AD PORTS GROUP EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT WITH ACQUISITION OF NOATUM

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 FESTIVITIES AT CSS GROUP

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.

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

May 2023

Shomitha Shafana
Senior Coordinator -Sales & Customer Service
CSS Bahrain
Awarded by Udheesh Uthaman
Business Development Manager

May 2023

Shamnad Shamsudheen
Driver – Transport – CSLC
Awarded by Pramod Kumar Narayanan
Transport coordinator

Chairman’s Message

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 BRINGS THE WORLD OF SHIPPERS TOGETHER

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.

CSS ATTENDS SCLG’S ANNUAL INDUSTRY NETWORKING AND DINNER

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.

AI TECHNOLOGY TRENDS TRANSFORMING SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS

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 EXPANDS E-COMMERCE FULFILLMENT OPERATIONS THROUGH ACQUISITION

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

ARE SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES BENEFICIAL FOR A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION?

Mr Britto Satheesh
Mr Britto Satheesh
Mr Ajith Menon
Mr Ajith Menon

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.

CSS INDIA INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS TEAM SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERS HIGH-VALUE PETROCHEMICAL EQUIPMENT FROM CHINA TO INDIA

CSS GROUP INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS, a leading name in the project logistics industry, has achieved yet another milestone by successfully chartering and transporting 2600FRT (Freight Rate Tons) of high-value petrochemical equipment from Shanghai, China to Haldia, India. This significant achievement not only highlights the expertise and dedication of the CSS project team but also reinforces their commitment to delivering timebound projects while meeting strict deadlines.

The CSS project team was entrusted with the crucial task of chartering a suitable vessel to transport six colossal columns, each with a maximum length of 38.5 meters, a maximum weight of 133 tons, and a height of approximately 5 meters. With meticulous planning and coordination, the CSS project team worked closely with truckers to ensure the timely delivery of this critical cargo, which was subsequently loaded onto the vessel.

Currently, the vessel MV JIAN YANG HUA QING is en route to the destination port, carrying this vital equipment that is crucial for an important project in India. The successful transportation of such complex and high-value petrochemical equipment showcases the CSS project team’s exceptional ability to handle challenging cargo, regardless of its dimensions and weight, while adhering to the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental practices.

At CSS PROJECTS, we recognize the paramount importance of timely deliveries and their impact on project schedules. To ensure seamless operations, our dedicated team of project professionals works tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned once an order is entrusted to them. It is through their unwavering commitment and expertise that CSS INDIA INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS continues to create success stories across the globe in the field of project logistics.

As we move forward, stay tuned for more updates from theCSS Project Team, as they continue to demonstrate their prowess by delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations in complex project logistics. CSS GROUP INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS remains at the forefront of the industry, driving innovation and setting new benchmarks for excellence in project cargo transportation.

CSS ATTENDS THE 6TH ANNUAL PROJECT LOGISTICS ALLIANCE MEET IN BANGKOK

The Project Logistics Alliance (PLA) carried out its 6th Annual Meeting from April 30th to 3rd May 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.The Project Logistics Alliance Meet is an annual logistics conference that facilitates the networking of logistics agent partners from varied countries across the globe. The primary purpose of the annual meeting is to augment and strengthen the bond between network agents, so that they can seamlessly work together on upcoming business deals, from their respective countries.

The Location
When it comes to business networking conferences, Thailand has always been a favorite choice. Its pleasant weather, breathtaking locations and friendly locals make it the first choice for both business and leisure trips. Beautiful beaches, flavorful cuisines and magnificent viewpoints are all around this country. The last Project Logistics Alliance Meeting was held in Vietnam in the year of 2018. This year in 2023, Bangkok, located in Thailand was handpicked as the central hub for the 6th annual meeting of the Project Logistics Alliance event from April 30th to May 3rd. Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) was invited to be a part of this prestigious event.

The Event
In Bangkok, Marriot Surawongse was chosen as the location to host the meetings. This luxurious five star property made the meetings comfortable and enjoyable for all the dignitaries. Every year, an interesting mix of activities is carefully curated to make the event both interesting and fun-filled. This year, the Project Logistics Alliance team came up with an array of activities to make the event both meaningful and memorable. On April 30th , a warm welcoming cocktail reception was held to welcome the guests from varied logistics enterprises.

