In a groundbreaking move, Oman Airports, a state-owned entity under the Oman Investment Authority, has successfully launched a test flight for a sea-to-air cargo operation through Salalah Airport. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Oman’s transportation and logistics sectors, bridging the divide between maritime and aviation logistics.
Seamless Integration via Sea and Air Transport
The journey commenced with three shipping containers departing from Colombo, Sri Lanka, destined for Salalah Port. After a smooth voyage, the containers arrived at Salalah Port, marking the successful completion of the maritime leg of this innovative transportation endeavor.
The next phase involved the efficient and secure transfer of the cargo by land from the port to Salalah Airport, ensuring the shipment’s integrity. From Salalah Airport, the cargo departed via air for Egypt’s Cairo International Airport (CAI), demonstrating the practicality and viability of this new sea-to-air cargo connection.
Significance of the Sea-to-Air Link
This pioneering sea-to-air cargo link represents Oman’s first of its kind, showcasing the nation’s commitment to advancing its transportation and logistics sectors. By seamlessly connecting sea and air transportation modes, Oman Airports aims to optimize logistics operations, reduce transit times, and offer a practical logistics solution, especially beneficial for industries requiring time-sensitive handling, such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value products.
This pioneering sea-to-air cargo link represents Oman’s first of its kind, showcasing the nation’s commitment to advancing its transportation and logistics sectors. By seamlessly connecting sea and air transportation modes, Oman Airports aims to optimize logistics operations, reduce transit times, and offer a practical logistics solution, especially beneficial for industries requiring time-sensitive handling, such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value products. This innovative integration of sea and air cargo operations signifies a transformative step forward for Oman’s transportation and logistics industries, promoting efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness in the global market. It is poised to create new opportunities for businesses operating in time-critical sectors and strengthen Oman’s position as a logistics hub in the region.
The Autumn of 2023 has brought a major milestone for Consolidated Console Shipping Services (CSS) as they proudly announced the inauguration of their new branch office in Nairobi, Kenya. This strategic move underscores CSS’s commitment to expanding their global reach and tapping into the vast potential of the African market. It also represents CSS’s commitment to fostering stronger connections with clients and partners in Africa, while underscoring their dedication to providing tailored solutions and services to meet the unique needs of this dynamic market.
CSS looks forward to building lasting relationships and contributing to the growth and development of the African business landscape. By establishing their presence in Africa, CSS can now tap into the immense opportunities that the region offers and expand their global footprint. In an official communication addressed to stakeholders, clients, and employees, CSS expressed their enthusiasm about this significant development. The company’s new office in Nairobi will not only serve as a symbol of their commitment to growth but also open doors to a vibrant and diverse business landscape in Africa.
The foremost goal of CSS is to provide outstanding services and products from this establishment. The Kenyan offices of CSS will serve as an entry point into the African market, allowing them to capitalize on the rich tapestry of the region’s culture and business environment. This expansion reflects the commitment of CSS to delivering tailored solutions and forging meaningful connections in Africa.
CSS believes that their presence in Nairobi, can help them to better understand and respond to the evolving needs of their African clientele. This move also signifies their dedication to fostering local partnerships and contributing to the economic growth and development of Kenya and the broader African continent. CSS is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as they embark on this new chapter of their global journey.
This strategic step of setting up a brand in Kenya aligns perfectly with Groups extended-term vision and expansion strategy. The inauguration of new branch in Kenya serves as a tangible testament to the collective dedication and determination of the entire CSS team. Such a milestone could not have been reached without the collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and unwavering loyalty that each member of CSS family brings to the organization.
This expansion aligns perfectly with CSS’s long-term vision and growth strategy, demonstrating the dedication to staying at the forefront of the shipping and logistics industry. The launch of the Kenya branch stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire CSS family, reflecting the company’s core values and commitment to excellence.
As CSS ventures into this exciting chapter, you can be sure of their resolute in providing exceptional services, engaging with new markets, and contributing positively to the
communities that they serve. Look forward to an exciting future filled with growth and success, with a strong presence in Africa, is poised to leverage new opportunities, foster innovation, and continue their legacy of excellence in the shipping and logistics industry
Being a leader means that you will be evaluated in a tricky situation, and your ability to be patient will be essential. During those times, as a leader, you will need to act and develop a cheerful outlook. That cheerful outlook will not only help you, but you will transfer it onto team and organization.
Why is Having Patience in Leadership Important?
What makes a leader effective in all the efforts to make
the teams succeed?
Why does the patience in leadership play such a key
role?
While many of us focus on different approaches and skill
sets, we tend to forget the main driver behind the
leader’s success. Is it true that patience is a virtue?
I discovered patience at the height of my anxiety issues while switching career paths and industries. It may have been one of the most daunting tasks I have ever taken and to this day, I still clearly remember every step of the way. I have not followed any guideline in practicing patience, nor was there anyone to nudge me in the right direction. Yes, I am one of those self-taught practitioners, but I invested an extensive amount of time in research and testing.
The following reasons are not listed in any order, but they do complete an entire picture if practiced together.
Gain and Show Respect with Patience – Nobody wants to work with someone they do not know. After you do get to know the person or a team, it takes time and effort to give and gain respect from fellow team members and co-workers. Since gaining and giving respect cannot be achieved overnight, leaders should employ patience. Being able to patiently approach people and in return gain their respect will be mutually beneficial to both leader and team member. The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others. Respect combined with patience is a long-term commitment and it must be worked on continuously. One must understand that once you do get respect, you need to nurture it and encourage others to do the same.
Improve Productivity with Patience – Each team member can produce results at a certain pace. Likewise, the entire teams can be productive as much as the individuals within that team. Rushing your team members can hamper productivity as it sometimes puts unnecessary pressure on them. Although leaders should encourage their team to perform and be more productive, approaching each member with patience can be more efficient.
Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy – Improving productivity with patience will be beneficial both short and long-term. It will also provide more confidence to your teams, as they will know that their leader is patiently stimulating productivity of each team member. You can achieve better results with purposeful guidance and patience.
Provide more Freedom with Patience – While developing teams and individuals, you should consider providing room for improvement. If you lack patience to provide freedom for your teams and encourage progress, they might consider looking for opportunities elsewhere. Have patience with all things, but, first with yourself – Since different people adapt at different speeds, giving them the freedom to process all the information, they will be more susceptible to change. This does not mean that you will completely leave your team on their own. It just means that you will leave “breathing” space for them, which will result in more trust, and therefore, better team.
Develop Cheerful Outlook with Patience – Being a leader means that you will be evaluated in a tricky situation, and your ability to be patient will be essential. During those times, as a leader, you will need to act and develop a cheerful outlook. A cheerful outlook is something everyone can work on, and everyone can learn how to employ it That cheerful outlook will not only help yourself, but it will be transferred onto team and organization. Teams and individuals will sometimes depend on the leader to display positivity. At those moments, having patience will motivate your team and its members to be positive.
