Pitney Bowes' Vision for the Future: Jason Dies Outlines  Technology's Role in Shipping and Logistics 

Technology has become the linchpin of the modern shipping and logistics industry, reshaping its very core. The interconnectedness of global economies and the surge in online commerce have heightened customer expectations for quick, reliable, and data-driven shipping solutions. In response to these demands, technology has taken center stage, enabling businesses to optimize their operations. In the same spirit, Jason Dies, Interim CEO, Pitney Bowes, recently spoke to Dataquest.

DQ: As the global economy continues to experience increasing interconnectedness, how do you envision the trajectory of technology’s role within the shipping and logistics industry? Furthermore, could you elaborate on how Pitney Bowes is poised to maintain its leadership in embracing these evolving dynamics? 

Jason Dies: The interconnectedness of global markets and industries has brought technology to the forefront of the shipping and logistics sector. The increasing interconnection of economies has resulted in higher customer expectations, quicker delivery times, and the demand for real-time visibility. This puts a focus on automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to foster more accurate demand forecasting, dynamic route optimization, and enhanced supply chain transparency, that will not only expedite processes, but also enable businesses to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

At Pitney Bowes, our approach is multi-faceted and driven by a client-centric mindset. Our goal is to reduce complexity for our clients by enabling them to better manage costs in this complex and competitive environment. Through innovation, we invest in cutting-edge technologies that streamline processes, from automated sorting and predictive analytics to real-time tracking systems. We recognize that the growth of ecommerce demands seamless last-mile delivery, which is why we're investing in solutions that leverage data and automation to provide unparalleled customer experiences.

The future of the shipping and logistics industry is intricately tied to the trajectory of technology, and Pitney Bowes is poised to lead this transformation. Through continuous innovation, a global perspective, sustainability initiatives, strategic collaborations, and a dedicated team, we are equipped to not only embrace the evolving dynamics but also to shape the future landscape of the industry.

DQ: With your experience in leading the Sending Technology Solutions (SendTech) for PB as well as functional groups like Human Resources, IT, Marketing, and Communications, how do you plan to align and leverage these areas to create a stronger impact across the organization? 

Jason Dies: As we continue to evolve as an organization, it is important to recognize our successes and strengthen our commitment as a global shipping and mailing provider. We have made progress in reducing the complexity of sending parcels and mail for clients and finding growth opportunities in our legacy (SendTech and PreSort) businesses. 

The idea behind bringing the SendTech, PreSort and the Functional Groups such as IT, HR, Marketing and Communications together was to further align our business and operations and to look for ways to simplify and prioritize more effectively for the business and our clients. 

The new role also gives me the opportunity to look more holistically across the business and to think about how we can make sure we are prioritizing the right initiatives and utilizing our resources the right way. 

DQ: The Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index indicates only a 1% growth in global parcel volumes for 2022. Could you provide insights into the factors that contributed to this slowdown and what measures do you believe should be taken to ensure the industry's continued vitality? 

Jason Dies: Global Parcel volume grew by only 1% due to unprecedented slowdown in China that can be primarily attributed to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the Index reveals China’s parcels experienced the slowest growth in its history, reaching 111 billion parcels in ‘22, with only a 2% increase. 

While the initial phase of the pandemic triggered a surge in ecommerce orders and parcel volumes due to lockdowns and restrictions, subsequent waves and changing consumer behavior introduced volatility. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and transport challenges adversely affected the flow of goods, resulting in delays and dampening consumer confidence. 

As the pandemic evolved, consumer priorities shifted from buying goods to focusing on services and experiences. This shift in spending patterns impacted the demand for parcel shipments, leading to a decrease in overall volumes. Economic uncertainties stemming from the pandemic also influenced consumer sentiment, further impacting parcel volumes.

To fortify the industry's vitality amid the backdrop of 1% growth in global parcel volumes, strategic actions must encompass an enhanced focus on shipping and carrier diversification. Expanding the range of shipping partners and carriers can provide a critical buffer against disruptions, enabling more agile responses to fluctuating demand and unforeseen challenges. This diversification should be complemented by investments in advanced logistics technology, offering real-time visibility and route optimization capabilities. Such measures not only optimize efficiency but also strengthen the industry's resilience. vitality.

