANA Coordinator
team 1 for research
team 2 for research
*research will be done in small team and than it will be with whole team.
Name
Tools
Ramnik Jain
Swot Analysis
Raj Patel
Cause and effect
Trupal Kumar
Product Life Cycle
Mustafa Bharmal
Steeple
Team log- weekly
Amazon Logistics Page 38 of 46
Team log - Daily
DATE
TEAM MEMBER/ TEAM
`
Member
responsible
Coordinator
HRS Allocated
Categories
7th July
Class
Meeting with Professor and form team Team Professor 2 A
8th July Class
Team formation and Role allocation Team Professor 1 A
Team
Discuss in class for role allocation(B reakout
Room)
Team Professor 1 A
9th July Individ ually
Case study overview reading Team - 3 R
10th July
Individ ually
Research on Project log and Team charter
with team
Team - 3 R
11th July
Team
1st Meeting on zoom to create project log and
team charter
Team Raj 1 M
Individ ually
Finish documen tation individ ually (everyone's
own opinion)
Team - 1 D
12th July
Team
Team charter begin (Informal m eeting) Mustafa Raj 2 M
Project log submitted T & R Raj - S
13th July
Individ ually
Compile document ation Raj Raj 2 D
14th July
Individ ually
submit Team charter Mustafa Raj - S
Class
Meeting for new learning Team Professor 2 A
15th July
Class
Individ ual group meeting wi th Professor Team Professor 0.25 A
16th July
Team
Meeting on Zoom for discussion and t o clarify
upcoming work
Team Raj 1 M
Team
Discuss for queried regarding u pcoming topic
(Informal work)
Team Trupal 2 M
17th July
Individ ually
Begin indi vidual classified work Team - 3 D
18th July
Individ ually
Documentation received T & R Raj - DR
19th July
Individ ually
Documentation received from Ramnik Ramnik R aj - DR
20th July
Individ ually
Proofread and Do correction document
received
Raj Raj 3 D
21st July
Class
Class to learn Value strim Diag ram and
decide tool experts
Team Professor 2 A
Individ ually
Team Log received and Compile Raj Raj - DR
22nd July
Class
Learned different tools and its uses Team Professor 2 A
Individ ually
Received Introduct ion Mustafa Raj - DR
Individ ually
Compile and sub mit assignmen t#2 Raj Raj 3 D + S
23rd July
Team
Meeting with Team for work distributi on Team Trupal 1.5 M
24th July
Individ ually
Begin document ation Team - 3 D
25th July
Individ ually
Find and evaluate issu es and finalize it T & R Raj 3 R
Submit I ssues T & R Raj - DR
26th July
Team
Meeting for general discussion Team Trupal 1 M
27th July
Individ ually
Finish issues w ith analysis T & R Raj 4 R
Individ ually
Submit I ssues and analysis fin al document T & R Raj - S
28th July
Class
Learn new topics and discuss on q ueries Team Professor 2 A
individual ly
Opportunity work begin Mustafa Raj 2 R
individual ly
compile project log Ramnik Raj 3 D
29th July
Class
meeting for project status and tools
discussion
Team Professor 2 A
individual ly
Do correction in issues and analysis Raj Raj 1 D
30th July
Individ ually
Received opportunities and analysis @10.40
PM
Mustafa Raj - DR
Individ ually
Submit assi gnment #3 Raj Raj - S
31st July
Team
Meeting with Team for work distributi on Team Trupal 1 M
1st Aug Ind ividually
Research on solution and strategies T & R Raj 3 R
2nd Aug
Team
Start doing imp lementation plan Trupal Raj 1.5 R
3rd Aug Team
Start doing imp lementation plan T & R Raj 3 D
4th Aug class
attend regular class Team Professor 2 A
5th Aug class
group meeting wit h professor Team Professor 0.25 A
Team
write every problems noted by professor/ ask
for extra meeting
Team Professor - DR
6th Aug Team
work distribution to team Raj T & R 1 R
7th Aug Individ ually
Project Purpose and Objectives corrections Raj Raj 2 D
Individ ually
Deliverables & Scope corrections Trupal Raj 2 D
8th Aug Individ ually
Introduction correction Mustafa Raj 2 D
Individ ually
Methodology correction Ramnik Raj 2 D
Individ ually
Supply Chain Issues and Analysi s corrections Raj T & R 4 D + R
9th Aug Individ ually
Proposed Implementat ion Plan created Trupal T & R 4 D
Individ ually
Improvement Opportuni ties and Analysis