Improve Time Management with Patience – As a leader, you will need to be proficient in time management. You may be tempted to push things and people beyond their capabilities to meet deadlines. That can result in a dissatisfied team members and a dysfunctional company. You can improve time management skills of yourself and your team by applying patience when appropriate. Sometimes you need to slow down and maximize the time allotted, as it will produce more efficient results. If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first four hours sharpening the axe – That will lead to team satisfaction and will encourage individuals to improve their own time management skills.
Teams Grow with Patience – Building teams and individuals require appropriate time and effort. Leaders that do not recognize this may have difficulty growing their teams. With patience in leadership, the right amount of effort and by taking proper steps, you can strengthen your team. This requires you as a leader to remain committed and be persistent. The key to this goes back to being patient.
Individual commitment to a group effort – That is what makes a teamwork, a company work, a society work, a civilization work – Grow your team and encourage them to practice patience themselves. They will refine them as team members, and it will grow the entire company. Allow Recovery Time with Patience – Your team might be comprised of high performers and achieving amazing results, time over time. Just consider and remember that your team members are still human and that they have certain needs. Over-fatigue can be detrimental to individuals, teams, and companies. As a leader, you need to recognize when the time is right to provide some breathing room. This refers to allowing recovery time and rest, which is a crucial component of any successful team. There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither – Even the top-performing athletes take time off to recuperate and heal, which will help them overall. Thus, your team members should be treated like top performing athletes. Have patience for your team members and allow them decent recovery time.
Adapt to Change with Patience – Successful companies grow and change over time. Individuals and team members change and adapt at different speeds. Some of the teams may adapt quite easily, while others may take additional time to comprehend these changes. Leaders must recognize the importance of adapting to change by applying patience in appropriate ways. Sometimes, individuals may be caught off-guard if the change was sudden and unplanned. Have patience for those who need more time to adapt, and your team will develop more effectively. Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live – In the end, be ready to adapt to change yourself and grow as a leader, together with your team. It is all achievable with enough patience.
Build Reputation with Patience – Reputation is an opinion or belief about someone or something. In leadership, reputation must be built over time. It is falling under one of the more difficult things to build upon. You can be become a well-developed leader and differentiate yourself from the others through patience. Sometimes, reputation can be a fine line that some cross in the wrong direction. Be careful to build and maintain a positive reputation. It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you will do things differently – Your team will be more confident in your abilities if you are displaying the right attitude, which will result in reputation build-up.
Achieve Greater Results with Patience – How many companies do you know achieved success overnight? – It takes 20 years to make an overnight success. Results are built over the course of time and are a continuous process. Your team can understand this concept better if you, as a leader guide them appropriately. Some companies and their leaders believe that they can achieve greater results by developing company culture. For that alone, you need to dedicate yourself and your team members to exercise patience. Progress, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Impressive results cannot be achieved at once; and we just be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step – Once you install the importance of patience to yourself and your team members, your leadership skills will guide your team to greater results.
Make Better Decisions with Patience – Leaders need to make decisions. It is in their job description. Decision making can be one of the most difficult tasks leaders can encounter. Lack of patience in making any decision can influence your team and company in a negative way. That does not mean it is impossible to make the right decisions. Leaders should not be making decisions during their inconvenient times. There is no decision that we can make that does not come with some sort of balance or sacrifice – If something is troubling you, take extra time before making that final call. Over time, you will learn to utilize patience and make better decisions. That will produce further growth for your team members.
Improve Listening Skills with Patience – Successful leaders have amazing listening skills. That is one of the main reasons why they are successful. If you recognize this and put it on your priority list, there is a definite chance that you will grow as a leader. Be careful to differentiate hearing and listening. It is important to have the patience to listen
to others as you will be able to fully understand what that person wants to say. Since communication is a 2-way street, it requires you to listen, understand and then respond to successfully communicate ideas with others. Listening is being able to be changed by the other person – Leaders can further develop if they improve listening skills with patience. Learn to be the active listener.
Why Patience in Leadership – Everything I learned about leadership was through patience. All successful leaders I met and spoke to practice patience every day. That gives me and my fellow leaders more energy to continue developing our teams. While it may be tempting sometimes to make decisions faster, thinking it will be more effective, hold yourself back for a moment. Acknowledge that you are aware of the decision-making process and time it takes to make any decision.
Grow together with your team by dedicating enough effort for individual and team development. Do not forget to take a breather occasionally and allow your team to recover. While doing that, maintain a cheerful outlook and be adaptable to change. Build a reputation by infusing integrity into your daily routine and let it become your second nature. It will show respect to everyone in your team, including yourself. If you are looking to become the best you can be when it comes to leadership, recognize the importance of patience. Make purposeful decisions, take time and be a great leader.
My recent read was a book with an intriguing title called David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell. The book explores the concept of underdogs and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. One of the key arguments in the book is that when facing a powerful opponent, it’s often better to play by your own rules rather than trying to play by theirs.
In the original story, David, a young shepherd, defeats Goliath, a giant and skilled warrior, using a slingshot and a stone. Gladwell uses this story to illustrate that disadvantages can sometimes be turned into advantages. He believes that benefits can sometimes lead to unexpected disadvantages. Goliath had all the advantages – he was big, heavily armoured, and experienced in battle. On the other hand, David seemed to be at a severe disadvantage due to his smaller size, inexperience and lack of armour.
Gladwell believes that Goliath’s size and strength proved to be disadvantaged. He believes that Goliath suffered from a medical condition that likely caused him to have poor vision, and his armour made him slow and cumbersome. At the same time, David was agile and skilled with a slingshot. By choosing to fight on his terms and using his unique skills, David exploited Goliath’s weaknesses and emerged victorious.
I was inspired to adapt the lessons from the book to the corporate context. We can rethink traditional strategies, leverage our strengths, and challenge established norms.
Here are some ways we can do it.
Let’s Build Unconventional Strengths : Just like David used his slingshot skill, identify unique strengths within your team. These strengths might not be the most obvious or conventionally valued, but they could provide a competitive advantage.
Let’s Cultivate a Growth Mindset : We must inculcate a continuous learning and adaptation culture. We can then face challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Let’s Embrace Diversity : Always include diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, as it can lead to innovative thought and breakthrough solutions.
Let’s Become Risk-Takers : Experimentation and trying new approaches can lead to path-breaking concepts.
Let’s Form Strong Relationships : Developing solid relationships within our industry or workplace can provide support and resources when facing challenges.
Let’s Focus on Customer Needs : Small and agile teams can often provide more personalized, responsive and attentive customer service.
Let’s Become Storytellers and Good Communicators : We must highlight our unique strengths and victories. We will celebrate our “specialness” to make CSS stand out in the logistics marketplace.
Chandra Kala and Sasi Kala, or CK and SK as we call them, are some top management set to take CSS to the next plane of growth and expansion. Logistics is considered to be a “male-dominated space”. However, a PwC report called “Transportation & Logistics 2030 – Winning the talent race” confirmed the link between a more gender-balanced workforce in logistics and higher financial returns. Those logistics businesses with more women on the board outperform their competitors by 16% in return on sales and 26% when comparing the return on
invested capital.
