May 25-27 saw the 26 Logistics Conference – VII Symposium SIL in Barcelona, within the framework of the International Logistics Exhibition, one of the biggest fairs in Europe. Under the heading: ‘Solutions’, more than 600 professionals participated in round tables, presentations and technical workshops. New technological possibilities were highlighted.
The opening of the event coincided with the official opening act of the 2004 International Logistics Exhibition. After the opening, the company Grupo Recio, SAU (PerfumerÌas Avenida) received the Prize CEL 2004 for the automation of its warehouse in Salamanca. Damm, SA won special mention in the field of technological innovation.
Lectures focussed on the potential of new technologies both in product traceability and in support of logistics functions. Experts from areas such as department stores, technological suppliers, consultants and experts on environmental impact dealt with logistics issues of importance in the plenary session. Among the most important were the globalisation vs localisation dilemma, the concept of logistics networking and the business value of an efficiently managed supply chain.
Some of the speakers’ thoughts included:
- Miguel Angel Recio, managing director of Grupo Recio, awarded the Prize CEL 2004: ‘We have been able to reduce errors in order preparation to 80 per cent and in process breakage to 20 per cent by simplifying logistics flows and by specialisation by areas in our distribution centre.’
- Francisco Fernandez, SCM sirector of Carrefour Spain: ‘To bring the supply chain into line is a global decision – but its implementation has to be local.’
- Robert A. Piconi, vice-president of Lucent Technologies: ‘The exchange of information in the market must be from supplier to customer but also from customer to supplier.’
- Jose Ramon Ill, logistics director of Mercadona: ‘Empty trips do not benefit anybody. If we reduce them and make sure the customer only pays for one truck, we can be more competitive in price and supply the same quality and better service.’
- Prof Pedro Videla, IESE: ‘Population change will mean dramatic change in the worldís economy. The difference between producing in countries that have accepted the Kyoto Protocol and those that have not will be important as competitiveness will be affected. China and India will be two of the most powerful markets in the future.’
- Jaume Ferrer, partner, Accenture: ‘The customer wants new service concepts. This is why it is necessary to take advantage of the potential of the supply chain. We must see the supply chain as a model for business that can be improved, not as an area of strategic support.’
- Karl-Heinz Dullinger, general manager of Vanderlande Industries: ‘In a global environment, we must create an ideal scenario for each customer.’
- Manuel Ludevid, director of Ludevid Company Medi Ambient: ‘The development of alternatives to road transport is necessary. We must promote intermodal and combine the capacity of sea transport with the flexibility of road transport.’