created
Mustafa T & R 3 D
Individ ually
solution for future opportuniti es Mustafa T & R 4 R
Individ ually
Sustainabili ty finish and received Tru pal T & R 3 R + D + DR
10th Aug
Team
Practice presentation Team T & R 0.25 A
11th Aug
Team
Individ ual meeting wit h professor Team Professor 0.25 A
Team
Markup every mistakes of presentation Team Professor 0.25 A
12th Aug
Individ ually
Start formatting the assi gnment Team Raj 4 D
13th Aug
Individ ually
Remove unnecessary and wrong portions of
report
T & R Raj 4 R + D
14th Aug
Individ ually
Distribute corrections amid teammates Team Raj 3 R + D
Individ ually
Distribute presentati on work Team Raj 2 R + D
15th Aug
Individ ually
compile and correct indi vidual part subm itted
by teammates
Team Raj 2 D
16th Aug
Individ ually
Final correction of assignment T & R Raj 6 D
17th Aug
Individ ually
Finalize the report and proofread it Raj Raj 4 R + D
Individ ually
Do presentation's corrections Mustafa Raj 2 R + D
18th Aug
Team
Submit report as well as presentation Raj R aj 1 S
Team
Final presentation (5 t eam) Team Professor 0.25 A
19th Aug
Team
Final presentation (4 t eams) Team Professor 0 .25 A
Amazon Logistics Page 39 of 46
References
The reason why we chose the following references because it has retrieved from various
webpages of Amazon’s official website- Amazon.com. Therefore, there are negligible
chances to have biased or manipulated information.
Amazon. (2020).
About Amazon Go and Amazon Go Grocery
. Retrieved from
www.amazon.com:https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G
WDXYUM9SFHE35KD
Amazon. (2020, 08 08).
About services
. Retrieved 08 08, 2020, from www.amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=12767011011
Amazon. (2020).
Amazon Sustainability
. Retrieved 08 04, 2020, from
sustainability.aboutamazon.com: https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/
Amazon. (2020, 08 08).
Open Data on AWS
. Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from ws.amazon.com:
https://aws.amazon.com/opendata/?wwps-cards.sort-
by=item.additionalFields.sortDate&wwps-cards.sort-order=desc
Amazon. (2020, 07 20).
Who we are
. Retrieved 07 20, 2020, from www.aboutamazon.com:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/who-we-are
Amazon Prime Air
. (2020). Retrieved from www.amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Prime-Air/b?ie=UTF8&node=8037720011
Containers Customer Stories
. (2020). Retrieved from aws.amazon.com:
https://aws.amazon.com/containers/customers/
Help & Customer Service
. (2020, 08 08). Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from www.amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201894900
Staff, A. A. (2020, 08 07).
Amazon Prime
. Retrieved from www.aboutamazon.co.uk:
https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/innovation/amazon-prime
Amazon. (2019).
Annual Report.
Amazon. Retrieved 08 01, 2020.
Aazon. (2020).
How Are Shipping and Delivery Dates Calculated?
Retrieved from www.amazon.ca:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201910120
Amazon Logistics Page 40 of 46
Wall Street Journal is USA’s reputed journal. We chose Wall Street Journal as our source
because of its authenticity and quality content. There are rare bias present to manipulate stock
price.
Amazon: The Making of a Giant
. (2019). Retrieved 08 03, 2020, from www.wsj.com:
https://www.wsj.com/graphics/amazon-the-making-of-a-giant/
Emont, J. (2020, 03 17).
Amazon Prioritizes Medical Supplies, Household Staples From
Merchants Amid Coronavirus
. Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from www.wsj.com/:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-prioritizes-
Forbes is
Banker, S. (2019, 06 25).
How Amazon Changed Whole Foods
. Retrieved from
www.forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2019/06/25/how-amazon-
changed-whole-foods/#6d4b6e7678dd
Cuccinello, H. C. (2019, 10 01).
Jeff Bezos Through the Ages: The World’s Richest Person in Photos
.