The Gulf News featured our company, and I quote from this article, “As they embark on this journey to shape the future of the CSS Group, CK and SK remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence, aiming to exceed customer expectations and set new benchmarks in the industry. With their shared vision, unyielding determination, and unwavering focus on core values, the twin sisters are set to lead the CSS Group into an exciting new era of success and growth.”
I liked a line from the book: “Giants are not what we think they are. The same qualities that appear to strengthen them are often the sources of great weakness.”
Let’s turn disadvantages into advantages. Let’s play fair and square by our own rules. I know that the next decade will position CSS to succeed remarkably.
CSS Group took part in the Neptune Cargo Network’s Fifth Annual Partnership meeting held on May 17-20th at The Reverie Saigon Hotel, Hochiminh, Vietnam. It was attended by approximately 230 consolidators, NVOCC, and LCL forwarders from 70 countries. The opening session was expertly headed by Nils Walle, Director, and Co-founder of Neptune Cargo Network. Mr. Walle presented network updates from Neptune. This was followed by the exhilarating “Newbie Open Mic segment,” where the new members introduced themselves and their companies.
A Stellar Key Note Address by Mark Millar
The inspiring and informative keynote address was delivered by Mark Millar, one of Asia’s foremost speakers on the supply chain and logistics industry. With over 30 years of
global business experience spanning four continents, Millar has worked for leading service providers, including DHL and UPS. Focused on the key shaping of the logistics industry, especially in the air and sea sectors, his approach made the attendees think laterally as he provided relevant information based on key industry insights and what the future holds. Millar compelled the attendees to confront and analyze tomorrow’s most significant supply chain challenges. Attendees left the session empowered with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to implement innovative solutions for their companies.
Extensive 4-day Conference
The in-person networking summit kicked off with a fun-filled and hi-octane welcome cocktail party. Day two of the event was all about opportunities to learn, get inspired, and connect with other consolidators around the world. On the third day, an exciting sunset cruise was planned for the attendees after a couple of meetings. On the fourth and final day, more meetings were held, followed by a closing cocktail.
Exchange of ideas and solutions
The Neptune conference was more than just a meet-up. There was an extensive exchange of go-to solutions from the attendees. The event was filled with function-related conversations and in-depth discussions about regional challenges and opportunities faced by consolidators.
About Neptune Network
The Global NVOCC & Consolidators Network Neptune Consol, addressed the massive gap between consolidators, forwarders, and sea freight professionals. Many sea freight consolidators face the challenge of finding the right partners worldwide. The Network allows consolidators to forge lasting partnerships and secure a reliable global platform for logistics companies to grow and flourish. The members are guided by a standard code of ethics and guidelines. In the first year of its launch, the Consol had just above 100 members, which grew to 200 participants in the following year. The Fourth meeting hosted in Dubai, UAE had more than 220 Consolidators & LCL Forwarders present.
CSS at the conference
CSS group has been an active member of the Consol and has enthusiastically participated in Neptune Network’s conferences in the past years. Being a part of the Network has helped the CSS team to equip themselves with specific tools and solutions that aid us to excel in the industry. The CSS team comprising of Mr. Shubham Lalwani and Mr.Fida represented CSS, Dubai. They left the event enriched with new ideas on how to tackle problems. The CSS team carried back home thoughtful insights that they plan on implementing into their processes.
The CSS Group, recognized as experts in Industrial Projects within the UAE, in conjunction with our dedicated Northern Emirates project team is thrilled to announce the successful shipment of three oversized and heavy cargo pieces including integral crane components like the crane king,main boom, and knuckle. This significant achievement was accomplished while ensuring the utmost safety and adherence to regulations during the journey from Jebel Ali to Brazil, serving one of our valued premier clients.
Our involvement encompassed a comprehensive array of services, culminating in a truly turnkey solution. This solution encompassed meticulous carrier and vessel selection, precise packaging tailored to vessel specifications, and the orchestration of heavy haulage under escort, all executed with the added advantage of CSS’s boots-on-the-ground operational expertise.
One of the critical aspects of this operation was the strict deadline set by the client, who needed a vessel option with the best transit time. CSS project experts proudly assisted the client in finding the most suitable solution. Throughout the entire project, the CSS project team addressed all potential risks considering the best HSE practice and implemented risk mitigation strategies.
Furthermore, the CSS project team’s dedication to accuracy and attention to detail was evident in every phase of the operation. From meticulous planning to seamless execution, their expertise shone brightly, ensuring that even the most intricate elements were flawlessly managed.
In addition to this, effective teamwork played a pivotal role in the success of the project. The CSS project team collaborated seamlessly, leveraging each member’s strengths and expertise to create a harmonious and efficient workflow. Regular communication and a shared commitment to excellence fostered an environment where challenges were met with innovative solutions and collective enthusiasm.
As a result of these combined efforts, the project not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating CSS Group’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding results for our esteemed clients. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and expertise of the CSS project team in orchestrating complex operations with precision and finesse.
CSS is recognized as an industry expert in the global energy business, offering comprehensive project management solutions. Our business is fuelled by our customers’ needs, and our core strengths are closely tailored to meet their demands. Thoroughly analysing our clients’ geographical and product distribution enables us to deliver optimal solutions that streamline their operations, resulting in time and cost savings. Our clients trust us to offer adaptable scheduling and effective management solutions. Our commitment to the HSE policy is unwavering, creating a secure environment for both our employees and business partners. This approach mitigates risks and guarantees a track record of zero incidents.
Global container trade volumes have undergone a slight 2% year-on-year decrease from April to May 2023, with a positive 2% year-on-year increase from June onwards. There is notable growth in the volumes of India’s major ports and containers. Railway and container volumes have also displayed a 1% year-on-year rise, with a hint of reduced momentum in the rail coefficient.
The year 2023 showed the ongoing expansion of organized players’ market share driven by GST related factors and a surge in activity along the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). Companies like Concor, Delhivery, and TCI Express show a trend towards further growth and expansion.
Improved Rail Coefficient
With the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) gaining traction, the rail coefficient is expected to improve. In June 2023, there was a slight uptick of only 0.5% year-on-year in the volume of major ports in India. Container volumes experienced a notable decline of 7% year-on-year.
However, this decline was counterbalanced by increased iron ore and fertilizer volumes, which helped mitigate the slowdown in other sectors. Ports in Tamil Nadu played a prominent role in the regional volume decrease, both in June 2023 and the April-June period.
The overall rail volumes witnessed a 2% year-on-year decrease, with container volumes registering a significant 10% year-on-year drop in June. There is an optimistic outlook for rail volumes, as the Gujarat Ports-Dadri stretch of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) commenced its operations in April-May 2023. This development is expected to contribute to a forthcoming increase in rail volumes.
New Dedicated Freight Corridors in The Pipeline
The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) has been activated, establishing a link between Gujarat Ports and Dadri, located in Uttar Pradesh, in the inland region of India. The completion of the segment spanning from a station 100 km away from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai to Dadri is anticipated by December 2023. The ultimate 100 km section is slated for operational status by the conclusion of Calendar Year 2024.
