20041112-According to a University of Navarra expert, speed and agility are key for logistics companies

"In an increasingly globalized and competitive context, logistics companies need two fundamental requirements : speed and agility". This is the opinion of ProfessorJosé Mª Berenguer, who spoke at a workshop on 'Best logistics practices and new technologies' held at the University of Navarra.

This expert pointed out that for many years work has been done to improve the quality of activities and tasks in companies and "once this has been achieved, what should be pursued is a reduction in the execution time of processes. That is to say, an improvement in the coordination between tasks executed by different units or Departments. At the same time, it is essential to acquire agility or, in other words, the ability to adapt to changes and anticipate the actions of competitors".

During the meeting, organized by the School of Economic and Business Sciences, the Foundation business-University of Navarra and Logística Navarra, José Mª Berenguer stressed that "new technologies are of inestimable value for companies in this sector, because in addition to speed and agility, they provide cost savings".

Information in the chain

He also indicated that "the future of logistics companies depends on all the components of the supply chain -suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, distributors and customers- being coordinated". The idea is to create a "virtualbusiness in which all are orchestrated, developing productive strategies for partnership and promoting the flow of information and knowledge among them".

According to him, this model is beginning to be implemented in some large companies and in a few years it will be quite widespread, which will have an impact, in his opinion, "not only on production, but also on the management of customer relations or the research and development ".

The opening of the workshop was attended by the Dean of the School of Economics, Luis Ravina, and the president of Logística Navarra, Carlos García Maura. Also participating in the meeting were Sergio Alcaraz, director of Logistics of Nissan Motor Ibérica and SCM Europe; Eugenio Garmendia, director of Materials of General Motors Spain; Juan Ramón Rodríguez, director of Logistics of SEAT; Jesús Arraiza, director general of CITEAN (Center for Automotive Technological Innovation of Navarra); and the professor of the IESE of the University of Navarra, Marc Sachon.