Retrieved from www.forbes.com:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hayleycuccinello/2019/10/01/jeff-bezos-forbes-400-
photos/#580d5e487d18
Investopedia
AUTHOR, S. (2020, 04 13).
Amazon’s Challenges in Delivery
. Retrieved 08 09, 2020, from
www.investopedia.com: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/020515/why-amazon-
needs-dump-ups-and-fedex-amzn-fdx-ups.asp
Page, V. (2020, Feb 2).
How Amazon Fresh Works
. Retrieved from Investopedia:
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/052015/how-amazon-fresh-works.asp
.srg
Brown, M. (2020, Jul 31).
Amazon online grocery sales triple in second quarter
. Retrieved from
Supermarket News: https://www.supermarketnews.com/online-retail/amazon-online-grocery-
sales-triple-second-quarter
Amazon Logistics Page 41 of 46
srg
Chhatwal, R. (2019, September 30).
Higher shipping cost hit Amazon Stock
. Retrieved from
investorplace.com: https://investorplace.com/2019/09/impact-of-higher-shipping-costs-on-
amazon-
stock/#:~:text=Increase%20in%20shipping%20cost%20can,bearish%20sentiment%20toward
s%20Amazon%20stock.&text=This%20includes%20a%20higher%20proportion,its%20retail%2
0platform%20and%2
ad
Donnelly, K. (2020, 08 07).
Shipping Problems? Get 10 Fixes to the Most Common Fulfillment
Challenges
. Retrieved from www.shopify.ca: https://www.shopify.ca/blog/122517253-most-
common-shipping-problems
aefe
ecommercetips.org. (2020, 08 07).
3 Problems with Amazon Inventory Management And
Their Solutions
. Retrieved from ecommercetips.org: https://ecommercetips.org/3-problems-
with-amazon-inventory-management/medical-supplies-household-staples-from-merchants-amid-
coronavirus-11584447888
dfg
Duffy, R. (2018). AMAZON.COM: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT.
Ivery Publication
, 19.
Vvdvsvs
Foods, W. (2020).
Prime at Whole Foods Market
. Retrieved from www.wholefoodsmarket.com:
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/amazon
E5y
Garfamy, R. M. (2018). Supplier selection and business process improvemenst.
Autonomous
Unibersity of Barcelona
.
Amazon Logistics Page 42 of 46
Aef.
Gaus, A. (2019, 01 06).
Amazon's 5 Biggest Challenges in 2019
. Retrieved 08 08, 2020, from
www.thestreet.com: https://www.thestreet.com/technology/amazon-key-challenges-for-2019-
14825146
Srf
Greene, J. (2020, 07 30).
Amazon’s virus stumbles have been a boon for Walmart and Target
.
Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from www.washingtonpost.com:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/07/30/amazon-struggles-coronavirus/
Afea
kfknowledgebank. (2020).
Product lifecycle analysis
. Retrieved 08 12, 2020, from
kfknowledgebank.kaplan.co.uk: https://kfknowledgebank.kaplan.co.uk/business-
strategy/strategic-analysis/product-lifecycle-analysis
Fwegw
Khan, M. A. (2017).
Taking the Amazon battle to last-mile delivery seriously
. Retrieved from
www.retaildive.com/: https://www.retaildive.com/ex/mobilecommercedaily/taking-the-amazon-
battle-to-last-mile-delivery-seriously
Adfe
Kumar, N. (2006, 11).
Strategies to Fight Low-Cost Rivals
. Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from hbr.org:
https://hbr.org/2006/12/strategies-to-fight-low-cost-rivals
Srgrg
Lunden, I. (2017, 07 27).
Amazon launches ‘The Hub’, parcel delivery lockers for apartment
buildings
. Retrieved from techcrunch.com: https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/27/amazon-
launches-the-hub-parcel-delivery-lockers-for-apartment-buildings/
Ddgsrgs
M, G. (2020, February 23).
Amazon’s Expansion as a Logistics Service Provider
. Retrieved from
www.beroeinc.com: https://www.beroeinc.com/article/amazons-expansion-logistic-service-
provider/
Amazon Logistics Page 43 of 46
Vdsv
M.Carpente, J. (2008). Consumer shopping value, satisfaction and loyalty in discount retailing.
