One of the world's most experienced logistics and supply chain professionals – Mike Kotecki, senior vice-president, Dematic, North America – will share his unique perspectives on 'smartly' imparting change to your supply chain and increasing the odds of your success, at the upcoming SMART Conference & Expo 2013.
Trends like unceasing geopolitical drama and the incredible growth of omnichannel distribution are forcing retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers to re-evaluate their traditional approach to material and information flow. Owners and operators are embracing 'big' thinking and looking to harvest post-recession opportunity with 'big' change. These changes may come in the form of talent management, fun warehouse technology, network design or simply process improvement. In any case, Mr Kotecki contends that a good hard look in the mirror before you start cutting metal and installing software can help you avoid 'big' problems and support career salvation. He proposes five insightful questions that, if answered truthfully, will help you optimise the outcome of your time and financial investment.
This discussion – "Five Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before You Approach the Supply Chain Drawing Board" – is more philosophy than materials handling science. It's about coming to terms with your company's economic personality, its unspoken supply chain culture, your customers' fantasies, and what your future business model might feel like.
Mr Kotecki will present practical examples, planning tools and free advice to help businesses identify and manage current and emerging supply chain challenges and sidestep some common mishaps.
Additionally, Dematic will be exhibiting a range of new distribution technologies including the Multishuttle automated storage and buffer sequencing system at the conference's associated Smart Expo.
Delegates to the Smart Conference will also have the opportunity of viewing Australia's first Dematic Multishuttle system in operation at Big W's new 89,000sqm distribution centre at HoxtonPark, as part of the Conference's associated site visit program on June 25 and June 28.
Organised by the Logistics Association of Australia and apicsAU together with associated industry groups, the Smart Conference & Expo 2013 (www.smartconference.com.au) is being held from June 26-27, 2013 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, DarlingHarbour. (121)