Direct one-on-one meetings were held from May 1st to May 3rd. On May 2nd, a tour of the city of Bangkok was arranged for all the guests. The day ended with a scrumptious dinner, which included specialized local Thailand cuisine.

CSS at the Project Logistics Alliance Meet
Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) in Bahrain was invited to take part in this prestigious event. Representatives from CSS took part on direct one-on-one meetings to foster and strengthen the relationship with other logistics enterprises. Through the event, CSS was able to successfully network and forge their business relationship with fellow logistics service providers and agent partners in various countries. The direct meetings helped to enhance the business relationship between CSS and other network agents. This relationship building with peers would help when it comes to working together on upcoming logistics projects. The Project Logistics Alliance Meet in Bangkok turned out to be an unforgettable event.

IT’S NICE TO BE IMPORTANT, BUT IT’S MORE IMPORTANT TO BE NICE!-Abhilash Nair (Global CEO ISS Relocations)

For far too long, being nice has been mistaken for being weak. Niceness is a necessary quality of leadership for the world we are living in. It has become so rare that when someone does a kind act or goes out of their way to be nice to someone, it goes viral on social media. Being nice does not mean you cannot make tough decisions or stand up to difficult people, it just means you are respectful, kind, and show empathy to your employees. When kindness is not modeled in the workplace, we find ourselves in an environment that is, unhealthy and at worst, toxic.

Today people are clamoring for a more human style of leadership. In an age of automation and AI, leaders hard skills are easily being replicated by smart technology. What will make the difference in effective leadership is soft skills.

Here are ways I have found being nice can bring you more success as a leader at work. You can start to encourage a culture of being nice to others by carrying out random acts of kindness during your day.

  • Be considerate: Hold the door open for the person behind you. If you are going to the water cooler, ask someone close to you if they would like you to fetch water for them also.
  • Smile at a colleague. When you make eye contact and smile at someone you are showing that they matter which gives them a boost of happiness.
  • Mind your manners. Say “Good morning” or “Hello” to colleagues more often.
  • Show appreciation: Be more vocal in your praise.Acknowledge the contribution and efforts of others.
  • Listen more. Learn to listen with the intent to understand. Do not just dismiss or ridicule others’ viewpoints.Listening shows that you care.
  • Offer support and help to team members who are struggling.
  • Treat everyone with the same level of respect, whether it be the janitor or the CEO

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always.

The way you treat others shows your values and true character. You cannot influence others if you are not authentic. Employees are looking at you as a leader to determine if they can trust you.

In my experience, tough and nice does not have to be incompatible. Managers, please use the human-tohuman approach when dealing with employees. It is people you are dealing with, not just a statistic on a graph.Get to know your people, meet them where they are, and be flexible. Employees want to be treated as human beings.

In the end, people make companies successful. Any strategy or business plan relies on motivated and engaged people to make it happen! It is just like a relationship. For a relationship to last, there must be mutual respect, love, trust, understanding and appreciation.Without these, the foundation is shaky.

Therefore, the most successful companies focus on people and relationships, and make sure both are not just managed but lead and cared for.

CHAIRMAN REPEATS HIS COMMITMENT TO SOCIETY

It’s that time of the year again when children are seen carrying their school bags, packing their lunch boxes, and seen marching into the school gates. The new academic year (2023-2024) for students has just commenced.

Every year, CSS Group Chairman T S Kaladharan benevolently offers gifts to children of the pre-primary and primary grades.

Our honourable Group Chairman repeated his commitment to society by gifting the young minds with school bags etc., to those entering the academic world. This kind deed is very close to his heart and has never failed to give him an abundance of happiness, year after year. When he sees the joy and happiness in the eyes of the young students, he is overjoyed.

This tradition was carried out on June 1st 2023, wherein the children of Govt. LPS Thrikkunnapuzha and Govt. LPS Valiyaparambu were presented with spacious school bags, umbrellas and functional pencil boxes. A total of 600 school bags and 600 pencil boxes were generously offered to the students of primary grades and another 125 school bags, 125 pencil boxes and 125 umbrellas were presented to students of pre-primary grades.

In addition, he also continued the tradition by organizing a delicious lunch at the respective schools, which was whole heartedly enjoyed by the young students, teachers and parents.

