DHL said it has successfully distributed thousands of Microsoft Xbox 360 video game consoles tocustomers throughout Europe and North America. Although the main distribution period was prior to
Christmas, deliveries will continue around the world in the months to come. The Microsoft Xbox 360console was launched in the USA on November 22 and rolled out in Europe on December 2.“Microsoft set specific deadlines and promised the world it would meet them. In so doing,Microsoft challenged DHL to think creatively, and to anticipate the unpredictable scenarios thatoften accompany a major product launch during peak season,” said Jane Sabin-Pass, Global CustomerManager, DHL Global Customer Solutions. “The precise delivery schedules were a testament to theskill of both companies to link the global supply chain with flawless accuracy andtransparency.”
DHL shipped the goods from Hong Kong to Los Angles by ocean freight and then by rail toMicrosoft’s North American distribution center in Memphis, Tenn. This shaved several days offstandard transit times. Shipments destined for Europe were carried on B747 freighters to Cologneand on commercial flights to other locations in Europe.
The joint Xbox 360 effort is far from over, DHL said. Charters continue to arrive in the U.S.and Europe. DHL has purchased significant ocean freight capacity to move consoles and peripheralslong after the initial launch, and will continue to support the Microsoft roll out of Xbox 360saround the world. Microsoft and DHL are also now working jointly on implementing a new warehouse inSouthern China to support fulfillment of Xbox 360 in Asia during 2006 and beyond.
“What we learned from Xbox 360 is that an agile supply chain — one that employs a mix oftransportation modes — is an effective solution to the challenges of executing a global productlaunch and on-going replenishment activities,” said Bill Best, Senior Logistics Manager atMicrosoft. “DHL’s sophisticated I.T. tools will be leveraged in future projects to powerMicrosoft’s supply chain and enhance its competitiveness. We see DHL’s solution as an enabler offuture success, and we envision a deep integration of DHL into our processes as a result,”continued Best.