As for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), a significant 900 km out of 1,856 km has already been brought into full functionality, with the remaining portion projected for finalization by December 2023.
Concerted endeavours are underway to expand unconventional methods of freight transportation. The Dedicated Freight Corridors will upgrade time and cost efficiency, which is expected to aid businesses in curbing inventory days and bolstering dependability. Elaborate project reports are presently under submission to the Ministry to propose further additions to the Dedicated Freight Corridor network.
The global Noatum conference saw 107 agents across the world coming together for a time of learning. The Noatum Global meet-up was held between June 12 and June 15, 2023. The conference was held at the prestigious Shangri-La hotel situated in beautiful Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event brought together key decision leaders and industry leaders from every part of the globe. The Noatum conference was truly a resounding success.
During the four days, there was an incredible amount of learning, networking, and forging of connections with industry leaders from over 70 different countries. A total of 33 delegates from various Noatum offices from different corners of the world were also a part of the event.
The Conference
The face-to-face meetings at the conference resulted in a pivotal sharing of knowledge. The attendees included sponsors, partners and delegates who made the event a success. Over 10 experienced speakers shared their experience and expertise at the conference. The event helped in forging meaningful connections and driving powerful innovation in the world of logistics.
Each day of the conference was planned with an impressive and power-packed agenda that included keynote presentations, face-to-face meetings and engaging social activities.
Presentations and learnings
On the first day of the event, a friendly Noatum Golf Fellowship game was planned for all the delegates. This was followed by a welcome cocktail where conversations took place and connections were made.
The second day started off with warm welcome addresses and opening remarks by the esteemed CEO Rafael, Torres Brinkmann, MD Asia Ramon Gallen, and GM Asia Network
Dragana Zankel. Next, Beatriz Garcia Jimenez rendered presentations on eSolutions, while Jorge Vicente de Vera Garcia presented on Noatum Projects. There were more presentations, with Jens Grimpe presenting on Noatum Airfreight, and Andrew Gordon sharing valuable insights with regards to Noatum Seafreight.
Next in line was the guest speaker Laetitia Jadeja, the Key Account Manager of CMA CGM who shared her expertise with everyone. This was followed by a presentation by Mohamed Roshmon, Vice President of Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) LLC, Dubai, one of Noatum’s Platinum sponsors. The eventful day concluded with a group photograph and face-to-face meetings.
Fundraising and site seeing
On the second day, the entire team gathered at the Hard Rock Café for a fundraising event to benefit the less fortunate of Ukraine. There was everything from delicious food to fantastic music, refreshing drinks and networking. It was indeed remarkable to witness all the delegates coming together for a worthy cause.
This was a special fundraising event, which was held for a noble cause. Individuals, partners, and companies who were a part of the Noatum conference generously contributed to the event, making it possible to raise a sum of USD 1,500.00. With this sum, essentially required hospital beds were purchased for people in need.
On the third day of the event, all the delegates paid a visit to Batu Caves, which is a celebrated Hindu temple. The attendees climbed all the 272 steps of the temple to reach the top. It was both an enjoyable and memorable experience. The third day ended by another round of face-to-face meetings and a charming sunset cocktail,with everyone enjoying a breathtaking view of the city and witnessing the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The final day
On the fourth and final day of the conference, there were featured presentations from all the remaining sponsors. There were also face-to-face meetings. All the delegates gathered once again to celebrate the connections made and cherish the memories created. This included Brett Wilton from Cargowise, Abe Pirian from Abetrans, and Abdallah Najjar and Charles Sarkis from Motion Supply. The conference ended with the host felicitating all their partners and sponsors with special awards. The conference ended on a sweet note with thoughtful words from CEO Ramon Torres Brinkmann and a heartfelt farewell address from GM Asia Network Dragana Zankel.
CSS at the event
CSS is extremely delighted to have been a part of the global conference in Kuala Lumpur. The event was both valuable and informative. CSS was happy to be a part of this event and take back home key learnings. The team at CSS eagerly awaits next year’s Noatum conference.
Empathy is important because it allows us to understand the feelings and motives of our fellow team members. By taking the time to understand others, you can gain insight into their needs and struggles, allowing you to work and communicate with them more effectively. Consider other professionals points of view when working together and act accordingly. This can help you bond with your teammates and promote a healthier workplace culture.
Reliability
When building a team, the members need to be able to trust that you are there to guide them. When others have faith in you, they are more likely to reciprocate this level of respect and reliability. Building a team in which each member trusts the abilities of others can help improve the workplace culture, productivity, and the development of other professional skills, such as delegation.
Delegation
Delegation makes it more efficient, ensuring that the team can accomplish its goals in a timely manner. In order to be a talented team builder, you have to be able to assign each team member their individual responsibilities in a way that is clear and concise. Delegation skills allow you to clarify team goals and assign tasks to professionals with the most applicable expertise.
Communication
When uniting a team, possessing effective communication skills is essential because these skills allow you to express important concepts in a way that is clear and concise so that everyone can understand. To be an effective communicator, you have to be as specific and clear as possible when communicating, but it is equally important to be an excellent listener.
Motivation
Motivational skills include the ability to encourage others to complete their work and building the drive to complete your own daily tasks. Being motivated skills can also help you and your team members feel more prepared and eager to complete a project. When team members are excited about and invested in a project, they are typically more engaged with the process.
Collaboration
Collaboration is a crucial team-building skill to develop because it allows you to interact and work well with others. This skill includes sharing and discussing creative ideas and trading feedback with your coworkers. Collaborative processes can depend on the type of project on which you are working.
Leadership
As a team builder, you often have to take on a leadership role within the group, which means that you establish the team’s goals, council members that are having difficulties and make decisions when issues arise.
Problem-solving
Solving problems is often a key aspect of team building. A variety of issues can arise throughout a project, including interpersonal conflicts and problems related to the team’s goals. As a team builder, you should be able to address both types of issues in a way that enables the group to continue to work well together and accomplish its objectives.
Positivity
Being positive at work can often help boost the morale of your coworkers and maintain a healthy workplace culture. Positive skills help build teams by motivating others and expressing gratitude for others’ work.
Accountability
Accountability means you accept responsibility for your actions and tasks and recognize when your behavior might have affected a project. Being an accountable team member can help build your reliability skills and promote others to do the same.
As an individual or team if we can develop the above skills over a period of time, then you can witness a team that stays longer, together and productive with desired results.
AD Ports Group, a renowned operator of industrial cities and free zones in Abu Dhabi, has taken a significant step in its global expansion strategy by acquiring the integrated logistics platform Noatum based in Spain.
Having secured the necessary regulatory approvals from Spanish authorities, AD Ports Group has gained complete control over Noatum, which operates across 26 interna tional markets. This development was officially announced in a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange,where AD Ports Group shares are traded.