CSS Group wishes the young kids the very best in their academics, and look forward to them as great human beings in making the World peaceful & lovable.

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

Balu Narayanan
Tally clerk
Awarded by Thomas Mathew
General Manager

Aneesh Leela
Messenger – Documentation
Awarded by Muhammed Rowmahs
Manager – Documentation

 

Sukhvinder Singh
Driver (Heavy Motor Vehicle) – Transport Dept
Awarded by Jayasankar
Manager – Transport

 

Farzeen Fazal
Accountant – CKL Hamriya
Awarded by Vijesh
Branch Manager – CKL Hamriya

 

Chairman’s Message

An AI-powered bot, ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. More than a million people rushed to sign up for it within five days of rolling out the service. GPT stands for generative pre-trained transformer, and it can generate computer code, well-researched essays, and poems.

A McKinsey report published last year reveals that AI adoption has grown two-fold over the past five years. While many reacted with fear over Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) taking over their jobs, there is great scope for improving business processes.

So, what are AI and ML?

In simple terms, artificial intelligence (AI) involves creating machines that can perform tasks that require human-like intelligence, such as decision-making, speech recognition, and natural language processing. Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are based on AI technology, as our customer service chatbots pop up to help you navigate websites.

On the other hand, Machine learning (ML) is a type of AI that involves training algorithms to learn from data patterns and improve their performance without human intervention. ML finds applications in areas such as image and speech recognition, predictive analytics, and anomaly detection.

AI will become part and parcel of our daily lives as it is increasingly and seamlessly adopted into business and other aspects of society.

AI in Logistics

Early adopters highlight the transformative impact of AI in the logistics industry. AI removes biases while making decisions and produces insights from a sea of big data, helping an executive to make informed decisions.

And that’s just the beginning.

AI will automate demand forecasting, route optimization, and inventory management tasks, allowing companies to work more efficiently. Predictive analytics will foretell demand and identify patterns, allowing companies to make better-informed decisions.

Some of the benefits of incorporating AI into logistics operations are:

Efficient Operations: AI can automate tasks like demand forecasting, route optimization, and inventory management, enabling companies to operate more efficiently.

Lower Operational Costs: By automating tasks and detecting inefficiencies, AI can assist companies in reducing labour and transportation expenses.

Better Bottom Lines: AI can help companies increase revenue and enhance their bottom line by boosting efficiency and reducing costs.

Better Decision-Making: AI algorithms can analyze data and identify trends and patterns, providing valuable insights that inform strategic decision-making.

Improved Customer Service: AI can help companies improve their customer service by offering real-time tracking information to customers and enhancing responsiveness to customer needs.

Meeting Sustainability Goals: Going green has become crucial in the logistics industry. AI can help achieve this by cutting carbon emissions, preserving resources, and lowering waste. AI-powered transportation management systems can optimize routes, reducing fuel consumption and significantly reducing carbon emissions. AI-enabled sensors and IoT technology can monitor and analyze data in real time, enabling companies to quickly identify and resolve issues and improve their supply chain’s overall performance.

A highly traditional sector, the logistics industry is going through a rehaul with the adoption of technological innovations. In an industry that once believed in settling deals with handshakes, disruptive forces like AI and ML are improving efficiencies, cutting costs, and elevating customer experiences. Autonomous trucking and robotic warehouses will soon be the norm.

At CSS, we have always been quick to adapt to the industry’s changing norms to offer our clients best-in-class services. That’s just one of the reasons why we are a tier-one logistics and freight forwarding partner in this region and beyond.

The holy month of Ramadan has drawn to a close with the auspicious Eid celebrations. This year, we aligned with the non-profit AKCAF Association under Community Development Authority (CDA) and Islamic Affairs for the mass distribution of iftar boxes during the month of giving and gratitude. As part of our CSR activity, the boxes were given at Al Quoz labour camps throughout Ramadan.

I extend my warmest Eid al-Fitr and Vishu greetings. May we celebrate this season keeping in mind the importance of unity, compassion, and generosity towards one another.

THE CHAMPIONS OF THE CSS GROUP T20 CHALLENGE

Work often takes precedence over everything in our lives. However, paying too much importance to our professional life could take a toll on us. Including fun activities at the workplace is the key to bringing in positive effects like reduced stress, lower risk of burnout and a greater sense of wellbeing. At CSS, we understand the significance of work-life balance in the lives of our employees. CSS cares deeply about the physical, emotional and mental well being of our employees. Keeping this in mind, we organized a T20 Challenge for our internal teams.

