Amway rolls-out e-commerce and artificial intelligence platforms in the Philippines

06-Jul-2017 - Last updated on 03-Nov-2017 at 19:41 GMT

The company has launched many of its technology-based innovations in the Philippines

A new e-commerce platform and artificial intelligence (AI) have been identified as two of the key factors behind Amway’s hopes of achieving 15% of its sales online in the Philippines this year.

The firm launched its Hybris e-commerce system in the country in April, which was effectively the first time consumers and distributors could purchase online.

The direct-selling giant has also been pioneering its chatbot AI software to improve online communication between consumers and representatives. The ‘chatting robot’ is said to provide round-the-clock information through social media channels.

It has also been using its Amway Now (ANow) mobile application so distributors can begin and manage their businesses from their phones.

Smartphone use

The company has launched many of its technology-based innovations in the Philippines, due to the rapid growth in smartphone use and interest in e-commerce, before rolling them out in other Asian markets.

It has now set a target to achieve 15% of sales in the country via online channels by the end of this year.

Last week, we revealed that the company had also opened a 10,000 sq m distribution centre in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

Kittawat Ritteerawee, managing director of Amway (Thailand), said: “To make it fully operational, we have spent THB40 million (US$1.2m) on installations of innovative work processes and advanced logistics technology in the warehouse, in order to achieve globally recognised standards of operation.

“Importantly, the recent move helps shorten time to market, reduce costs, and enable more complex operations.”