Valuation and Financing of the Deal
The valuation of this strategic acquisition places the enter- prise value of Noatum at Dh2.5 billion ($681 million), a deal initially unveiled by AD Ports Group back in November. The financing for this acquisition will be facilitated through a newly obtained acquisition loan. Notably, the transaction’s valuation is represented by a multiple of 5.9 times the last twelve months’ enterprise value to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).
Formation of a Trade and Logistics Powerhouse
This landmark acquisition is a transformative step, uniting two major players in the trade and logistics sector to establish a global powerhouse. Noatum’s extensive services, experience, and capabilities position it to lead AD Ports Group’s logistics cluster. The integration process, which will incorporate Noatum’s 2,800 employees into the cluster, is set to commence immediately.
Forward-Looking Vision
Mohamed Al Shamisi, the Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of AD Ports Group, expressed his anticipation for the collaboration, “We look forward to leveraging our integrated cross-cluster business model and working together to unlock unprecedented value for our respective customers, partners, and stakeholders. The future of trade and logistics relies on integration, resilience, and innovation, and by taking this transformative step together, we are charting a path to realising our collective mission of becoming one of the top global trade and logistics providers.”
Expanding International Ventures
This strategic acquisition aligns with AD Ports Group’s expansion strategy, as evidenced by their recent acquisitions and port management concession agreements across diverse markets. The company signed a 50-year concession agreement with Pakistan’s Karachi Port Trust.As part of the agreement, AD Ports Group will invest $220 million to develop a new concession at Karachi Port, accelerating its growth in the next decade.
Furthermore, AD Ports Group entered into a concession agreement with the government of the Republic of Congo last month to manage and operate a multipurpose terminal at the New East Mole port in Pointe-Noire. The company has also agreed with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to develop and operate a multipurpose terminal at PortSafaga. AD Ports Group is also set to work with Angolan organisations to develop and improve maritime connectivity along Africa’s west coast.
Expanding Strategic Partnerships
AD Ports Group partners with Kazakhstan’s state energy company, KazMunayGas, and the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development in a significant collaboration. The aim is to cooperate in developing a national marine fleet and coastal infrastructure, focusing on the Caspian and Black Seas.
Maximising Growth and Innovation:
With the integration of Noatum into its portfolio, AD Ports Group is primed to significantly expand its service offerings, tapping into opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost-saving measures while embracing cutting-edge technology. Over the past year, Noatum’ impressive financial performance is highlighted by substantial revenue of Dh6.4 billion and an EBITDA of 448 million, alongside a net debt position of Dh220 million as of May 31.
Diverse Portfolio and Global Presence
Noatum’s widespread presence across key global markets- Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America – contributes to its diverse portfolio, serving a broad spectrum of industries. These sectors include automotive and aerospace, chemicals, construction, renewable energy, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, healthcare,and retail. This acquisition further solidifies AD Ports Group’s position as a driving force in the dynamic and ever-evolving global trade and logistics arena.
Onam is a time of joy and renewal, a beautiful blend of history, mythology, and cultural heritage. It exemplifies the spirit of unity and togetherness, allowing people to come together to celebrate their shared identity and create cherished memories. Onam, the splendid harvest festival of Kerala, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Kerela. More than just a celebration, Onam is a time-honoured tradition that carries a multitude of meanings, reflecting the values, history, and unity of the community.
Onam is a vibrant and culturally rich festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the southern Indian state of Kerala. This annual harvest festival holds deep significance for the people of Kerala, bringing together communities from all walks of life to rejoice in a spirit of unity, tradition, and merriment. It is a time when homes are adorned with intricate floral designs known as “pookkalam,” creating a colorful and welcoming ambiance. Traditional rituals, music, dance, and elaborate feasts are integral parts of the festivities.
The “Onam Sadhya”, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, is a highlight of the celebration. It showcases a delightful array of dishes, each carefully prepared and enjoyed in a specific order, showcasing Kerala’s culinary diversity and rich flavors. The games of Onam, known as “Onakalikal” in Malayalam, add an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the vibrant festival. These traditional games not only reflect the cultural heritage of Kerala but also foster a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among the participants.
This year, CSS group is hosting a pookalam competition among all its branches on September 9th 2023. The rules of the competition are simple. The pookalam has to be created on the day of the competition and not in advance. Also, the ornate designs must only be created with natural flower petals and not with any artificial color powder. Props related to the theme of Onam are allowed in the competition. The winner of the pookalam competition will take home the prestigious Mahabali’s Crystal Award from the previous year’s winners.
The CSS group will also carry out games like Vadam Vali (Tug of War), where teams pull a rope in opposite directions, aiming to bring the other team across a designated line. Thumbi Thullal or folk dance involves women dressed in traditional attire dancing in a circle, accompanied by melodious songs. In the pot breaking game called Uriyadi blindfolded participants try to break a pot filled with goodies using a stick. CSS employees are always excited to play these games.
These games not only add a sense of joy and festivity to Onam but also serve as a means of preserving and passing down traditional skills and values from one generation to the next. They embody the spirit of unity, competitiveness, and cultural pride that define the essence of Onam celebrations.
In essence, Onam is a celebration that encapsulates the values of gratitude, unity, cultural pride, and the joy of communal harmony. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ties that bind people together and highlights the enduring beauty of tradition and heritage in an ever-evolving world.
A few weeks back, all of us rejoiced together when the four indigenous group members were rescued from the deep Amazonian jungles of Colombia. Their ordeal, which started on May 1, 2023, lasted for 40 days after their plane crashed and the passing away of their mother.
Prayers arose from every corner as the missing children aged from 11 months to 13 years, captured headlines in almost every newspaper across the globe. It took a team of over 130 special force commandos, accompanied by highly skilled indigenous guides to undertake the challenging mission to locate the missing children.
The area they were found in, situated deep within the Colombian jungle, is renowned for its remoteness and inhospitable conditions. The region teems with dangerous wildlife such as jaguars, anacondas, and venomous insects. Additionally, torrential rains persist for more than 15 hours a day, and the dense vegetation often limits visibility to a mere 10 meters.
Upon locating the group, President Gustavo Petro described the day as “magical” and praised the children for their remarkable feat of survival, which he believed would be etched in history. The children belong to the Huitoto indigenous group. Their mother Magdalena Mucutuy often brought her children to the forest where they likely learned the skills that allowed them to survive until rescuers came.
What can we learn from this incredible story of overcoming the odds? These are the four things I learn from their extraordinary feat of resilience.
1. Be A Leader Even If You Do Not Have a Title
The oldest child, Lesly was only 13 years old but she became a mother to her siblings. Despite any real training in leadership, she rose up in the face of adversity and took charge of the situation. Leadership is not about having a title or position; it’s about having the ability to encourage and persuade others to overcome the difficulties to achieve a common goal.
2. Teamwork Wins the Day
Lesly could not have survived the jungle without her siblings’ cooperation and trust. Together, they found food and water, built huts to shelter themselves against the elements. In our work places, there is absolutely nothing that cannot be achieved with teamwork. One person cannot do everything and every person in the team is a valuable member.