The T20 Challenge

The Champions of CSS Group T20 Challenge was held on the 18th and 19th of March at the spectacular JMR sporting club, in Sharjah. The T20 matches commenced at 14:00 hrs. on both the days. The theme of the CSS Group T20 was “Innings to network”. These matches were planned so that our teams could interact with each other in a fun manner and develop a team spirit. All our team members were warmly welcomed for the event with their families. Transportations arrangements were also taken care of, so that the teams could enjoy the day to the fullest. Before the teams started playing the matches, they were encouraged to join the event with a “Team Spirit”.

The T20 Teams

Four teams were formed to compete against each other in the T20 challenge. Team one was CSS HQ (Captained by Ranjith H), team two was CSS eLogix (Captained by Jassim), team three was ISS Relocations (Captained by Sooraj) and team four was CSS Kingston (Captained by Niji). Each of the teams was provided with a dedicated coach and a team manager to gear up the teams for the T20 challenge matches.

The Winning Team: CSS HQ

The teams put up a competitive yet friendly fight against each other. A strong team spirit was visible in all the players who thoroughly enjoyed the cricket matches. The winning team of the T20 challenge was CSS HQ. CSS eLogix procured the second prize, while ISS Relocations and CSS Kingston took the third and fourth spot in the T20 tournament.

The Committee Behind The T20 Event

A committee was formed to make the T20 Challenge a success. The members of this committee were T.S Kaladharan, Krishna Kaladharan, Don Raveendran, Susanth Shekhar, Unnikrishnan K, Alan Ramesh, Shabeja Rose and Radhakrishnan Machingal. Each of these members put in their time and effort to make this event a huge hit. This team carefully planned each and every detail. Right from executing the event, forming the teams, planning the entertainment stalls and charting out the transportation, all the details were seamlessly taken into account to make sure that all the employees and their families enjoyed the T20 Challenge to the fullest. Several fun stalls were put up at the sporting club.

Kids Entertainment Corner

While the T20 matches were going on, fun and frolic was planned for everyone, especially the kids. There was a dedicated Kids Entertainment Corner, which catered to the playful needs of the little ones and ensured that they were never faced with boredom. All the kids enjoyed the bouncing castle and slide. There were also pony rides for the kids to explore.

Cotton Candy and Popcorn Counter

Everyone loves sweets, especially melt-in-the mouth cotton candy and crunchy caramel and salted popcorn. This is why we included this cotton candy and popcorn stall. The cotton candy was an instant hit with a queue of people immediately lining up to get their sweet candy. The popcorn machine kept on popping with both salted and sweet variants, which everyone liked. Kids and adults enjoyed munching on popcorn and cotton candy as the T20 matches were played.

Balloon Twisting

Another star entertainment stall for the kids was Balloon Twisting. The skilled balloon-twisting artists at the stall impressed our little ones with balloons turned into the shape of dogs, butterflies, flowers, windmills and even horses. It was indeed a fun sight to watch the kids at the event carrying balloons of different shapes and sizes with a smile on their faces.

Art and Craft Station

Since kids of all age groups love art and craft, a special art and craft station was set up. This stall had all the required materials for creating beautiful crafts and helped the little ones create some amazing art with paper, glitter and paint. The kids were entertained for hours at the art station and proudly displayed their creations to their parents.

Face Painting

A stall for Face Painting was put up, where everyone was free to go and get their face painted with their favorite design. This stall was an instant hit with both kids and adults. Almost everyone wanted to get his or her face painted. From superhero designs to butterflies, flowers and animals, there was so much laughter and joy at the Face Painting stall.

Music Medley and Bollywood Dance

Music is indeed the heart and soul of any event. Keeping this in mind, CSS planned for a Musical Medley along with Bollywood Dance songs. There was a dedicated DJ to mix up the tracks and add catchy beats. Everyone at the event, both young and old found himself or herself tapping their feet on the dance floor to the joyful music played at the station.

Live Food

No event is complete without food. There was an enticing live food stall that displayed how the dishes were prepared. Whether it was starters, main course dishes or desserts, every dish was cooked to perfection with mouthwatering taste. There was a wide range of dishes to choose from.

