Viewpoint: Persistence and passion
Michael A. Levans, Group Editorial Director -- Logistics Management, 6/1/2009
In keeping with tradition, I would first like to thank the more than 40 logistics and supply chain managers who took the time to enter our 2009 Best Practices in Logistics Management Awards program. With shippers juggling more duties with less staff during this unprecedented period, our editorial staff was duly impressed at the level of detail and passion that went into this year's entries.
In fact, it's this annual expression of reader pride in their accomplishments that makes June my favorite issue. After a quick glance through all the entries, our staff began to notice a few common themes rising to the surface. While each entry is unique, the subtle similarities are striking - and it's this realization that's the most satisfying part of the exercise. Through it, we gain a clearer look into the issues that are keeping shippers up at night. The bonus is that we're able to share a sampling of best practices that define how the current environment is forcing logistics operations to evolve.
In last year's award program it was crystal clear: Sharply rising freight rates driven by unwieldy fuel surcharges were changing logistics practices—and driving most shippers crazy. This year the overarching mood is still grim, even though fuel and freight rates have dropped precipitously. The game today is all about cutting costs, but not cutting back on strategic investment and targeted innovation: To do so would be short sighted and a recipe for future failure, according to this year's winners.
In fact, all three have used the tough economic times as their inspiration. They've pushed specific solutions through the pipeline that have automated paper processes, introduced substantial cost and time savings, improved overall quality control and service—and yes, demanded a certain amount of investment.
So, after more than a month of poring over submissions, the editorial staff of Logistics Management is pleased to announce the entries that made it to the top of our list: 2009 Gold Winners Scott Buss and Todd Armstrong of Kimberly-Clark; Silver Winner Eric Hartman of Papa John's; and Bronze Winner Bob Zellis of Newegg.com.
This year's winning success stories begin on page 22. I think Executive Editor Patrick Burnson said it best when we were discussing our final choices: "These three winners continued to make strategic investment in technology and innovation at a time when too many companies are tightening the purse strings on both." I couldn't agree more.
Fed up with inefficiency, they shredded ancient paper processes and used technology to automate some of the oldest logistics challenges in the book—and were able to make a strong enough case to get the proper financial support. Some may call it bucking the trend, but I call it persistence and passion.
Comments? E-mail me at michael.levans@reedbusiness.com
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