LOGISTICS FORUM 2023 PANEL 1 | TRANSFORMATION WITH ADAPTATION WITH AUTOMATION

Almost every industry you can think of is evolving in terms of automation. The first panel at the LNME FORUM 2023 discussed how different automation developments affect businesses in the logistics sector. Majda Rochdi highlighted how the trucking sector is reacting to this new development, while David Dronfield spoke about how companies should concentrate on technology that is more relevant to them than the others that are now available on the market. Alain Kaddoum discussed advancements in warehouse technology simultaneously, while Marwa Kaabour served as the ideal moderator, guiding the discussion by bringing her book Marketing Communications At Work as an example and her experience at Al Masaood.

provided insight into the trucking sector. Technology breakthroughs, such as autonomous trucks, electric vehicles, and the Internet of Things, drive the trucking industry’s rapid revolution (IoT). She believes that, as a result, people should expect significant changes to both the workplace environment and their working practices.

This insightful panel discussed creating a road map for an automation strategy and how the human element still forms the basis of any successful transformation project. The primary area these changes might impact is the human capital one possesses and employs. Similarly, if handled properly, these same changes act as a source of employment. The panel also discussed how people are eager and prepared to collaborate with sophisticated but intelligent devices like drones and robotics.

According to David, firms may increase their productivity, accuracy, and scalability by employing automated systems. He emphasised that all this could be done while saving money and improving the client experience.

Companies may position themselves to prosper in today’s fiercely competitive market and meet the changing expectations of their consumers by putting the proper automation solutions in place.

Alain also emphasised that using automation in logistical operations requires a strategic approach, which was his main takeaway from the conversation. This requires creating a longterm vision that aligns with corporate goals and precisely outlining specific procedures within the framework of the market and clientele. At the same time, Majda

DAVID

DRONFIELD, GENERAL MANAGER AT SWISSLOG, SAYS,

“We have been talking a lot about the ability of robotics to transform warehouse operations. Mobile, intelligent robots address many of the most pressing issues warehouse operators face, like the need for greater productivity and throughput, in a way that delivers more flexibility and scalability than bolted-down approaches to automation.”

MAJDA ROCHDI, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AT UD TRUCKS MEENA, ADDS,

“In the medium to long term, and particularly in more established markets, truck drivers may face hurdles as automation and selfdriving technology continue to evolve. However, the industry’s transformation is also expected to generate fresh employment prospects,

PANEL 1 | TRANSFORMATION WITH ADAPTATION WITH AUTOMATION such as jobs focused on maintaining and operating autonomous vehicles, logistics, and data analysis.”

ALAIN KADDOUM, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT SAVOYE MIDDLE EAST, SHARES, “It is believed that, while the resistance from employees to adopting automation is possible, it can also open new career opportunities in data analysis and other autonomous services. Additionally, we had the opportunity to share insights with the peer professionals as they discussed how automation can support sustainability initiatives, like streamlining the supply chain to use less energy.”

MARWA KABBOUR, GROUP HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION AT AL MASAOOD, COMMENTS, “Touching on the state of affairs for the society at large, there was no doubt that sustainability was discussed and that it has impacted the sector and will have its influence on future technologies which in turn has pushed for the delivery of upgraded software and machinery that if used properly will contribute to the lower carbon footprint.”