In logistics, change is the only constant

By Michael A. Levans, Chief Editor -- Logistics Management, 4/1/2007

The importance of embracing change on the way to realizing substantial benefit appears to be a theme running through this month’s issue.

John Kerr shares the cultural change retailer Sport Chalet is implementing at the company’s DC in Ontario, Calif. Steve Belardi, the company’s VP of logistics, expected pushback from his team when he pulled out a stopwatch to conduct time-and-motion studies on individual warehouse tasks.

Instead, the studies sparked better communication about worker goals, instituted fairer compensation, and is helping to create a self-directed workforce that’s empowered to assist Steve in continuous improvement projects.

Lean logistics guru Robert Martichenko aims to help shippers ease into the formidable mental changes necessary if they are to continue their journey into The House of Lean. And Mark Crone, director of supply chain planning and analysis for Limited Brands Inc., offers us a practical guide to the changes supply chain professionals will need to make in order to survive and prosper in today’s risky, global environment.

None of us are immune to change: As a matter of fact, this issue marks the first time in 20 years that Toby Gooley was not involved in the production of LM. Toby decided that it was time for a change and has moved on to a new venture. The entire staff of LM—and I’m sure the thousands of readers she’s worked with over the years—wish her nothing but good fortune.

And as one door closes, another one opens. We are thrilled to announce the addition of Tom Andel as our executive editor. Tom joins LM with 25 years of experience covering materials handling, transportation, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Tom is best known to the logistics and supply chain industries for his many years as Chief Editor of Material Handling Management (MHM) magazine—a Penton Media book and competitor to our sister publication Modern Materials Handling.

Tom’s depth of industry knowledge, online content development experience, concise reporting and writing, along with his deft editorial management skills will undoubtedly help LM increase its lead in market coverage and put our online product development into overdrive. His materials handling experience will also help us expand our existing warehouse and distribution center management coverage—an area that’s playing a vital role in improving product and information flows in global supply chains worldwide.

If you know Tom and want to reconnect with him, drop him a line at tom.andel@reedbusiness.com or give him a call at 216-524-2999. Change is necessary to our continued success, and LM readers are already reaping the benefits. And if you know which Greek philosopher is responsible for the headline of this column, drop me a line.