Chayakada

Another outstanding stall at the event was the “Chayakada” which served authentic lip-smacking tea to one and all. It was a pure delight for everyone at the event to drink this traditionally prepared tea and watch the matches.

Team Spirit and Networking

The two-day T20 challenge event ended with fond memories and a fostering of a team spirit among our employees who thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to network with each other and understand the importance of supporting each other.

TURKISH CONSUL-GENERAL PAYS CSS GROUP HEADQUARTERS A VISIT

The honorable Consul-General of the Turkiye in Dubai and Northern Emirates, İlker Kılıç visited the Group Headquarters of CSS on February 17th, 2023, and presented our esteemed Chairman T.S. Kaladharan with a thoughtful memento as a kind gesture towards the services offered by CSS in collecting, organizing and delivering tons of relief aids to Turkiye.

The Catastrophic Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

On February 6th, 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 occurred in Turkey, near the northern border of Syria. This catastrophic earthquake was closely followed by another earthquake of 7.5 magnitudes nine hours later. These massive earthquakes were the most devastating to hit Turkey and Syria in over 20 years. The loss was substantial regarding lives, injuries, homes, and displacements. From millions of people being displaced from their homes to thousands of buildings collapsing, Turkish and Syrian citizens were recovering from this untimely disaster. The state authorities in Turkey and Syria declared a level-4 emergency asking for international assistance, rescue teams, relief work, and aid.

CSS Group Immediately Steps Up to Help

The CSS Group quickly stepped up to this urgent need and joined hands with Esskay Logistics. Under the guidance of the Turkish Consulate and the Turkish Business Council, CSS opened the doors of its warehouse in Al Quoz and charted out an extensive collection drive to collate, sort, and dispatch tons of relief material to Turkey.

3-Day Drive at the CSS Warehouse

A three-day relief drive was organized at the CSS warehouse. Thousands of UAE residents offered their donations at the warehouse. The staff at the CSS warehouse worked round the clock. The CSS staff has worked selflessly, from receiving gifts to listing packaging and arranging logistics to seamlessly moving the relief items from Dubai to Turkey. Winter clothing for adults and children, baby food, canned food, personal hygiene products, diapers, sanitary napkins, bedding, tents, heaters, thermos, blankets, medicines, sleeping bags, etc., were some of the items that were collected and packed at the CSS warehouse. The collection drive was a combined campaign by the Turkish Consulate in Dubai, the Turkish Business Council, and Turkish Airlines.

Working Together for a Cause

CSS partnered with Esskay Logistics LLC in organizing and collecting aid for Turkey and Syria. CSS and Esskay Logistics worked as a team with the people of UAE who came from different walks of life and age groups. An intensive three-day public donation drive was meticulously carried out. This successful drive showed us what can happen when people join together for a good cause.

Turkish Consul-General Thanks the CSS Group

On February 17th, 2023, the honorable Consul-General of the Turkish Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, İlker Kılıç visited the Group Headquarters of CSS. The Turkish Consul-General presented our esteemed Chairman, T.S. Kaladharan, with a memento, an authentic and handmade Iznik Çini ceramic tile. This was a thoughtful gesture towards CSS’s assistance in arranging, organizing, collecting, and delivering over 3500 cm of relief donations from thousands of UAE citizens. CSS thanked the Turkish Consul-General for recognizing their efforts and for his kind words on the great impact the contributions made to the people of Turkey and Syria.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the Core of CSS

CSS is both honored and pleased about playing a significant role in extending a helping hand to Turkey and Syria. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the heart of our belief system. Be it our stakeholders, the public, or even ourselves. We strive to be socially accountable. Our CSR initiatives have contributed to social, economic, and environmental causes over the years. The CSS group has always come to the aid of meticulous efforts, planning, and resources for the needy. As a part of our CSR mission, we have always been striving to offer aid during natural calamities in and around our area. Our Honourable Chairman, T.S. Kaladharan, has always encouraged the teams at CSS Group to offer help to anyone who may need it. As a part of our disaster relief strategy, we were happy to open the doors of our warehouse in AL Quoz to collect, package, and deliver relief materials for Turkey and Syria.

