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| Austin Laurenson, VP Supply Chain NZ Steel, BlueScope Steel, co-chairman at the marcus evans Chief Logistics Officer Summit 2013, on achieving business objectives by putting people before processes. |
London, Oct 11, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Chief Logistics Officers (CLOs) need to know their business well if they are to be agile in responding to market changes, according to Austin Laurenson, VP Supply Chain NZ Steel at BlueScope Steel. However, their first priority should be managing talent, which begins with understanding the company vision. "Once CLOs know what they want to achieve, they can design the network that best meets their needs and identify the type of people they need to fulfil their objectives," he adds.
Co-chairman at the upcoming marcus evans Chief Logistics Officer Summit 2013 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 17 - 19 February, Laurenson discusses methods on managing complexities in the logistics business.
- What difficulties is the global marketplace presenting to CLOs in Australia and New Zealand?
CLOs are no longer working just within the APAC region but rather globally. Operating in a global marketplace is bringing in additional risks, particularly in land-based logistics in foreign countries. How should they manage those networks? They need to have knowledge of international markets, and have a degree of familiarity with the cultures, physical infrastructure, politics and regulatory environment of a region. This may be supported by partnerships with third party providers.
From a sustainability perspective, CLOs should also consider looking at synergies with other companies, such as buying groups that will support sustainable price and service models while giving providers certainty and confidence to invest in their businesses and the industry.
- How can CLOs ensure a cost efficient supply chain?
It is of utmost importance for logistics executives to be aware of shifting market dynamics and be able to work according to the changing patterns in a post global financial crisis world. Process innovations and redesign in the value chain can be a significant factor in reducing costs. This requires robust sales and operations planning processes, and agility in manufacturing capabilities to be able to react to changing market demands.
CLOs must absolutely remove non-value added costs. Implementing lean-based processes is a good way to understand how a business works and identify areas of opportunity for improving processes across the value chain.
- What does good logistics operations come down to?
A good logistics operation comes down to having good people working within a high performing environment. Good talent can think outside the square, find ways to do things differently and contribute to company growth. It is the best resource an organisation can have, and can be the hardest to find. Maintaining a strong employment brand is key to being a successful organisation.
I am extremely passionate about the power of people, but to bring about major change executives must clearly define company objectives and goals. Once CLOs know what they want to achieve, they can design the network that best meets their needs and identify the type of people they need to fulfil their objectives.
A mix of genders, personalities, backgrounds and ethnicities supports a good logistics operation. Great leaders can bring together a diverse group of people with different viewpoints and ways of thinking to accelerate organisational success.
About the Chief Logistics Officer Summit 2013
This unique forum will take place at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 17 - 19 February 2013. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on enabling dynamic growth in the value chain, fostering innovation in logistics processes, and strategic planning and forecasting for industrial competitiveness. For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.cloanzsummit.com/AustinLaurensonInterview.
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/meSummitsGlobal
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/meSummitsGlobal
- SlildeShare: www.slideshare.net/MarcusEvansSummits
Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
Contact:
Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian
Press Manager, marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
Topic: Research / Industry Report
Source: marcus evans Summits
Sectors: Daily Finance, Daily News
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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