ESIC holds a webinar on the global challenges and issues facing international logistics

 

Joaquim Santapau is Customer Experience Manager AP Moller at Maersk and teacher ESIC Business School and was the protagonist of this webinar in which the challenges and trends that will mark the course of the sector in 2024 have been analyzed. Although factors such as logistical interruptions, shortage of raw materials and variability of demand remain important challenges, they highlighted that the most recent reports point to the geopolitical tension as the main disruptor in global supply.

 

According to a 2024 report by Factory, geopolitics has become the main challenge for companies in all their departments, including the supply chain. This vision is shared by the European Investment Bank in your report “Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions”, which highlights how geopolitical tensions have put the flows of the international trade and have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

 

Global challenges and case studies

 

The webinar also addressed other global challenges that have impacted logistics in 2024, such as natural disasters, tension in the Red Sea and the crisis in demand for raw materials. The case of the Spanish company was highlighted Europastry, specialized in the production of frozen dough, which has faced delays in international deliveries due to its dependence on the region of Nibujon, specifically the Red Sea. To mitigate these effects, Europastry has implemented reactive actions such as diversifying supply routes and optimising inventory, as well as proactive actions such as strengthening relationships with suppliers and customers and investing in advanced technology.

 

Technological innovation in logistics

 

Santapau also pointed out that digitalisation has become a key factor in the transformation of logistics, with the adoption of tools such as artificial intelligence and automation to manage supply chains more efficiently. The ESIC professor highlighted five emerging technologies that are generating a significant impact on the sector: Big Data and predictive analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, blockchain and autonomous robots. Success stories were presented such as Inditex, which uses Big Data and predictive analytics to quickly adjust designs, production and distribution, and Maersk, which has integrated artificial intelligence into calculating the arrival of ships in port, improving the accuracy of delivery times.

 

Strategies for resilience in the supply chain

 

In an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment, resilience has become a key factor for companies. During the webinar, key strategies to strengthen the supply chain were discussed, including supplier diversification, greater visibility and transparency, flexibility in logistics and strategic collaboration. The case of Iberdrola was presented, which has successfully implemented these strategies, diversifying suppliers, applying Lean Six Sigma processes, collaborating with logistics partners such as XPO and establishing strategic alliances with technology companies such as ABB.

 

Skills and trends of logistics professionals

 

Finally, he addressed the skills and trends that will be required of logistics professionals in the future. The importance of digital competence, critical thinking and problem solving, project management and adaptability was highlighted. Examples of companies such as Amazon and Mercadona, which have invested in training their employees and adopting advanced technologies to strengthen their supply chain.