Magazine
20:17 21 September 2020
Post by: WBJ

Driving force

As more and more people turn to online shopping in light of the social distancing measures due to the ongoing economic and humanitarian crises, Artur Spała, explains how Raben Group, a logistics company, is maneuvering the change. INTERVIEW BY SANKHYAYAN DATTA

Driving force

WBJ: Is e-commerce still the driving force behind the logistics sector? Why?

Artur Spała: E-commerce is a sales channel that is either already key or is starting to build its share of sales in all areas of the FMCG and retail. A few years ago, some dominant players on the market, e.g. cosmetics or food producers, smiled when they heard about e-commerce. Today, everyone sees the need to be online because this is the sales channel with the highest year-on-year growths and these are double-digit growths. This evolution in sales also affects the evolution of the entire logistics sector which has to follow the demands of the market. The need to develop and invest in the future of e-commerce is the result of the growing competition in this area, the entry of global distributors on the local markets. And here again, the logistics sector is influenced by these large distributors, while learning from them at the same time.


What convinces companies to work with specialists? Is it also a question of cost optimization?

The aspect of optimization or better utilization of a company’s operating costs is almost always crucial in the decision concerning outsourcing. The possibility to focus on business processes (promotion, sales, purchases) is equally important. A logistics operator has packages of system solutions (IT) which companies ordering the service may not have. They don’t want to invest in the purchase of IT infrastructure or have no such expertise. E-shop solutions or integrations with all available courier channels are the possibilities offered by cooperation with an operator integrating multiple supply chain channels. An important reason for outsourcing logistics is also the possibility to use a wide, flexible flow management model, process automation or a wide base of integrated courier services.


Why are logistics companies more and more eager to operate online shops?

Just as in the case of “warehousing logistics,” in e-commerce, companies decide to outsource and hand over supply chain management to logistics operators, focusing on processes that are crucial for the operation and development of their businesses. Many customers of the so-called “big logistics,” in addition to traditional sales, operate e-commerce channels. So, it is natural to expand the service package for these companies. If we already have a customer in our warehouse and our systems are integrated, there are no contraindications against offering the e-commerce service. Both parties can only benefit from it. For logistics companies, it is no longer a question of choice or “whether” to handle online sales. This service is or will be the standard in the service portfolio for all major players in the market.


How do the expectations of both manufacturers and buyers change as the market develops? Basically, the logistics of the past and the present? What awaits us in the future?

Buyers’ expectations influence the need for constant remodeling of logistics processes. Shorter lead times – same-day delivery is already standard in big cities. Ultra-fast order processing is one thing but the after-sales service is also indispensable: handling complaints and returns.


What plans does Raben have on the market? How much and what will it invest in?

Raben supports the development of its customers and actively seeks the most modern solutions in the sector. We invest in state-of-the-art warehouses, develop our IT systems and implement RPA. We talk to many of our customers and partners about long-term cooperation, development of e-commerce and further automation. There are many topics on the table but for now, I don’t want to reveal details.




Artur Spała is a contract logistics director for Raben Logistics Polska, which is a part of Raben Group - logistics giant founded in 1931 in the Netherlands, with the headquarters in Poland.


interview
raben group
artur spała

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