Ahead of the 25th Supply Chain Excellence Awards, Logistics Manager caught up with Dan Myers about how he feels about XPO being shortlisted for three award categories. One of them is for the Supply Chain Operations – Best Use of People and Process category with Tata Steel and British Steel.
Taking place on 8th November at the Hilton on Park Lane in London, the Supply Chain Excellence Awards are set to be a night of celebration, as the best in the logistics industry gather together on this very special 25th Anniversary.
How does it feel to have been shortlisted for a Supply Chain Excellence Award?
We are honoured to be shortlisted for the category of Supply Chain Operations – Best Use of People and Process. This award recognises efficiency, which is something we place a lot of value on delivering.
What has changed in your projects since you entered?
We have been implementing customisations on behalf of Tata Steel and British Steel and making the solution bespoke to customers. As a result, each installation is different, which makes it exciting.
What are you most excited for on the night of the Awards?
We’re looking forward to getting together with people in the industry we haven’t seen for a while, as well as making some new connections. Of course, there’s no substitute for spending time with people to share ideas.
What do you think is the most important thing to focus on now in the industry? What should be the biggest priority when it comes to change for the better?
Health and safety is always a top priory. And the driver shortage has a significant impact right now on a lot of different industries. It won’t get solved overnight, but it will happen.
What are you looking forward to after the Awards?
I genuinely love what I do; there are many reasons to get out of bed in the morning. There’s an enormous sense of purpose and job satisfaction that comes from making a difference for our customers. I know the fantastic people I work with feel the same way.
We believe in being proactive about solutions, so we constantly look for ways to improve our operations and collaborate with our customers. And our adrenaline will be in high gear for the entire holiday season – we have a big job ahead!
What made you decide to compete for the Supply Chain Excellence Awards?
The Supply Chain Excellence Awards are an industry benchmark and one of the best ways to recognise the efforts of people in our industry.
We will continue developing new solutions and building on the innovations we have already provided to customers, seeing what additional improvements can be made. We are also committed to delivering industry-best practices for health and safety.
How will you celebrate if you win? Where will you keep the trophy?
We’ll be celebrating with humility with all of the colleagues who have brought this project to life. In addition, the trophy will be displayed in the head office, where colleagues and visitors can see it, showcasing our pride in our team’s efforts.
What are your hopes for the projects going forward? What are your next steps?
We will continue developing new solutions and building on the innovations we have already provided to customers, seeing what additional improvements can be made. We are also committed to delivering industry-best practices for health and safety.
What difference did the project make for your company and the sector?
This project has helped our customers to improve their safety standards. In addition, from a sector point of view, we are widening awareness of our industry and its commitment to operational excellence.
What are your impressions of the Supply Chain Excellence Awards generally?
These are highly prestigious awards that have an important place in the industry. However, to attract top talent as an industry, we must recognise accomplishments and do it publicly.
Can you sum up 2021 from a supply chain perspective?
The combination of COVID-19 and the driver shortage have made 2021 a uniquely challenging year. However, it has also spotlighted how essential our industry is, and there will be a long-term benefit to that.
What do you think is the most important thing to focus on now in the industry? What should be the biggest priority when it comes to change for the better?
The services provided by our industry are essential to the quality of life; they affect people and communities everywhere. That’s why it’s difficult to choose any single topic – there are so many, from safety and the environment to diversity and innovation. At XPO, I know that we have many people who care passionately about doing the right thing, and I am proud to work beside them.
Do you have any advice for future Supply Chain Excellence Awards competitors?
Keep reflecting on how to achieve things that seem impossible and then act on your ideas. And keep celebrating your successes.
