Logistics education: Don't step over a dollar to save a dime
By Wayne Bourne -- Logistics Management, 2/1/2009
We call this column “Sage Advice,” and I've often wondered if our editor, Michael Levans, was referring to the 75 combined years that my co-columnist John Gentle and I have in the business or the fact that he considers us mystics of sorts—maybe a little of both. Well today, I'm coming to you straight from the perspective of my many years of experience.
I offer our faithful readers some unsolicited advice on what I've observed as an irrational approach to the floundering economy. As the business community rallies to stave off the ill effects of the current economic downturn, budgets have been cut both discriminately and indiscriminately, headcount reduced or salaries cut, increases and bonuses frozen, technology enhancements postponed, and my favorite, all “unnecessary” travel and conferences eliminated.
First of all, if the travel or the conference is now deemed unnecessary, how on earth did it make it in the budget in the first place? During the construction phase of the budget process, all those expenses should have been successfully defended and approved. And now, all of a sudden, they're grouped into an arbitrarily disposable category. What's wrong with this picture?
Well, if you think that we all must be stewards of our company's wallet, then nothing is wrong. However, when you flip it around and consider how canceling that travel interferes with the manager's ability to properly prepare and execute their duties, then everything is wrong.
I would suspect that the reason for travel centers on finding better—more efficient—ways to conduct business. The very purpose of most of the conferences I have attended in the past is to educate, train, and provide research and options to shipper attendees. Supply chain conferences that are designed and managed by professionals provide access to current views on changes in public policy, the latest technology applications, and how to best manage your logistics and transportation operations in the current economic climate. These conferences need to be attended.
Conferences like RILA's Logistics Conference (Feb. 8-11), NASSTRAC (April 26-29), NITL Annual Meeting (Nov. 13-18), and CSCMP (Sept. 20-23) are a few of the really well done conferences. These groups work hard to provide topical agendas, inspirational and motivational speakers, industry experts, and a abundance of purveyor exhibits.
Some of the attendees are there to learn, others are there to teach. These opportunities are rich with value, and what is learned or acquired can be shared with others directly upon return, thereby maximizing the expense of the event. What else is acquired may be employed immediately to reduce operating costs. I believe that only good can come from meetings like these. It's a part of the on-going education that we all need in order to keep our tools sharp.
While I understand that expenses need to be managed in these times, my advice is to not take money away from the conferences that will eventually produce solutions to the problems you're currently facing. Send two or three people instead of four or five. If you can't fund all the people that you would like to attend, send the group you can afford. Don't just cut them all in an attempt to dutifully comply with reactionary budget cuts.
To maximize the benefits, insist that each attendee provide a “teach-out” on what they gained from the conference when they return. Perhaps they need to write a paper and share what they learned. Sure, make them work for the privilege to spend the company's money, but allow them to attend. Fight for your right to be fully prepared so you can do your job effectively and competitively.
Don't step over a dollar to pick up a dime. You will surely be glad you didn't.
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