Post by account_disabled on Mar 9, 2024 22:58:04 GMT -5
Managers of logistics and transportation companies face challenges for which they seek solutions.
A volcanic cloud descends on Europe, disrupting flight plans.
A tsunami in Thailand spreads across the Pacific and affects port activity in California.
Wildfires in Los Angeles close roads for days.
Threats of a terrorist attack in Brussels paralyze all transport.
These are typical scenarios for today's logistics and transportation companies, whose efforts have been directed at dealing with a crisis and understanding the technology that is about to be implemented, beyond loading boxes on trucks and planes.
It always consists of moving products from point A to point B.
But in today's market of international trade and the emergence of advanced technology, the work of senior executives has become extremely complex.
This requires skills that could not be contemplated 20 years ago.
As the methods and strategies Ecuador Mobile Number List behind logistics and transportation change, so will the criteria for those responsible for running the company.
And it will happen at a dizzying pace.
Today, new challenges must be met through minute-by-minute monitoring in all parts of the world, developing cost efficiencies and ensuring on-time delivery, and anticipating problems with backup plans.
There is perhaps no other industry that more illustrates the axiom: “time is money.”
All the products in our homes and offices reached their shelves as a result of efficient, safe and fast transportation.
With the continued increase in international trade, the appearance of these executives has mutated. From a guy in a warehouse to someone in the boardroom with knowledge of robotics, inventory management, software-hardware, international customs, currency exchanges, border treaties and security , etc.
Major logistics companies such as FedEx, DHL and UPS have helped the industry reach higher standards.
These executives must also be visionaries simply because this industry is changing rapidly and it is clear that today's transportation and logistics sector will look like a dinosaur within a few years.
First let's look at the local levels.
For example, a local beer distributor is dealing with new systems that affect its profits on many levels.
These companies now have sophisticated warehouses that include robotics, labeling machines, and high-speed conveyors.
Each morning, drivers receive computer-generated routes that get products to stores efficiently and save gas and wear and tear on vehicles.
These routes are updated regularly, rerouting trucks in the event of accidents or road construction.
At this relatively small level, the entrepreneur must be well versed in management skills.
Fully understanding how these efficiencies can be implemented results in more profitable operations.
But as delivery distances increase, so do logistics and transportation processes.
Global Logistics Crisis Management
Global Logistics Crisis Management
The following are some of the demands that so-called C-level (management class) executives must be able to address:
Intermodal transport.
It involves complex sequences with trucks, ships, planes, and then more trucks. There must be seamless transitions that improve delivery speed while saving money
Knowledge of international currencies
as well as border treaties, terrorist/piracy hot spots, taxes, regulatory laws and government affairs
Security
Since international shipping often involves the movement of product through hazardous areas. How can these areas be avoided? How can pilots, truck drivers and crews be protected?
Transportation management
Another critical element of logistics and supply chain management. This is perhaps the largest single cost and impacts all supply chain activities.
Negotiations with carriers in other countries.
And understanding salary scales and impressing on them the importance of timely deliveries.
Understanding local cultures, religions and work ethics also come into play when it comes to staffing around the world.
There is no doubt that the current executive is different from those of the past due to the premium placed on the speed and security of deliveries, not only in local markets, but also across borders to other countries.
These efficiencies and systems translate into profits.
Products reach the customer faster and prices can be better managed when processes result in lower transportation costs and fewer operator hours.
This evolution has been responsible for the introduction of university degrees that are preparing today's students to be the logistics and transportation executives of the future.
Taught by current experts, these classes have become quite complex.
Logistics and transportation is a growing field, and it does not seem that it will end up stabilizing in the future.
Companies are always looking for faster and better ways to get product to market and onto consumers' shelves or in their mailboxes.