3. Ability to Face the Odds
The four little children would surely have faced hunger, thirst and looked at the face of fear. However, they battled the odds as they never gave up. They kept persisting diligently till they were found. We face many a challenges at work, but if we hold on, we will triumph over them and achieve our goals.
4. A Spirit of Resilience
The four children would have faced immense challenges during the 40 days in the deep forests. Lesly showed outstanding abilities by thinking on her feet and identifying the available options. She devised amazing methodologies to stay alive and keep her siblings fed. She used her innate knowledge and indigenous wisdom to find plants, fruits and seeds to provide sustenance. The children were resourceful and above all they were adaptable in that hostile environment.
I believe that these qualities will enable each of us to be exceptional leaders in our sphere of influence.
This incredible survival story inspires us to face the most difficult situations, it inspires to survive and thrive.
I leave you with a quote by Nelson Mandela to ponder over.
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Breakbulk Europe has once again brought the world of shipping together by hosting the prestigious Breakbulk event of 2023. This year, the Breakbulk event was held in Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands, between 6th to 8th June 2023. A total of 10,445 attendees attended the event, making it the highest number of participants to have ever attended a Breakbulk event. A total of 4,663 companies took part in the event, of which 444 were network members and 534 were exhibitors. It is no surprise that a whopping 94% of participants have already rebooked for the 2024 Breakbulk event to be held between 21st to 23rd May 2023.
The Participants at Breakbulk Europe
Netherlands, Germany and Belgium were the top three countries with the highest number of attendees at the event. Countries like China, India, Turkey, UAE, Brazil, Belgium and Singapore also had an exceedingly high number of participants. Companies from different sectors like Freight Forwarder, Maritime Transport, Ports and Terminals, Cargo Owner, Road Transport Services, Industry-Related Service Provider, Equipment Providers, IT Products and Services and Air Transport came together at the Breakbulk event.
Two gargantuan exhibition halls in Ahoy hosted a total of 534 exhibitors from across the Breakbulk supply chain, while the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network, a worldwide network of shippers involved in the engineering, manufacturing and production of industrial projects and cargo, also posted a record high number of participants, with a total of 444 of its members attending the event. This was double the number of participants that came to last year’s Breakbulk event (2022).
The Events at Breakbulk Europe
The event was a gateway for everyone to meet the biggest decision-makers, the Shippers. A total of 642 Shippers attended Breakbulk Europe event. It was indeed exciting for the CSS team to meet some of the world’s biggest shippers. The networking went beyond the exhibition floor. At Breakbulk Boulevard, 1400 guests met and collaborated with each other. At the special women in Breakbulk breakfast, over 150 women attended. The session at the Breakbulk breakfast was truly inspiring. An exclusive Rotterdam boat tour was also organized for 250 guests.
At the Breakbulk Futures Zone, products and services from leading industry innovators were showcased. Innovation and technology played a key role in the building of these products and services.
The events at Breakbulk Europe were all geared towards learning. While there were 14 main stage sessions with over 52 speakers sharing their expertise, there were also Breakbulk futures, where 13 speakers delivered power-packed sessions. Next, there were chartering workshops, mentored by the institute of chartered shipbrokers. Finally, an Education Day was organized, wherein 191 students participated and learnt from the best in the industry.
Everything that took place at Breakbulk was filmed and created into YouTube videos, so that the knowledge sharing at Breakbulk can reach the rest of the world. All the videos can be viewed at the official Breakbulk channel.
Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) at Breakbulk
CSS has been a proud participant of the Breakbulk event for the past several years. This year too, CSS attended the Breakbulk event. Ms. Chandrakala (COO), Mr. Renjith and Mr. Santanu led CSS, Dubai. Mr. Himanshu from CSS, India and Mr. Kemal from CSS, Turkey also facilitated the Breakbulk event with their presence.
At CSS, the project team has well-versed and experienced personnel with in-depth knowledge of the shipping domain. Adeptly skilled at handling breakbulk and project cargo, we have been able to tap into several opportunities from across the Middle East and Indian region. The exhibition has further cemented the team’s prowess with several prospects in the pipeline. The CSS team will also leverage the learnings and key takeaways from the Breakbulk event to forge new ideas and innovations in handling future projects.
A strong network is the cornerstone for any business. The Breakbulk event was once such building block. CSS was happy to be a part of this prestigious event as the Breakbulk exhibition presented CSS with an opportunity to forge strategic alliances and network with other companies across the globe. Furthermore, the event provided a platform for discussing the newest developments and available technology in seamlessly handling breakbulk and project cargo.
The CSS team that attended the event at Breakbulk is skilled and experienced, with detailed knowledge in this domain. Since CSS has been skilled at expertly handling breakbulk and project cargo, the team has been able to avail several business opportunities across the Middle East, Mediterranean and Indian region. Attending the Breakbulk event has further strengthened the CSS team’s capabilities with upcoming projects.
Being a participant at the Breakbulk event has been memorable and enjoyable for the team at CSS. The CSS team has leveraged the knowledge shared at the event to develop new ideas and create winning innovations in handling future breakbulk and cargo projects. The CSS team looks forward to next year’s Breakbulk event.
Every year, SCLG, an acclaimed organizational group, holds a prestigious annual networking event for enterprises to learn from and grow from each other. This year, SCLG hosted their event on May 17th 2023, at the prominent Shangri-La Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The event commenced at 6.00 p.m and ended at 9:30 p.m.
CSS felt honoured to receive the invitation to take part inthe event and was represented by Ms. Sheethu, Mr. Anees and Mr. Rehan.
The agenda of the event
The event commenced at 7.00 p.m, with an introductory meeting between the CSS team and the organizers of the SCLG team.
The event went forward as follows:
@7:30 p.m Welcome address by SCLG.
@7:40 p.m to 8.30 p.m had the central part of the event:presentations and talks by various speakers.
@8:35 p.m to 9:00 p.m, Mr. Shashi Shekhar, the Group Chairmanof SCLG, stepped onto the podium to address the attendees with some thought-provoking words.
@9.00 p.m to 9.30 p.m, There was an industry networking opportunity, and the event came to an end with a group photo.
Various speakers from different walks of life provided the following presentations and talks at the venue.
Effective leadership during crises
Mr. Waqi Munim, the founder and CEO of Courageous Minds, initiated the first presentation at the event.
Mr. Waqi Munim spoke about the true mark of a leader, which is courage. He went on to explain how leaders have to be willing to expand their frame of thinking. Only then they will be able to adapt and lead their team in the current market situation. Mr. Waqi Munim spoke from his experience leading and building up his enterprise. He was able to share valuable tips on how to lead in stressful situations that are likely to arise within any enterprise.
Finally, he provided insights on how leaders can effectively master change management and bring the results to their company.
Strategies for evaluating risks and mitigation
Ms. Nissrine Elquobai, the co-founder of Eny Consulting, gave the next presentation at the event. She spoke about how leaders can evaluate their risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. Ms. Nissrine Elquobai began her presentation by discussing the element of risk that every enterprise has to encounter. She then gave valuable tips on mitigating risk during new beginnings, outsourcing work for better efficiency, learning about new products, and choosing new processes.
