The world's first Physical Internet shared space was recently launched at the Physical Internet Alliance Building in the heart of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District.
The "Physical Internet" is a visionary concept that aims to create a more efficient and sustainable global logistics system by applying the principles of the digital internet to the movement of physical goods.
As a central hub in the global supply chain, China is well-positioned to reshape the logistics industry.
According to Ye Yumang, a leading advocate of the Physical Internet Alliance from COSCO Shipping Supply Chain's Shanghai division, the timing for implementing the Physical Internet is ideal.
The Physical Internet shared space seeks to offer systematic solutions that significantly reduce logistics costs across society and address bottlenecks in the development of traditional supply chains.
This pioneering initiative in Shanghai is expected to redefine logistics and supply chain management, setting a global precedent and ushering in a new era of efficiency and collaboration within the industry.
Ma Zengrong, vice-president of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, highlighted the Physical Internet's potential as a viable strategy for lowering overall logistics costs. He guaranteed the federation's full support for its development.
Tian Min, often referred to as "China's First Person of the Physical Internet", provided an in-depth analysis of the concept. He clarified its distinction from the Internet of Things, which focuses on sensory technology, and smart logistics, which deals with operational solutions. Tian described the Physical Internet as a systemic architectural revolution.
He identified three main purposes of the Physical Internet: reconfiguring network topology, establishing universal standards, and enabling cross-system collaboration. These elements, he argued, will drive the advancement of China's logistics sector through standardization, networking, and intelligence.
Shao Yizheng, head of the International Industry Collaboration Platform at the Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center, emphasized the value and significance of the Physical Internet in promoting the global expansion of Chinese supply chains. He called for the integration of China's Physical Internet with international resources to help Chinese enterprises expand globally.
