New directions of logistics thinking at Dubai Logistics Conference

The keynote address given by Ahmed Wajdi, Director Commercial Operations to more than 100 delegates touched upon on the increasing tonnage at the ports in Dubai from 3.5 million TEU to 4.2 million in 2003. This increase demanded a special integrated logistics strategy by development of a sound infrastructure that elevates the role of Dubai as the trading hub of the region.

The objective of the conference was related to the main growth strategy of Dubai which now provides a rich fare of new thinking through marketing operations to the corporate Arabia. Experts in 8 different sessions covered the theme " Marketing and Logistics: The Dynamics of Distribution" with integration of logistics process, strategy of securing supply chain, leadership demands of logistics companies, RFID technological applications, 3PL trends and implications for education & training in logistics. The conference was supported by Ports, Customs and Free Zones (PCFC) of Dubai, Siemens Dematic, LXE Middle East, Oracle, Aramex, Givenchy and TransLogistique Canada.

The moderator of the program, Prof. Philbhert Suresh, underlined the dynamics of integrated logistics. This critical thinking was fostered by competition and opportunities for companies that know how to manage their core competencies in a global supply chain.

It has been recognized that the total distribution system in any business organization today depends on the successful management of logistics costs that contribute anywhere between 20 and 60% of average price of the product. The interface between marketing and logistics has brought new concerns for creating customer values in the market. Depending upon the type of industry, the application of modern concepts in logistics and supply chain management has proved successful in several industries and companies within them.

Damien Donoghue of GAC said "Distributors are vertically integrating into 3PL, while new entrants are using 3PL as a market entry strategy. Increasing focus on 3PL allows to provide added value services which have greater complexity, including customisation, order processing, back-office functions, and supply chain re-engineering."

Jiten Sharma of Oracle Logistics stated that logistics can generate sustainable competitive advantage by enhancing performance throughout all functional areas of the enterprise.

Jean Zacca of Siemens Dematic traced the new developments in material handling systems that improved workers productivity. Picking errors are reduced through pick to voice and pick to light system which becomes an integral part of warehouse automated environment. It is again Dubai Civil Aviation that leads to adopting the advanced technology when the Air Cargo Terminals will be aided by SD technology by 2007.

Shifting to a different gear, Philbhert highlighted the need to secure supply chains post 9/11 through various US inspired regulations such as C-TPAT, Container Security Initiative and so on that affects global trade in different parts of the world.

The feedback of the conference highlighted the need for continuous professional development and special recognition of logistics community in UAE and GCC region.