CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST 2025 - Flipbook - Page 55
alternate logistics routes, and introduce bu昀昀er stock
strategies to safeguard supply.
Talent dynamics and digitalisation are also reshaping operations. To address labour shortages and
evolving skill needs, we’re investing in automation,
enhancing the digital experience, building workforce
capabilities, and working closely with our 3PL partners
to ensure capacity.
AkzoNobel’s Supply Chain Edge: Unified
Systems for Seamless Coordination
At AkzoNobel, we believe a modern supply chain isn’t
just about moving goods—it’s about moving information faster, smarter, and with purpose. Our digital
transformation journey has made that belief a reality
across global operations.
The shift began with a simple question: what if
supply chain decisions could be made as quickly and
clearly as a traffic app rerouting in real time? That
vision led to the creation of our Supply Chain Control
Tower—a centralised, digital command centre powered
by advanced analytics, real-time tracking, and Machine
Learning (ML).
With end-to-end visibility from sourcing to delivery,
the Control Tower has transformed our responsiveness.
For example, during 昀氀oods in Europe, it 昀氀agged a昀昀ected
shipments, suggested alternate routes, and adjusted
delivery timelines—cutting response time by 40% and
improving service during crisis moments.
We’ve also implemented Advanced Planning and
Scheduling (APS) tools, replacing spreadsheets with
scenario-based simulations. Planners now model
outcomes in real time—reducing inventory costs and
boosting forecast accuracy. Our digital Transportation
Management Systems (TMS), integrated with logistics
partners, enables GPS tracking, automated freight
audits, and predictive Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
alerts—improving reliability and reducing empty miles.
The biggest transformation, however, is cultural.
Our teams across planning, logistics, and manufacturing
are now data-driven and digitally empowered. We’ve
upskilled talent, fostered cross-functional collaboration,
and built analytics capabilities that turn data into action.
Logistics as a Pillar of Efficiency, Cost Control, and
Customer Satisfaction
Logistics needs are constantly evolving. Whether it’s peak season
demand, a new product launch, or an unexpected disruption, we
rely on our logistics partners to scale quickly—adding manpower,
vehicles, or storage capacity—without compromising service quality.
But our expectations go beyond transportation and warehousing.
We seek partners who o昀昀er value-added services like colour tinting,
packaging, labelling, reverse logistics, and returns management.
These capabilities help simplify
our operations while enhancing
e昀케ciency and responsiveness for
our customers.
Whether it’s per-shipment rates
Ultimately, choosing the
or bundled service packages,
right Logistics Service Provider
flexibility is essential, especially
(LSP) isn’t just a procurement
decision—it’s a strategic one. It’s
during peak demand or shifting
about aligning with partners who
volumes.
What truly distinguishnot only move our products, but
es
logistics
great partners is
also move in step with our vision
for excellence, innovation, and
their ability to adapt: engaging in
customer satisfaction.
Strategic Synergy: Partner
Contributions amplifying
Logistics Capabilities
thoughtful rate negotiations,
accommodating seasonality, and
supporting long-term collaboration. This adaptability not only
keeps us agile but also helps us
manage budgets with precision
and confidence.
In our world, on-time delivery isn’t
a goal—it’s the starting point. Be
it paint headed to a distributor or
raw materials bound for a production plant, even a minor delay can
disrupt schedules, a昀昀ect sales, or
let down a customer. That’s why
we partner with LSPs who consistently demonstrate a strong
On-Time In-Full (OTIF) performance. But punctuality alone isn’t
enough. Our logistics partners must be present where it matters,
from major metros to remote industrial zones, from seaports to
inland borders. Their expansive domestic and global networks
ensure our products reach the right place, at the right time—no
matter how far the destination.
From hazardous chemicals to temperature-sensitive coatings,
our supply chain handles a diverse range of complex cargo.
That’s why we expect our LSPs to have the necessary expertise,
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