A helpful formula on how to embrace risk was shared, much to the delight of everyone. The formula was simple. Risk = Unknown / Bringing in strategies = Known. Although the risk is unknown, with the help of known strategy, the risks can be mitigated. From seamlessly managing risks within the supply chain to ensuring smooth operational performance from start to finish, Ms. Nissrine Elquobai shared in-depth strategies on how risks within an organization can be evaluated and strategically evaluated.
Demands for future leaders
Mr. Kenneth Nymann-Buus, the Vice President for Supply Chain Domain at Prime Transformation Consulting, was the next to talk about the demands that future leaders face. This was a much-needed topic of discussion, as most of the attendees were from Generation Z, including the representatives from CSS. Generation Z has indeed started a new trend of not working harder but smarter through technology and tools. Leaders from Gen Z would prefer to work from home or only four days a week, as they crave a better work-life balance.
Mr. Kenneth Nymann-Buus started presenting what the current generation needed for an effective working environment. He touched on all the latest trending topics like innovation, coaching, collaborations, and cognitive flexibility. Detailed explanations were provided on how emotional intelligence is needed for leaders and how strategic thinking is a must-have requisite for management. He ended the presentation by discussing how future leaders will need to connect with their employees for a more efficient and safer workplace.
Technology as an enabler in a sustainable supply chain
Mr. Rishikesh Trivedi, Go Green’s founder and market acceleration specialist shared thoughts on how technology can be used to make businesses more sustainable. Mr. Trivedi spoke about how practical steps can be taken to minimize one’s carbon footprint on the planet. He further explained how, with the aid of technology, everyone in the workplace could strive to become more sustainable.
Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint using technology and ensure a cleaner, better, and more sustainable environment in the future. All the attendees at the SCLG event pledged to become more sustainable, reduce their carbon footprint, and strive towards saving the planet.
Unleashing one’s potential
Mr. Ahmed Khaled, the founder and CEO of Unleash and a global supply chain consultant at Unilever, did the final presentation of the evening. Mr. Ahmed Khaled’s talk had everyone cheering for him as he shared his own life story.
Mr. Ahmed spoke about how he quit his 9 to 5 job after a LinkedIn post gave him social visibility. This was his cue to unleash his potential. Today, he is an accomplished author, a public motivational speaker, and a podcast host with celebrity status. He said the key to unlocking each person’s potential could be found in a simple principle: to love what you do.
Finding something that lights up your soul and fills your heart with joy can open an unending reservoir of energy and determination. This can make anyone unstoppable. He ended his enlightening presentation by explaining how passion alone will not get you where you need to be.Along with passion, one also requires perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to accept change. With this in place, everyone will be equipped with the power to change lives.
And The takeaway
The SCLG’s annual industry networking and dinner ended pleasantly with a group photo. All the attendees, including the representatives from CSS, were enlightened on various critical topics, from how to be an effective leader in a crisis to coming up with strategies to evaluate risk, using technology to reduce one’s carbon footprint, facing the demands of a leader in the future, and understanding how to unleash one’s potential and become unstoppable.
Over the past decade, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on supply chain operations has been significant. AI has become an integral part of modern supply chains with the ability to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. However, successful implementation requires targeted use cases, focused on critical business workflows, and robust data ingestion systems to ensure data quality and integrity.
Inventory Optimization and Shortage Management
AI has made significant strides in identifying and prioritizing activities related to inventory optimization and shortage management. AI enhances supply chain resilience and responsiveness by linking these activities to automated workflows. These advanced technologies break down decision-making silos between production planners, material buyers, and suppliers, promoting better collaboration and automating decisions based on accurate predictions. AI simplifies tasks for individuals working on the ground, resulting in successful applications such as automated inventory actions and confidence scoring.
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Inventory Optimization
Achieving optimal inventory management is a crucial goal for supply chain operations, and artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in this endeavour. By establishing efficient order policies and determining target inventory sizing levels, AI enables the automatic prioritization of actions that reduce excess inventory while ensuring maximum production readiness. Several parameters, including lead time, order quantity, demand, procurement policy, and safety stock, guide the purchasing process.
Utilizing a “plan for every part” (PFEP) analytical approach, AI leverages historical data, future demand projections, and supplier performance to establish optimal inventory levels. Organizations can gain insights from past inventory shortages or overages by conducting statistical analyses of safety stock. This data-driven approach, combined with machine learning techniques, empowers AI to optimize inventory sizing in ways that surpass the capabilities of traditional tools and spreadsheets.
Unleashing the Power of AI: Confidence Scoring and Smart Recommendations
In supply chain operations, confidence scoring has emerged as a vital tool that evaluates procurement actions based on supplier on-time delivery, lead times, past recommendations, and other critical performance data. By assessing the probability of success for each action, confidence scoring enables teams to cut through the noise and prioritize critical actions with the greatest potential to improve operational performance.
AI has proven to be exceptionally successful in supply chains, particularly when it comes to generating intelligent recommendations. For instance, it can optimize working capital and accurately predict future shortages, driving positive outcomes in working capital management and on-time delivery performance within manufacturing. While existing enterprise systems focus on transactional handling and retrospective analysis, AI predicts future challenges and prescribes specific actions. By relieving individuals of decision-making burdens, AI allows them to dedicate their attention to more intricate issues requiring direct intervention. When AI recommendations are combined with machine learning-based confidence scoring, the path to automation becomes clear, yielding high success rates.
Quality Data: A Crucial Predictor of Success in Supply Chains
In the dynamic landscape of supply chain operations, the role of quality data cannot be understated. Leveraging big data and cloud computing technologies, companies can swiftly integrate with existing enterprise systems and process vast amounts of data efficiently. This empowers them to perform more accurate and sophisticated predictive, prescriptive, and collaborative analytics, leading to improved decision-making and waste reduction within the supply chain.
Building a Foundation of Trustworthy Data for Future Success
Manufacturing companies striving for better planning require comprehensive, structured data to make critical procurement decisions. AI, fueled by substantial historical data, aids in developing an understanding of future patterns, a foundational aspect often overlooked. By relying on trustworthy data accumulated over extended periods, organizations gain valuable insights into past performance and can predict actions that will drive future improvements.
AI Transforming the Supply Chain Landscape
With the exponential growth of complexity in the supply chain industry, decision-making and data management have become more rapid. AI technology emerges as a transformative force, enhancing operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. Manufacturers are now focused on automating the 60% to 70% of work under predictive and prescriptive categories, harnessing the potential of advanced analytics, machine learning, and purpose-built workflows. Embracing these technologies, supply chain leaders can secure a competitive advantage and position themselves for success in the rapidly evolving industry
Flexport, a digital-focused freight-forwarding company, is set to rival Amazon in the fulfillment services sector after purchasing Shopify’s logistics business. The acquisition includes the Deliverr technology platform and numerous warehouses and sorting centers. With this move, Flexport aims to target retailers more directly and establish itself as a key player in fulfilling online orders for merchants.
