If logistics service providers want to continue the steady growth of their industry, they must invest in the knowledge that sets the Netherlands apart from other countries. So says Bart Banning, Sector Banker at ABN Amro.
‘Gateway to Europe’
Logistics providers have had a tough time during the crisis, but they are gradually emerging from the trough. The sector is set to return to steady growth in 2015. This is mainly due to the Netherlands’ international standing. Foreign parties are said to view the Netherlands as the ‘Gateway to Europe’ because of its distribution centres and logistics expertise.
Attracting brainpower
That is why, according to Banner, it is important for companies to continue investing in that knowledge. “We are increasingly seeing clients fully outsourcing their supply chain to a logistics service provider. Moreover, that flow of goods does not stop at the border. However, such an international flow of goods is inherently very complex and requires a great deal of expertise within your organisation.” Attracting additional brainpower is therefore no luxury. “As a logistics service provider, you need to have a clear vision and strategy in place. To achieve this, you simply need people who are in ‘thinking mode’ rather than ‘doing mode’.”
Scenario planning
Nevertheless, the Sector Banker remains cautiously optimistic about the logistics sector. “The world as it was before 2008 is not coming back; we are now in a new reality. Logistics processes are changing at breakneck speed, and companies that fail to adapt will not survive. Volumes alone are not the deciding factor.” According to Banner, it is important to realise that events elsewhere in the world can also affect our economy and, consequently, the transport and logistics sector. “A forecast you make today could therefore already be out of date by tomorrow. Scenario planning based on a clear strategy – that is the world we live in today.”
Editorial LogistiekProfs