CSS is Proud of Playing a Part in this Noble Cause

CSS has always been socially responsible towards its neighbors and ready to offer assistance in the wake of disasters. During the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, CSS worked hand-in-hand with the Turkish Consulate and Turkish Business Council. Not only did CSS provide its warehouse as a part of the disaster relief program, but it also organized a collection drive among UAE residents to collect relief materials. Disasters like the recent earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria remind us that we are indeed world citizens, whether we like it or not. Showing kindness and compassion to others during challenging times has become the need of the hour. At CSS group, we are proud of being a part of this noble cause and coming together as a community to lend a helping hand.

CSS GROUP – 5’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT

CSS Group – 5’s Soccer Tournament kicked off on Saturday, 25th February, at Al Barsha. The tournament had two groups, Pool A and Pool B, each consisting of five teams. Each team came attired in their team jersey and were pumped up with gusto in their hearts to lift the 5’s Soccer trophy. The matches kicked off at 5 pm and concluded at 11 pm.

Ten teams participated:
01. CSS Kingston – Sharjah
02. CSS Abu Dhabi
03. ISS Relocations – Dubai
04. ISS Relocations – JAFZA
05. CFS & Transport – JAFZA
06. SCM – JAFZA
07. CSS eLogix
08. CSLC – Team A
09. CSLC – Team B
10. CSS HQ

Sports – A Great Team Builder

Sports can be an excellent team-building tool, encouraging collaboration, communication, and camaraderie among team members. Playing in a sports team requires individuals to work together towards a common goal, which can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Furthermore, teams who engage in sports share a common experience that can bring them closer. This shared experience can help create a sense of camaraderie and can provide a foundation for building stronger relationships. Playing sports requires constant communication between team members. Effective communication is essential for winning games and can help improve relationships and build trust among team members.

Teams often face unexpected challenges that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Working together to overcome these challenges can help build teamwork skills and improve the team’s overall effectiveness. Healthy competition can be a powerful motivator for team members. Competing against other teams can help build a sense of team identity and allow team members to showcase their talents and skills.

The soccer tournament at CSS

At CSS, team-building activity is an essential part of our organizational culture. In the past, we have engaged our employees in various activities to promote teamwork, collaboration, and improved productivity and job satisfaction. Outdoor activity has always garnered great enthusiasm. The 5’s Soccer Tournament is a testament to this belief.

By 5 pm, playground was abuzz with the various teams from CSS, their cheerleading squads, and spectators. With fresh snacks and beverages available at the field, the mouth-watering aromas from the live counters of shawarma, anticipation, and excitement filled the air at Al Barsha. It was an entertaining and exhilarating evening for players and spectators alike.

Soccer – A Game of Skill and Strategy

Soccer is a sport that requires a combination of physical and mental skills, including speed, agility, endurance, coordination, and strategic thinking. Players must be able to make split-second decisions on the field and work together as a team to outmanoeuvre their opponents. Soccer is a team sport that requires strong teamwork and communication skills. It was important for each of these teams to establish clear goals and ensure everyone understood their roles and responsibilities. This helped to ensure that everyone was working towards the same objective and could reduce confusion and conflicts within the team.

The Winners – CSS eLogix

Team eLogix proved to be the overall champions of CSS Group – 5’s Soccer Tournament. Their teamwork, determination, and indomitable spirit are truly commendable. Their hard work and perseverance paid off in the end. The dedication and commitment of each and every member of the team were truly noteworthy!

The runners-up at the tournament were CSS HQ and CSS Abu Dhabi. CSS -HQ was in second place, while CSS Abu Dhabi came third. Both these teams were fully invested in their game, motivated to do their best, and proved to be worthy opponents. They took risks, were courageous, and had a never give up attitude till the end.

Playing a sport with passion is more than just winning or losing. CSS HQ and Abu Dhabi team members played with their hearts, embodying the true spirit of the game!

By participating in this friendly football match, employees learned to work together towards a common goal, build trust and camaraderie, and develop a sense of unity and shared purpose. They also learned to communicate effectively on and off the field, which can now translate to improved communication in the workplace.

Sports For Better Productivity and Job Satisfaction

Furthermore, playing soccer or any sport can greatly relieve stress and improve mental health. Such exercise and physical activity have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. The tournament has also motivated many to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, which can lead to improved productivity and overall job satisfaction.

