ICT&Logistics' panel discussion "Digitisation of internal logistics: grip or dependence?" focused on a tantalising question: Does automation provide more grip on your processes, or does it actually make companies more dependent?
In an interview after this session, Jasper de Goeij of Gebhardt shares his views on this proposition. His conclusion is clear: automation is not only about technology, but mainly about control, insight and process management.
Grip on processes as the foundation of a healthy company
According to de Goeij, everything starts with one essential starting point: getting a grip on your processes. When companies do not have sufficient insight into their operations and do not know what really makes customers happy, a risk arises. In extreme cases, this can even lead to dependence on external parties, such as financiers. As mentioned in the conversation: without a grip on your business, you run the risk that others will ultimately determine how your organisation operates.
Automation as a solution, not a risk
At the same time, de Goeij shows that automation can actually be a solution to increase that grip. With the rise of digital and low-threshold automation technologies, it has become much easier today to describe, document and improve processes step by step. The costs are also increasingly scalable, allowing even smaller organisations to start with automation.
Also accessible for smaller companies
A key insight from the talk is that automation is not just for large organisations. Even companies with limited storage capacity or resources can start by mapping their processes. Working step by step on process documentation and optimisation will create more structure and control.
From dependency to balanced control
Automation does not ultimately make companies completely dependent on technology. Instead, according to de Goeij, it creates a balanced dependency. That balance is based on something crucial: in-house knowledge and skills within the organisation. Companies that understand and actively improve their processes build not only efficiency, but also strategic control over their own operations.
Conclusion: automation starts with insight
The main message from the talk is clear: Automation does not start with tools, but with understanding your own processes. Companies that invest in process understanding and knowledge building lay a strong foundation for successful automation. Not as a dependency, but as a strengthening of their own organisation.
Want to see more interviews with speakers from ICT&Logistics and Logistica Next? View all interviews from LogiNext Talks here.
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