A panel discussing 'How can we do it better? What does it mean for the supply chain?' started off Day 2. Mark Scott, a committee representative from International Container Lines Committee (ICIC), was the first panellist and showed their long term goals. It was disappointing to see that short term "participants will need to solve their own issues with congestion… and the resulting costs". Although reassuring that their 3-10 year goal includes "some additional capacity resources mainly in Port infrastructure will begin to have a positive effect." However, due to expected growth in inbound and outbound cargo, it is expected infrastructure outside the port may still seem slow.
The panel continued with Ken Harris, MD of Container Co, who started off with a bold claim that "the next drive you employ will be called 'data'" — perhaps a big step from where most of the audience are currently. But worth considering bearing in mind some of the areas organisations are now considering viability for. E.g. data mining, camera, surveys, barcode, exception management, phone apps, and open port exchangers or exchanges, electric vehicles; to cite a few mentioned.
The final panellist, Derek Singline from Maersk, shared that their website worked in real-time and has full EDT capabilities. Reefers can now remotely track the contents being moved, including adjusting the fridge settings.
Blockchain Technology
Before morning tea the 'Southern Man of the Year', runner up from last night's conference dinner, spoke. Otherwise known as Andy Standley from Verify Union NZ and Trade Window. The case study presented was "Real-world examples of how blockchain technology has been utilised by the industry." He shared a timeline of their journey in setting up Trade Window and working with ASB to create an exporter-centric transaction platform. He shared the features it currently has. Main points were:
- Immutable storage and ability to view older versions
- Various levels of access
- Audit trail
- Document validation
Basically it accesses information previously siloed using blockchain technology (which is different than 'crypto').
Attracting Youth to the Industry
After the morning break, Glen Turner introduced the panel 'Attracting Youth to the Industry'. He pointed out how teenagers today no longer aspire to being a movie star, now they want to be a YouTube star!
Rachel Madden, a Branch Manager from First Global Logistics Ltd, said that our industry isn't attracting or retaining younger employees. Many of them will research businesses online. Are our messages attractive to them? The skill set gained in this industry is very transferable offshore and could be advertised as such. Being able to travel and work is unusual, either to be based overseas or travelling to conferences.
Adela Bright, GO Logistics, shared her story of how she became a Customs Agent. The industry should consider those currently in warehousing roles as options to side step into this sector.
Henry Hawkins, a Mainfreight employee, shared his thoughts being a young freight forwarder himself. The industry isn't perceived well, he felt roles in this industry lacked respect. He suggested promoting that Freight Forwarders are who enable supply chains to work.
Natalia Harold from Jacanna, 2019 CBAFF Young Achiever of the Year winner, spoke briefly about being the youngest by 10 years when she first started as a school leaver. Harold felt that this sector wasn't represented as a career option and details of how to get into the industry weren't clear.
Phil Burgess from Burnard International shared about the disconnect between the industry and younger staff members. He felt that one fifth leave annually. Someone with less experience may be more willing to really learn your processes and in three years will have saved the organisation $40k.
Industry Development Initiatives
An unplanned session was squeezed in so Brian Lovell, AFIF, could share about how they are investing into attracting young Aussies. They have access to $500k to create a website and attractive clips on the Make Your Move website. Funding was from the International Trade & Transport Industry Development Fund (ITDF). The clips are also used during school visits. Lovell reported positively of the outcomes from this initiative.
Paul from CBFCA continued the topic. The landscape that makes up Freight Forwarding has changed. Gophers are no longer needed as electronic communications have been well established. When new hires are being considered or performance reviewed, we need to focus on those who want to invest in themselves. The audience brought up some points of interest:
- The impact of outsourcing
- Loss of personal interaction (community)
- The sector should be marked by the fact it's growing
- Reiteration about the industry not being represented at schools' Career Days
The conference concluded with prize drawings and afternoon elective activities including golf in Arrowtown, jet-boating on the Shotover River, or a 4WD trip to the remote Ben Nevis Station with go-carting, shooting and archery at the station.