By prioritizing agility, customer-centric innovation, data-driven insights, sustainability, collaboration, infrastructure investment, and regulatory alignment, the industry can navigate challenges and position itself for sustained growth in the evolving global landscape.

DQ: The Indian market has unique challenges and opportunities. How do you see Pitney Bowes expanding its presence and making a positive impact in the Indian shipping and mailing industry? 

Jason Dies: The Indian market is unique in its challenges yet offers distinct opportunities for a global shipping and mailing company like Pitney Bowes to expand its presence and make a positive impact. India has a burgeoning ecommerce sector, expanding infrastructure and urbanization, and increasing digital adoption, setting it up for transformative growth. India is our largest innovation center outside the US which drives innovation and data science initiatives for our global business. 

Pitney Bowes global Innovation team members all equally participate in the conception, architecture, design, implementation and operation of our products and services across each of our business areas.  Our India teams are at the cutting edge as it relates to applying technology to create solutions for global markets.  We have several internal training platforms that allow our talent to grow technical skills, but we also combine that with domain specific training that helps our new employees understand the business context and market environment, and the very specific technology patterns associated with our industry. We couple that with training on secure development and have systematically been training and certifying members of our team on Design Thinking, and other contemporary topics.

DQ: In recent years, ecommerce and online shopping have grown significantly. How does Pitney Bowes plan to capitalize on this trend and enhance its shipping and mailing solutions for ecommerce businesses? 

Jason Dies: The ecommerce industry has witnessed a remarkable growth in recent years. The Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index highlights that global parcel volume reached 161 billion in 2022, equivalent of 5102 parcels shipped every second. With access to same-day delivery and quick commerce, customers are now demanding seamless, efficient, and personalized shopping and shipping experiences. The industry has embraced new technologies such as digital tracking, automation, and data analytics to optimize operations and improve efficiency. Through this transformative journey, Pitney Bowes has been committed to helping shoppers make smarter decisions by offering advanced technologies that streamline the entire shipping process, from fulfilment to last-mile delivery. For example, our most recent innovation, the PitneyShip Cube wireless label printer with a built-in scale, is a first of its kind and simplifies shipping and saves shippers time and equipment space, allowing them to ship packages from anywhere seamlessly. 

Pitney Bowes also places a strong emphasis on global reach. Ecommerce knows no boundaries, and we are geared to provide cross-border shipping solutions that facilitate international trade for businesses of all sizes. Our deep understanding of international regulations, customs processes, and local market dynamics enables us to guide ecommerce businesses through the complexities of global shipping. Our focus on enhancing last-mile delivery capabilities is key. The final leg of the journey is often the most critical, and we employ innovative technology to optimize routes, reduce delivery times, and elevate the overall customer experience. This commitment aligns with the heightened expectations of ecommerce consumers, who prioritize speed and convenience.

India’s focus on infrastructure development - building new highways, airports, and ports, has further enabled the sector's growth. With global and local players in the market, the logistics and supply chain industry in India become more competitive and globally integrated, leading to increased productivity and better customer satisfaction.

In essence, our strategy revolves around tailoring our solutions to meet the unique demands of ecommerce businesses. By leveraging advanced technologies, enhancing last-mile delivery, providing global reach, and offering comprehensive digital solutions, Pitney Bowes continues to capitalize on the ecommerce trend and play a pivotal role in enhancing shipping and mailing for businesses in this dynamic sector.

DQ: With its consistent recognition for employee-friendly policies and positive work culture, what underlying factors contribute to Pitney Bowes reputation as an exceptional workplace? 

Jason Dies: Being able to build a workplace where people want to show up every day and participate wholeheartedly is something unique. Every Pitney Bowes office I visit has the same energy and culture no matter where in the world I am. And it’s because we care about our culture, and we care about our people. Receiving accolades and recognitions does not change how we function as an organization. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We don’t believe that one size fits all and we constantly tailor our people strategy to meet the needs of local offices, individual needs, and cultural contexts, and this has always paid off for us. 

One example that I like to give is that when the pandemic was announced, our teams were able to seamlessly transition to working from home because it was something that they had been doing for years. Pitney Bowes is driven by the principle guiding value of ‘doing the right thing, the right way’ for our people, our clients, and our stakeholders, and that has remained the same for more than a century.