1. Innovating to meet the challenges of the Group’s customers Innovation is one of the basic values of GEODIS. It is at one and the same time a major vector of operational excellence, a source of value creation and a key differentiator in markets where the Group is present. With sophisticated processes, GEODIS offers solutions to the new challenges of a rapidly changing world. In response to the dramatic growth in e-commerce, GEODIS provides end-to-end logistics support to B2C brands, with the goal of offering customers the same personalized experience online and in-store. The GEODIS eCommerce solution draws on the Group’s global network of warehouses and transport facilities to direct the customer to the nearest available product, thanks to real-time visibility of inventory worldwide. GEODIS is committed to putting its innovative capabilities to work for its customers, whether it involves just-in-time delivery, visibility of the logistics chain or social responsibility. Faster implementation of robotics Recent years have seen the rapid and widespread development of robotics applied to logistics. The automation of logistics activities in warehouses is a considerable performance driver, enabling more flows to be processed in record time. Faced with a massive increase in consumer demand, particularly when it comes to online shopping, smart robots are becoming ever more mobile and autonomous and are carrying out order picking tasks, improving the quality and speed of operations. Data management solutions combined with artificial intelligence (AI) systems produce algorithms that increase operational efficiency and accuracy of forecasting. In addition, robotic systems improve working conditions and productivity in the warehouse by reducing repetitive tasks that are physically demanding for the operator (moving, bending, carrying loads), thus freeing up time for the personnel to perform higher value-added tasks. GEODIS has approximately 80 highly automated sites around the world, making it one of the leaders in the integration of the latest generations of robots within warehouses. Its teams are working on the development of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Plug & Play solutions that are seamless and fast, improving connectivity with its customers’ systems. This edge in robotics is both a source of differentiation and a growth driver for the Group. Prioritizing digital technology Data and digital technologies remain two fundamental aspects of innovation that are adapted to the realities of the field and profitable for the supply chain and business management. GEODIS works continuously in close collaboration with its customers and academic and industrial partners to identify areas where digital innovation and data mining can make a difference. The Group has identified a relevant use case for blockchain technology to meet the challenges associated with vaccine distribution. Its teams ensured the logistics and transportation of batches in strict compliance with the cold chain and with precise monitoring of the data reported and validated automatically under the supervision of pharmacists. This technological breakthrough reduced the time required to record data by 12 hours, speeding up vaccine distribution and limiting the number of doses wasted because of inefficient logistics. The quality and robustness of data repositories are essential drivers of performance, quality of operations and regulatory compliance. In its quest for operational excellence, GEODIS uses algorithms to detect and process errors and missing data. The multi-channel businesses of the Group’s customers (traditional stores and online sales) combined with multiple end-customer delivery strategies (“ship from store” from warehouses and “in-store pickup”) require powerful software for real-time inventory tracking, calculation of replenishment strategies and order allocation, and tracking of shipments and deliveries (DOM [Distributed Order Management] systems). GEODIS and its software partner have established themselves as leaders in this field. 2023 ACTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT - 19 EDITORIAL > 1. PROFILE AND AMBITION > 2. CSR POLICY > 3. ENVIRONMENT > 4. SOCIAL > 5. ETHICS > 6. TABLE OF INDICATORS
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