Science Direct
, 358-363. Retrieved 08 08, 2020
The supply chain drive is also very famous for the market's news research. The information
which is many years old can also be found in it. It a part of the Drive website.
Matt Leonard
. (2020, 02 13). Retrieved 08 02, 2020, from www.supplychaindive.com:
https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/suppliers-outside-china-coronavirus/572287/
The retail drive is also very famous for the market's news research. The information which is
many years old can also be found in it.
O'Shea, D. (2018, June 7).
Amazon still dominates e-commerce, but others have room to grow
.
Retrieved from www.retaildive.com: https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-still-dominates-
e-commerce-but-others-have-room-to-grow/525177/
CNBC is the world-famous market's website. the important information regarding Amazon
definitely found here.
Paler, A. (2020, 03 15).
Amazon says it is out of stock of household items and deliveries are
delayed due to coronavirus demand
. Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from www.cnbc.com:
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/15/coronavirus-amazon-says-items-out-of-stock-deliveries-
delayed.html
Blogs are also a source of information, people share the information, knowledge which they
have, or the current scenario. As per reliable blogs, the journal is one of the choices among all
websites.
Philippe Martin Wyder, Y.-S. C.-C. (2019, 11 18). Autonomous drone hunter operating by deep
learning and all-onboard computations in GPS-denied environments. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225092
Supermarket News is the website for retail market updates. all the deals on grocery, current
seasons grocery, and more information are available here. The business of retail keeps in touch
Amazon Logistics Page 44 of 46
with supermarket news and as Amazon steps into the grocery business, it would be a valuable
source of information regarding Amazon.
Redman, R. (2020, Jan 31).
Amazon finishes strong fiscal year with lackluster physical-store
sales
. Retrieved from Super Market News: https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-
financial/amazon-finishes-strong-fiscal-year-lackluster-physical-store-sales
The retail is the front website of The Economic Times. it published only market news about the
current situation of markets, deals between companies, new adventures from any companies,
and more.
Reuters. (2020, 03 04).
Alibaba's AliExpress warns of possible coronavirus delays
. Retrieved 08
07, 2020, from etail.economictimes.indiatimes.com:
https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/alibabas-
aliexpress-warns-of-possible-coronavirus-delays/74468195
Business insider is famous for market news. its focus always on the stock market. if
something happens which would be affected by the market then that news comes up on
business insider.
Richter, W. (2017, 06 22).
Amazon is encroaching on an industry that's key to its success
.
Retrieved 08 08, 2020, from www.businessinsider.com:
https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-stock-price-logistics-companies-couriers-ups-
2017-6
TechTarget is the publisher for specifics sectors or targeted sectors. it a reliable source of any
updated information.
Scannell, E. (2020, 04 20).
Amazon bets big on last mile delivery service improvements
.
Retrieved from searchaws.techtarget.com:
https://searchaws.techtarget.com/feature/Amazon-bets-big-on-last-mile-delivery-
service-improvements
The supply chain consulting multinational group is an experienced company in the business
world. it has many experiences in logistics operations. the challenges of the supply chain are
the best explained by them.
Amazon Logistics Page 45 of 46
SCCG. (2020).
E-commerce supply chain challenges who is pulling the strings?
Retrieved from
sccgltd.com: https://www.sccgltd.com/archive/e-commerce-supply-chain-challenges-who-
pulling-strings/
The Guardian is a reputed international newspaper and in its articles, all the information is
based on truth and reality. All the editors have deep experience in journalism. The world can
trust the Guardian because of its continuous reliable sources.
Smithers, R. (2020, 07 28).
Amazon plans big expansion of UK online grocery service
. Retrieved 07 29,
2020, from www.theguardian.com:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/28/amazon-plans-big-expansion-of-uk-online-
grocery-service
IVEY business school allow their undergraduate student of business school to write an article of
the current business environment. Out of many articles they publish a few of them in public
after checking all the parameters of that Article. Students put lots of hard work behind the
research and its trustworthy. Young minds can think or analyze differently so it's valuable to
take some information from it.
Stanca, E. (2018, 04 09).
AMAZON & WHOLE FOODS: THE EVERYTHING STORE FOR EVERYONE
.
Retrieved from iveybusinessreview.ca: https://iveybusinessreview.ca/6294/amazon-whole-
foods-everything-store-
everyone/#:~:text=Amazon%20has%20the%20opportunity%20to,over%20the%20collective%
20retail%20market.
