Logistics professionals described as rock stars

Delegates at the annual CILT conference were told if online fulflillment is the new rock ‘n’ roll then logistics professionals are the rock stars of this booming sphere of the economic landscape.

In the low margin and fast moving online retail world, efficiently executed logistics can be an important differentiator.

In addition, with delivery often being the only point of personal contact between retailer and customer, this means supply chain professionals are effectively becoming brand ambassadors.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) recently held its annual conference which focused on Logistics for an Omni-Channel World.

A key theme throughout the conference was the growing power of the consumer.

This places significant new demands on retailers and delivery operators that they must recognise, understand and satisfy.

Indeed, the conference panel agreed that the ‘customer owns us now’.

The panel debate saw John Boulter, MD DHL Supply Chain; Steve Smith, Manhattan Associates, Professor Richard Wilding OBE, Cranfield School of Management and Mark Hewitt, former CEO of iForce, debate the sustainability of the omni-channel revolution.

Conference speakers included conference chairman Neil Ashworth, the Chief Executive of Collect+; Dr Phil Streatfield, Partner, LCP Consulting; Neil Chandler, Group Operating Officer, Shop Direct; Joe Tarragano, Retail Director, Transform UK; Tim Robinson, Chief Executive, Doddle; and Dick Stead, Executive Chairman, Yodel.

You can see ITN Global Logistics and Transport News Channel’s highlights of the event here.