Hayleys Advantis to launch e-commerce platform
The logistics arm of Hayleys PLC, Hayleys Advantis PLC is gearing to launch an e-commerce platform next year, officials said.
"We are eyeing to set up an e- commerce platform for online purchases. We are looking at creating a marketplace for customers to purchase products and carry out door- to- door delivery,” Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director Hayleys Advantis PLC told the Business Times.
This e- commerce platform will sell any type of product including fast- moving consumer goods ( FMCG), products sold by small and medium enterprises, electronic products, white goods, etc. Mr. Waidyaratne explained that these products will be marketed by Hayleys Advantis where an order will be picked up by them and they will ensure that the logistics of delivering are done smoothly. He said this platform will be launched through a separate company under Hayleys Advantis.
They haven't still zeroed in on a name. "The platform is now being developed. We aim to launch this by the first quarter of next year," Mr. Waidyaratne added.
Hayleys Advantis decided to embark on this venture as it already has expertise in logistics – mainly in inventory management and distribution. In this light launching an e- commerce platform was a strategic decision.
The company aims to tie up with start- ups, in a bid to sort out the delivery part. "We noticed that there are certain start- ups which will help us in the delivery part. So without reinventing the wheel we aim to tie up with one of them,” Mr. Waidyaratne said.
The company seems to be eyeing mobile apps – PickMe, the taxi hailing cab and Diesel and Motor Engineering's ( DIMO) PickMyLoad that came about as a way to enable owners and drivers of personal and commercial vehicles to better use their time and vehicles in a rapidly growing market. Both these platforms seek to connect these owners/ drivers to potential customers. PickMyLoad aims to connect drivers with shippers looking to transport goods from point A to point B with focus on ease of use, reliability and security.
Mr. Waidyaratne added that the main point of the new system is to get the products through to the customer. "We have several options on the last mile delivery. We aim to explore them."
Hayleys Advantis has solutions covering air, land and sea. They expanded the logistics portfolio to serve diverse industry verticals offering solutions for complex logistics requirements. “Our endto-end logistics portfolio and experience of over five decades puts us at an advantageous position Established as one of the largest logistics companies in Sri Lanka with a presence spread across South East Asia, the Indian SubContinent and Africa, we are well positioned to cater to any logistics need, be it in Third Party Logistics, Warehousing, Free Zone Logistics, Project Logistics, Logistics- related Engineering solutions, Oil and Gas Logistics, Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Ship Operations and Marine Services,” he added.