Wired is the office page for newsletters, magazines, articles of specific categories that we are
looking for. Thousands of subscribers believe in it and its writers. They released a newsletter
after deep research about the news and explain it from its roots so it's easy to understand it.
Thompson. (2020, March 23).
Amazon’s New ‘Essential Items’ Policy Is Devastating Sellers
. Retrieved
from www.wired.com: https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-essential-items-policy-devastating-
sellers/
Amazon Logistics Page 46 of 46
Amazon's business is the official third-party website of Amazon. Because of its Amazon's
website we can trust it and get valuable information about amazon and in detail.
Website, A. (2020, 08 07).
Get the best of Amazon Business
. Retrieved from business.amazon.com:
https://business.amazon.com/en/find-solutions/business-prime
Stella Rising is the foremost marketing and media agency for active, high-growth customer
brands, and service companies. Stella is too quick for its breaking news and keeps an eye on
every movement in the market.
Yashayeva, R. (2020, Feb 27).
Infographic: All About Grocery On Amazon
. Retrieved from
STELLARISING: https://www.stellarising.com/blog/grocery-on-amazon-infographic
The time now is the reputed news website in India. Its business page covers all the movements
of the Indian economy as well as the international market movement. it focuses on the ground
report from the market.
Digital, E. N. (2020, 05 25).
Reliance rolls out JioMart Here’s all the information you need about this
e-commerce venture
. Retrieved from www.timesnownews.com:
https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/article/reliance-rolls-out-jiomart-here-s-all-
the-information-you-need-about-this-e-commerce-venture/596607
Jio-mart is the new adventure of Reliance Industries and its business model can be an
opportunity for Amazon.
Reliance. (2020).
About Us
. Retrieved 08 01, 2020, from www.jiomart.com:
https://www.jiomart.com/about-us
... There are a number of studies that reported different challenges that face last-mile delivery. Such studies include Patel and Parmar (2020), who investigated the logistics of Amazon Company in the period of Covid-19, and it was reported that Amazon informed customers on their delivery of last-mile within a day, but Amazon was unable to solve the problems of cost and time efficiency of the last-mile delivery. As reported by the study, the cost incurred for the last-mile delivery accounted for 41% of the total supply chain cost, which is more than the cost of any sector of the supply chain. ...
Article
Full-text available
Purpose-Africa has been identified as an area where higher mortality happens due to un-accessibility to health care, drugs and other health facilities. Nigeria, as one of the African countries, is not excluded from such difficulties. This study aims to examine the determinants of efficient last-mile delivery at selected health facilities and the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADSHMA). Design/methodology/approach-The study sourced data from KADSHMA and the health facilities' staff, with a total of 261 observations used. Likewise, the respondents were picked from warehouses of each health facility and KADSHMA. The data was analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling analysis to estimate the relationship among the variables of the study. Findings-The study's findings revealed that all five variables of the study (i.e. determinants) were significantly affecting the efficient last-mile delivery. Four constructs (delivery cost [DC], delivery time [DT], mode of delivery [MD] and facilities technology [FT]) have shown a positive and significant association with efficient last-mile delivery, whereas one variable (product mix [PM]) indicated a negative and significant association with efficient last-mile delivery. The study concludes that DC, DT, MD, FT and PM played significant roles in efficient last-mile delivery. Research limitations/implications-The study provides that specific means of transportation should always be on standby to transport health supplies. Time schedules should always be prepared and adhered to when transporting health supplies to the facilities, and each facility should network with robust technology to ease communication in terms of order and order planning. Additionally, facilities should try as much as possible to reduce the varieties of products when ordering health supplies, as it will increase the efficiency of the delivery. Originality/value-To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that considered these five variables (DC, DT, MD, FT and PM) with impact on the last-mile delivery in one model, especially in the Nigerian case. This is a great contribution to knowledge, more importantly, to the last-mile delivery of the health sector. The result confirmed the importance of these determinants (DC, DT, FT and PM) of last-mile delivery efficiency in saving lives.
