Oracle TV CloudWorld 2024: Steve Miranda on the AI Advantage with Oracle Fusion Applications

Introduction

Welcome back, everyone! We've given Kendall and Fritz a bit of a break. I’m Steve Miranda, and I’m thrilled to be joined today by Dietrich France, the CFO of DHL Supply Chain. Dietrich, thanks for joining me today.

DHL is a well-known brand, recognizable by its logo and trucks delivering goods to neighborhoods and homes everywhere. However, let’s delve deeper into your role within the organization and the expansive scope of DHL Supply Chain.

DHL Group is a massive entity, generating over $ 80 billion in revenue and employing 600,000 people across five operating divisions: Express, Global Forwarding, Road Transportation, eCommerce, and the largest segment—DHL Supply Chain. This division alone accounts for $ 17 billion in revenue, supports 190,000 employees, and operates in 55 countries. As a member of the global Board, I serve as CFO, overseeing accounting, controlling, investments, compliance, pricing, and risk management.

With such a vast operation, you must utilize a significant number of cloud applications alongside on-premise solutions. Can you provide the audience with insight into the Oracle Cloud applications deployed at DHL and their specific use cases?

Absolutely. Our global board decided to prioritize cloud applications wherever viable. We specifically adopted four Oracle applications covering core services: Finance, HR, Procurement, and Transport Management.

This deployment operates globally, emphasizing integration across these critical functional areas.

As the CFO and part of a financial transformation program, what drove this initiative, and how are you navigating its complexities to benefit DHL?

We initiated our transformation several years ago, with a focus on processes, systems, and organizational optimizations to create insights and value. Initially, we implemented Oracle's on-premise R12 solution. However, after five years and plenty of discussion with your team, we decided to embrace Oracle Cloud.

We are already live in several regions, including half of Europe and all of Asia, with full deployment across Europe projected in five months. The benefits have been substantial—standardization across our operations, a unified chart of accounts, and significant value creation through enhanced functionality.

Your partnership has been instrumental in this transition. The Cloud solution allows us to leverage quarterly updates and new features, simplifying our operations and enhancing user experience. For example, our HR system now includes user-friendly self-service functions that employees appreciate.

In terms of Transportation Management, we are still at the early stages of global design, but standardization is key, particularly given our diverse customer base. Your solutions assist us significantly in this endeavor.

From your perspective, as a CFO, what capabilities are now available to you that were previously out of reach before the cloud and financial transformation?

The synergy between our system, organizational structure, and processes is powerful. We are now at a crucial juncture in driving visible value for stakeholders through our integrated data capabilities. Our finance solution serves as the backbone, enabling cross-functional analytics that directly impacts cash flow and balance sheet improvements.

Reflecting on our long-standing relationship and the journey we’ve taken together, how do you envision our partnership evolving? What can we focus on moving forward?

First, I want to express gratitude for the partnership we've built. Looking ahead, leveraging this finance solution is crucial for creating value. Your inclusion of us in the Finance Strategic Council is a great step. Together, with your other customers, we can innovate further.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask about AI during this discussion. Could you share how AI will play a role in DHL Supply Chain as we move forward?

Certainly! We envision three key AI components: intelligent automation, chatbots/virtual assistance, and predictive forecasting. Each offers unique applications, including structured input from written information—beneficial in finance and beyond.

As we noted earlier, our vision five years ago didn’t include AI; today, it’s at the center of our forward-looking strategy. Thank you, Dietrich, for your insights and ongoing partnership. I’ll now hand it back to the floor.

Keywords

• Oracle Fusion Applications
• DHL Supply Chain
• Cloud Transformation
• Financial Transformation
• AI in Logistics
• Intelligent Automation
• Partnership

FAQ

Q: What is the role of Dietrich France at DHL Supply Chain?
A: Dietrich France serves as the CFO of DHL Supply Chain, overseeing critical financial functions and part of the global board.

Q: What prompted DHL Supply Chain's move to Oracle Cloud applications?
A: The decision was driven by a desire for standardization, efficiency, and value creation in their financial operations.

Q: What areas do the Oracle applications cover for DHL Supply Chain?
A: The applications cover Finance, HR, Procurement, and Transport Management.

Q: How has the transition to cloud applications benefited DHL?
A: Benefits include improved efficiency, real-time updates, and enhanced visibility of data for decision-making.

Q: What future initiatives are planned in DHL's partnership with Oracle?
A: Both parties aim to leverage AI capabilities for improved automation and predictive analytics within the business.