Q
So, the installation is done.
2008 is a wrap. What are your
operational goals for 2009?
AOur operational goal for 2009
first and foremost is flawless
execution—both from a process and
from an employee/management
standpoint. We face the same eco-
nomic challenges that every other
company faces right now, and we
have to cut expenses by 10 percent.
The other goal that we set for ourselves is to have a contingency plan
for every single process in the warehouse. Today, we’re using voice technology—a system from Vocollect—
but we’re using RF as well. We are going
to roll out voice to other areas so that if
one of the applications isn’t acting properly or we have some other type of system
breakdown, we will still be able to get
orders out the door.
Q
Let’s shift gears a bit. In your opinion, what are the key skills a logistics executive will need to succeed in the
21st century?
AIn the case of an executive person
like myself, you have to have the
10,000-foot view. You can’t be in the forest. You’ve got to be thinking about all the
minute details—everything from the
number of boxes the operation is handling down to whether you’re hiring the
right people. The right people are not
necessarily those with advanced degrees;
they’re people you can trust, who are
going to be committed and passionate. It
is very difficult to interview for that type
of person.
Q
What advice would you give to a
young person interested in a career
in logistics?
AI’d tell them that the best thing they
can do is improve their people skills.
Beyond moving the boxes, beyond handling a trucking fleet, this is a business of
people. There are systems involved, but
you’ve got to be a good people person.
You’ve got to be able to interact with
people at all levels. You have to be able to
understand what that material handler is
doing every day to make an impact. Then
you’ve got to be able to manage the managers as well. If you have the right people
skills, you’re going to succeed.
Q
Any closing thoughts?
AThe only thing I’d like to add is that
if you work in distribution, you can
expect to face all kinds of challenges in the
course of your career, and you’ll need outside partners to help you. Make sure you
choose your partners with a critical eye.
You’ve got to find people who have the
experience and the passion that you have.
They’ve got to have a vested interest in
making you successful, not just selling
you something.