... There are a number of studies that reported different challenges that face last-mile delivery. Such studies include Patel and Parmar (2020), who investigated the logistics of Amazon Company in the period of Covid-19, and it was reported that Amazon informed customers on their delivery of last-mile within a day, but Amazon was unable to solve the problems of cost and time efficiency of the last-mile delivery. As reported by the study, the cost incurred for the last-mile delivery accounted for 41% of the total supply chain cost, which is more than the cost of any sector of the supply chain. ...
Article
Full-text available
Purpose Africa has been identified as an area where higher mortality happens due to un-accessibility to health care, drugs and other health facilities. Nigeria, as one of the African countries, is not excluded from such difficulties. This study aims to examine the determinants of efficient last-mile delivery at selected health facilities and the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADSHMA). Design/methodology/approach The study sourced data from KADSHMA and the health facilities’ staff, with a total of 261 observations used. Likewise, the respondents were picked from warehouses of each health facility and KADSHMA. The data was analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling analysis to estimate the relationship among the variables of the study. Findings The study’s findings revealed that all five variables of the study (i.e. determinants) were significantly affecting the efficient last-mile delivery. Four constructs (delivery cost [DC], delivery time [DT], mode of delivery [MD] and facilities technology [FT]) have shown a positive and significant association with efficient last-mile delivery, whereas one variable (product mix [PM]) indicated a negative and significant association with efficient last-mile delivery. The study concludes that DC, DT, MD, FT and PM played significant roles in efficient last-mile delivery. Research limitations/implications The study provides that specific means of transportation should always be on standby to transport health supplies. Time schedules should always be prepared and adhered to when transporting health supplies to the facilities, and each facility should network with robust technology to ease communication in terms of order and order planning. Additionally, facilities should try as much as possible to reduce the varieties of products when ordering health supplies, as it will increase the efficiency of the delivery. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that considered these five variables (DC, DT, MD, FT and PM) with impact on the last-mile delivery in one model, especially in the Nigerian case. This is a great contribution to knowledge, more importantly, to the last-mile delivery of the health sector. The result confirmed the importance of these determinants (DC, DT, FT and PM) of last-mile delivery efficiency in saving lives.
... The last mile is a consumerfocused industry with a strong behavioral dimension. Patel and Parmar (2020) have studied amazon logistics during Covid-19 era. Customers are informed about the delivery within a day with last-mile delivery. ...
Article
Full-text available
The Covid-19 has shifted the face of many markets including e-commerce and online business with many bottlenecks to be cleared. The last-mile delivery project has the greatest effect on all types of e-commerce companies because it has many consumer touchpoints as well as the Covid-19 pain points. Due to these interconnected issues, the delivery projects itself requires modern solutions. The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyse and categorize the major factors that affect the last mile delivery projects in e-commerce, food sector, retail sector and so on using total ınterpretive structural modelling approach during the Covid-19. Ten major factors are identified from literature review, and expert opinions are collected from multiple organizations that are involved in the last mile delivery projects. The results indicate that types of goods, achieving routing efficiency and meeting fulfilment timeline are the key factors for last mile delivery projects during the time of Covid-19. This study helps the managers to identify the key factors and to focus on these factors for the successful implementation of last mile delivery project.
Article
Full-text available
This paper proposes a UAV platform that autonomously detects, hunts, and takes down other small UAVs in GPS-denied environments. The platform detects, tracks, and follows another drone within its sensor range using a pre-trained machine learning model. We collect and generate a 58,647-image dataset and use it to train a Tiny YOLO detection algorithm. This algorithm combined with a simple visual-servoing approach was validated on a physical platform. Our platform was able to successfully track and follow a target drone at an estimated speed of 1.5 m/s. Performance was limited by the detection algorithm’s 77% accuracy in cluttered environments and the frame rate of eight frames per second along with the field of view of the camera.
To date, few researchers have conducted comprehensive examinations of the relationships between consumer shopping value, satisfaction and loyalty in retailing. Further, the majority of extant research has been limited to upscale retail sectors where the role of the salesperson is crucial and long-term relationships are common. In order to extend the findings of previous research to additional retail sectors, the current study investigates the complex interrelationships between utilitarian and hedonic shopping value and important retail outcomes for discount retailers. Utilitarian and hedonic shopping value are found to influence key outcome variables including satisfaction, loyalty, word of mouth communication and share of purchases in the highly competitive discount retail sector.
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Amazon's Challenges in Delivery
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