Flexport On Expansion Mode
The transaction positions Flexport as a potential competitor to Amazon, which currently dominates the fulfillment services market. Flexport’s CEO, Dave Clark, previously served as an executive at Amazon and played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s logistics network.
On the other hand, Shopify is shifting its focus away from building its logistics operation. The sale of Deliverr and warehouse robotics company 6 River Systems to U.K.-based online grocer Ocado signifies Shopify’s strategic decision to exit the logistics sector.
Partnering with Flexport allows merchants to handle imports and last-mile delivery seamlessly through a single platform. Additionally, they can fulfill orders directly from their websites and physical stores.
The acquisition of Shopify’s logistics business by Flexport aligns with the company’s vision of providing end-to-end logistics solutions for e-commerce merchants. By integrating Deliverr’s technology platform and leveraging its extensive network of warehouses and sorting centers, Flexport aims to streamline and optimize the fulfillment process for its customers.
The move highlights the growing importance of e-commerce fulfillment in the rapidly evolving retail landscape. As more consumers turn to online shopping, merchants must ensure efficient and reliable order fulfillment to meet customer expectations. Flexport’s acquisition of Shopify’s logistics business positions the company as a significant player in this space, offering merchants a comprehensive solution for managing their supply chain from importation to last-mile delivery. A win-win for online retailers
With Dave Clark’s expertise and experience from his tenure at Amazon, Flexport is well-positioned to leverage its logistics service and provide merchants with innovative and competitive solutions. The integration of import handling, last-mile delivery, and website/store fulfillment through a single platform simplifies logistics management for merchants, potentially enhancing their operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Flexport’s acquisition of Shopify’s logistics business strengthens its position as a formidable contender in the e-commerce fulfillment industry. By combining their technological capabilities and expanding their network of warehouses, Flexport aims to offer merchants a comprehensive solution that rivals Amazon’s fulfillment services. This strategic move underscores the growing significance of efficient and streamlined logistics operations in the e-commerce secto
An organization with its foundation of a business unit, business function, teams, and its individuals look forward to growing and thriving through the endeavours they are engaged in daily. The term growth is a necessity for humanity in multiple dimensions, Since the pandemic alignment of resources to survive in business inducted complexity to structures and procedures in almost every industry. What was never a necessity and deemed medieval pre-pandemic is now an integral part and formed the foundation post-pandemic. With talks of recent and upcoming recessions- the expectation of growing and prospering should not be just a dream up in the air instead, a reality to thrive in an environment with set goals, objectives, continuous development, and adaptability to new changes without compromising on the founding principles of your business. The expectation of growth must established through basic primal routines with systems and procedures that can open opportunitiesto scale.
System and procedures are two components that go hand in hand and are detrimental to the success of any organization. A system is in place to accomplish an entire cycle of any deed from start to its entirety. Taking our own life as an example – Our life is an everyday system. However unruly or unorganized, there is still a basic system that one is accustomed to. Without even realizing it, going through our life cycle has become deeply ingrained in our minds and forms a part of our daily system. That’s one of the many benefits of systems – use them enough, and they become second nature. However, your system encompasses many different procedures.
You have a procedure for making your morning oatmeal, a procedure for how you style your hair, and a procedure for your morning commute. If even one of those procedures doesn’t go as planned (a traffic jam on your usual route, for example), your system may fail. Every business needs a system and a procedure to execute it so it doesn’t fail. A procedure, therefore, is simply one component of a larger system, and most systems are made up of a series of procedures.
A business System, without a goal, starts moving in all directions. As a result, coordination among all the parts (components) of the system is lost. Seamless integration of the system components is necessary to achieve the goal of the system, and close coordination is required between all the parts of the system. Coordination, flawless integration, and a steady growth plan are three important parts that encapsulate one system’s behaviour. Behaviour is governed by the procedures designed to ensure that components behave in ways that allow the system to achieve its goal. Further, every system has a life cycle and needs constant evolution with varying external environmental factors. The organization which adopts a systematic approach for its functioning has smooth operations for its day-to-day activities. The management of such an organization is simpler. Even when the business grows and expands with multiple moving parts, the behaviour and inner workings of a set system and procedures shall help run the business in auto-pilot mode.
Just as the system is important, Procedures form the basic understanding of system execution and set the tone for standard working procedures or, as we call it in modern day, standard operating practices (SOPs). As your business grows, the inner workings and the variables to drive the business forward increase, thus making it a business with many moving parts. These procedures have been found to be of immense use for proper working, training of the personnel and favourable outcomes in any organization.The procedures are an essential pre-requisite for the efficient working of the organization. Studies have shown that the procedures have significant potential to enable organizations to improve the quality of work without increasing costs. It is a set of instructions which instruct the employees on how to accomplish a task effectively, efficiently, and consistently. It is a set of instructions which addresses the ‘who, what, where and when’ of an activity. It is a document that describes the regularly recurring operations to ensure that they are carried out correctly (quality) and always in the same manner (consistency). Therefore, procedures are developed to provide clear guidance on how the process is to be operated and highlights the coordination needed for the smooth operation of the process. It can also be implemented as guidelines manifest for conducting training of the employees. Implementation of the so-called procedure ensures timeliness, consistency, technical excellence, and accountability of the process.
Businesses with foundations of sustainable and robust systems further provide confidence to make conscious investments into their successful functions. Thus, it is paramount that leaders today give careful and high-priority efforts to developing systems along with people. Most businesses find it tough to retain their employees. The main issue with attrition is not just that we lose talent among our workforce, but issues like loss of knowledge capital and business know-how. Also, training recruits to replace the employee who left is time-consuming and expensive. Instead, well-established systems and procedures will help an organization mitigate these issues and make the employees’ life easier giving them more time to invest in self-development. Finally, these systems must be reviewed, evaluated, monitored, and updated frequently as the needs and expectations change. The best bet for organizational growth is such dynamic and sustainable systems. The future is already here, with exciting new levels reached in robotics through Artificial intelligence (AI). In reality, AI is taking over, and in many organizations’ tasks are automated. But have you ever thought about where AI comes from? AI is nothing but a fancier version of the summarized form of Systems and Procedures. AI is the automated intervention of our organizational setup of systems and its procedures through algorithms that are made to machine learn its everyday process. By this,human interaction is set to minimal but the functions of a system with its procedure remains the same, thus underlining the importance of having thorough and well thought out systems and process in place for business longevity.
The past has been set in stone, with various business organizations leaving their footprints of success on the sand for others to follow, thereby making them the predecessors to what we see today. The present is aligned with reality and the need for constant improvements in a quest to be the best with simple systems and process iterations that help any business move forward. As I mentioned earlier, the future is already here in the form of machine learning or AI, where endless tasks are now functioning in an automated fashion. However, one should not forget that this future is the reward of our past iterations and the present continuous improvements which have set unprecedented benchmarks in today’s business world.
Prayers arose from every corner as the missing children aged from 11 months to 13 years, captured headlines in almost every newspaper across the globe. It took a team of over 130 special force commandos, accompanied by highly skilled indigenous guides to undertake the challenging mission to locate the missing children.