When you play any sport passionately, you experience a sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing you have given it your all. They felt alive and energized, and the challenges and obstacles they faced on the field have become opportunities for planning, growth and learning. Many more such tournaments have been planned for the year. Each team is working hard, learning from their previous mistakes and improving their skills to increase chances of success in the future.

 

RETAILERS ARE REAPING SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS ON OCEAN TRANSPORT

Lower shipping rates are bringing relief to retailers struggling with supply chain disruptions. Retailers across the globe are reporting significant cost savings on ocean transport, as lower shipping rates provide a welcome respite to businesses working with supply chain disruptions.

Retailers use reduced shipping rates to cut costs, boost profits, and decrease consumer prices. This trend is expected to continue as demand for shipping services remains high due to the ongoing pandemic-related disruptions.

Retailers, especially those in the United States and Europe, have been struggling with supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, including port closures, container shortages, and a shortage of truck drivers. These disruptions have led to increased shipping costs and delayed shipments, putting a strain on businesses already struggling with reduced consumer demand.

The average price for Asia-to-U.S. container trade has “fallen as dramatically as we’ve ever seen it fall,” said Jon Cargill, senior vice president, and chief financial officer of Hobby Lobby Stores Inc.

However, recent reports suggest that ocean transport costs are declining, providing some much-needed relief to retailers. The cost of shipping a 40-foot container from China to the United States has fallen from around $16,000 earlier this year to around $10,000 in recent weeks. This represents significant cost savings for retailers that rely on ocean transport to move their goods.

Retailers Respond to Lower Shipping Costs

Many retailers are responding to the lower shipping costs by adjusting their shipping strategies, including increasing the number of orders they place with their suppliers to take advantage of the lower rates. Some retailers also take advantage of more flexible shipping options, such as smaller containers, to save money on shipping costs.

“In 2022, it was begging, borrowing or stealing to get a meeting with an ocean freight liner,” said Michael Shaughnessy, senior vice president of operations and supply chain at Christmas tree seller Balsam Brands Inc. “Everyone wanted to talk to us this year.” Mr. Shaughnessy said Balsam Brands expects to sign contracts in the coming weeks at a discount of about 75% compared with last year’s prices and roughly in line with 2019 rates.

Lower shipping costs benefit retailers and consumers, as some retailers pass on cost savings to customers by reducing product prices. This is particularly true for retailers that rely heavily on imported goods, such as furniture, electronics, and apparel.

Spot market rates have crashed more than 90% from pandemic-era highs as shipping demand has declined. The average spot rate to ship a container from Asia to the U.S. West Coast as of Thursday was $1,289, according to Norway-based transportation data specialist Xeneta, about $668 lower than the contract price.

Kaitlyn Glancy, head of North America for digital-focused freight forwarder Flexport Inc., said companies that value the reliability of cargo flow and consistency in pricing are willing to commit a portion of their imports to rates fixed to contracts. But Ms. Glancy said many of Flexport’s customers are still sitting on inventory that cost $20,000 a box to import last year and are willing to play the spot market to boost profits.

“What we’re hearing more and more is the customer is saying, ‘Look, cost is still king for us,’” Ms. Glancy said.

The Future of Ocean Transport Costs

Despite the recent cost savings, some experts warn that retailers should stay active, as shipping rates could rise again soon. Factors such as ongoing pandemic-related disruptions, weather-related issues, and political instability could all lead to increased shipping costs in the months ahead.

U.S. container imports in February were down 25% compared with 2022 and 0.3% lower than February 2019, according to Descartes Datamyne, a data analysis group owned by supply-chain software company Descartes Systems Group Inc.

Patrik Berglund, the CEO of Xeneta said some shippers are drawing out talks to the last possible minute, or going beyond traditional deadlines, as spot rates continue to fall and drag down contract rates. Mr. Berglund said many carriers opened negotiations with customers by seeking about $4,000 to ship a container on routes linking the Far East to the U.S. West Coast. The average contract rate to ship a box on those routes as of Thursday was $1,957, according to Xeneta, 71% lower than last year. “And it’s still sliding downwards,” Mr. Berglund said.

Lower ocean transport costs provide a much-needed boost to retailers struggling with supply chain disruptions. However, retailers need to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of increased shipping costs in the future, as supply chain disruptions continue to pose a significant challenge for businesses across the globe.